Job Description

In delivering 'social science that makes a difference' the Research Divisions, Units, Institutes and Centres of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) undertake policy-oriented research from its offices in Pretoria, Cape Town, and Sweetwaters. Our public purpose mandate is set out in the Human Sciences Research Council Act of 2008.
Equitable Education and Economies (EEE) is a research division of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) that undertakes research to transform educational outcomes and increase economic participation. It recognises that education and the economy are intrinsically linked, and thus EEE conducts research in both areas, sometimes discretely, many times overlapping, and using a multidisciplinary lens to investigate the gains and growth South Africa needs.
EEE has a large and vibrant research programme with over 30 experienced and emerging researchers working on methodologically rigorous and transformative research. We do so with a focus on understanding transformation and innovation in a spatialised economy that includes access to land and food security, and researching the future of education, work and skills needed to ensure young people gain relevant skills to equip them for successful transitions into sustainable, meaningful and socially just forms of livelihoods.
EEE is currently looking to appoint one Masters Researcher Trainee to work in either the fields of education or economics, on a fixed-term two-year contract. This Traineeship can be based in any of the HSRC offices, namely Pretoria, Cape Town or Sweetwaters.
Masters Researcher Trainee (1 Position)
Ref. No: MT EEE 07/2025
Minimum Requirements * Applicants for the Masters Researcher Traineeship must have graduated with an Honours degree and be registered (proof of registration will be required within 6 months of assuming duty) for a Master's degree in the Social Sciences (particularly in areas such as Economics, Statistics and Development Studies);

• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Willingness to participate in conferences/ present research findings;
• Sound knowledge of data management, intermediate level qualitative and quantitative analysis skills;
• Competence in basic computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Competence in data analysis software (e.g. SPSS, Atlas.ti) will be an advantage;
• A sound academic record;
• Willingness to learn through hands on engagement in a variety of research projects;
• Intellectual and personal integrity, a well-developed work ethic, and drive;
• Self-discipline and the ability to manage both the demands of the job and ensure that university studies are timeously completed;
• Curiosity, enthusiasm and interest in a research career; and
• Applicants must be South African citizens.

Duties & Responsibilities * Work with a professional research team on all aspects of policy-oriented research, including conceptualisation, operationalisation, data collection and analysis, and participation in the dissemination of findings;

• Assist with the preparation of research ethics submissions;
• Conduct and organise literature reviews and other secondary data searches;
• Undertake qualitative and quantitative data collection;
• Assist with conducting descriptive and inferential analysis of quantitative data under supervision;
• Develop project management skills in the research environment;
• Contribute to the preparation of peer reviewed academic journal articles, research reports, study protocols, presentations, manuscripts and research grant proposals;
• Participate in structured research trainee mentoring and capacity development activities; and
• Make demonstrable progress towards the achievement of a Master's degree

The HSRC offers a fixed salary at this level that allows time for completion of studies.
Applications should include: * A cover letter of motivation indicating your suitability and goals for the position.

• A detailed CV which should clearly indicate your highest qualification; an indication of your quantitative and qualitative research experience; your fieldwork experience (not related to your degree) and include details of your citizenship.
• The details of three recent referees with telephone/cell number, e-mail, and institutional affiliation.
• Proof of Registration for Masters Studies.
• A one-page outline of your envisaged Master's thesis.

The HSRC will only consider applications that comply with the above requirements.
Please note that applicants may be required to complete a written test pertaining to this position.
Please register and submit your application on-line at
Application Instructions:

• Candidates can make use of their mobile devices or any browser to register on the Neptune recruitment site, as well as to make application for available vacancies;
• Candidates will be prompted to upload their documents;
• Attachments must be less than 1MB, there is an on-screen option to resize;
• The Neptune system will only allow you to upload 1 attachment. Please ensure that all documents are merged into 1 file before uploading.

Enquiries about the nature of the position, and NOT applications, may be directed to Maria Ngema at email address
For further information about the HSRC or the post, please consult our website .
The HSRC is committed to accelerating the improvement in the proportion of its staff complement who are SA Citizens, black, female or disabled.
Closing date: Friday, 22 August 2025. We encourage applicants to submit prior to this date. Applicants who have not been contacted within eight weeks should assume that their application has been unsuccessful. Only applicants who are interviewed will be advised of the outcome of their applications.
The HSRC reserves the right not to make an appointment.
APPLICATIONS FROM RECRUITMENT AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED