Job Description

Job Advert Summary

The Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII) is a specialist research centre within the Human Sciences Research Council dedicated to producing policy-relevant indicators and statistical analysis in the domain of science, technology and innovation (STI).



CESTII seeks to be a thought leader for STI measurement, with a growing national, African continental and global South footprint, impact and reputation rooted in high-quality research evidence, strong networks of researchers, policy makers and practitioners, and the deployment of cutting-edge research technologies that improve the quality and quantity of output.



CeSTII wishes to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced Researcher to contribute to the national research and development (R&D) and innovation surveys. This will be a permanent appointment, and the position will be based in the HSRC's Cape Town office.

Researcher

(1 Position)

(Ref. RDSI-CeSTII 0/2025)

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must be in possession of an Honours degree. A sound academic record. Excellent communication skills and ability to engage with a diverse range of respondents, from both formal and informal business owners/managers to R&D managers of large organisations. Two to three year's experience in fieldwork data collection, collation and analysis. Curiosity, enthusiasm, and interest in a research career that includes working with qualitative and quantitative data. Ability to work independently and in a team environment. Proficiency in/or working experience with some or all of the following programmes: MS Access, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SPSS, STATA, SAS, R; Sound knowledge of data management and data analysis or statistical skills will be advantageous. Willingness to learn about the research field of innovation studies. Experience in and understanding of the concepts of innovation systems, the business sector and STI measurement will be an added advantage. Willingness to relocate if you reside outside of Cape Town.

Duties and Responsibilities

Working as required on all aspects of fieldwork and data management for the national Research and Development survey, and Innovation surveys. Assisting in writing high-quality outputs from survey work, such as fact sheets, research briefs, reports, policy briefs and journal articles. Writing up research results for presentations at workshops and conferences. Developing own personal academic competencies through formal and informal training activities. Completion of all specific duties and deliverables assigned in an individual performance-based contract.

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.

A Certified ID Copy.


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 https://hsrc.erecruit.co/candidateapp

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

(not applications or CVs)

may be directed to Dr Nazeem Mustapha via email at nmustapha@hsrc.ac.za


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: 22 August 2025.

We encourage applicants to submit prior to this date. Applicants who have not been contacted within eight weeks of the closing date should assume that their application has been unsuccessful. Only candidates interviewed will be advised of the outcome of their applications.

Details of the HSRC can be found on the website, at

www.hsrc.ac.za

The HSRC reserves the right not to make an appointment.

APPLICATIONS FROM RECRUITMENT AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED