The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) invites aspiring young researchers to apply for the Masters Researcher Trainee position for 2025, available within the Equitable Education and Economies (EEE) division. This two-year fixed-term contract offers a unique opportunity to contribute to policy-driven research in education or economics, while pursuing a Master’s degree.
Internship Application Closing Date: 22 August 2025
Internship Location: Pretoria, Cape Town or Sweetwaters, South Africa
Workplace Type: Hybrid (remote and office-based work)
Reference Number: HSR250721-1
Remuneration: Fixed salary (allows for completion of studies)
About the Programme
EEE at HSRC focuses on transforming education outcomes and enhancing economic participation through rigorous, socially responsive research. This trainee opportunity is ideal for early-career researchers who want to gain experience in quantitative and qualitative data collection, policy research, and academic publishing.
Minimum Requirements
- Honours degree (NQF level 8 or equivalent)
- Must be registered or provide proof of registration for a Master’s degree in Social Sciences (Economics, Statistics, Development Studies, etc.) within 6 months of starting
- South African citizenship
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- Knowledge of data analysis tools (e.g., SPSS, Atlas.ti) is an advantage
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Good academic record and research potential
- Self-discipline, work ethic, and curiosity about research
- Ability to balance study and work responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with policy-oriented research projects from planning to dissemination
- Support ethics submissions, literature reviews, and data collection
- Conduct basic quantitative and qualitative analysis
- Contribute to reports, peer-reviewed articles, presentations, and grant proposals
- Attend structured training and mentoring programmes
- Make demonstrable progress on your Master’s degree during the contract period
Required Application Documents
Ensure all documents are combined into a single file under 1MB:
- Cover letter stating your motivation and career goals
- Detailed CV, including qualifications, research and fieldwork experience, and citizenship
- Contact details of three recent referees
- Proof of Master’s registration (or commitment to register)
- One-page outline of your intended Master’s thesis
How to apply
Click here to apply for the HSRC Masters Researcher Trainee 2025
Use your mobile or desktop browser to register and submit your application on the Neptune recruitment platform.
Enquiries (Not for Applications)
Email: Maria Ngema – mngema@hsrc.ac.za
Website: www.hsrc.ac.za
Important Notes:
- Closing Date: Friday, 22 August 2025
- Applicants not contacted within 8 weeks of the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful
- Only shortlisted applicants will be interviewed
- Recruitment agencies will not be considered
- The HSRC is committed to Employment Equity and reserves the right not to make an appointment