JUNIOR RESEARCH FELLOW

(3-year Contract)

CHILDREN’S INSTITUTE

DEPARTMENT OF PAEDIATRICS & CHILD HEALTH

FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES

The Children’s Institute (CI) is a multidisciplinary research unit located in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Cape Town. The CI aims to contribute to policies, laws and interventions that promote equality and realise the rights and improve the conditions of all children in South Africa. The Unit promotes interdisciplinary and child-centred research and has developed a successful model of social responsiveness that brings together scholarly rigour, expertise in knowledge translation, and evidence-based advocacy to promote effective policy design and service delivery.

The CI has a demonstrated history of developing and implementing interdisciplinary research interventions across South Africa to promote early childhood development and to address violence against women and children. The CI invites applications for the post of Junior Research Fellow, to lead the development of a much-needed evidence base to inform national policy and programmatic shifts related to violence prevention interventions for women and children.

Requirements

• PhD in public health, maternal and child health, psychology, social sciences or related discipline
• Minimum of 2 years research experience, excluding PhD-related experience.
• Substantive knowledge in any of the following areas: maternal and child health, early childhood development, violence against women and children, health systems and policy, implementation research, and public health
• Demonstrable experience in conducting literature reviews, conducting and managing qualitative and quantitative data collection (including fieldwork), data management and analysis; this may include postgraduate studies research experience.
• Excellent Computer skills. Computer literacy in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and proficiency in statistical analysis and/or image manipulation software(s)
• Evidence of prior research publications, including as lead author, suitable to a researcher at their career stage
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• The ability to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary research team
• Proficiency in at least one South African language other than English

Advantages

• Experience in postgraduate supervision and training
• Experience in grant writing
• Experience in developing research policy briefs and other similar communication materials
• Ability to produce high-quality research outputs for different audiences
• A valid Driver’s license
• Research experience post-PhD submission

Responsibilities

• Carry out and lead a research project linked to the CI mission and core interdisciplinary research focus for this post.
• Conduct reviews, qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method research, including fieldwork and capacity-building at community level, and with other civil and state stakeholders, as required
• Develop project and ethics protocols, conduct data collection, analysis and project outputs
• Translate research findings into research articles, research/policy briefs, training materials, technical submissions or publications, including for the South African Child Gauge
• Assist with organising and facilitating CI workshops, and dissemination and engagement activities
• Contribute to teaching through postgraduate student supervision, seminars and support with courses/ workshops/training offered by the Unit
• Assist with reporting on project progress to funders and identification of research funding opportunities, including developing grant proposals.
• Assist project PIs in ensuring project timelines are met and deliverables are produced
• Write and submit research grant proposals linked to the core research focus with the aim to secure funding for continued independent research in this area
• Must be willing to travel

For detailed information on this post, please view the job description on the following link: View

The annual remuneration package for 2023, including benefits is between R544 062 and R753 904. (The remuneration for 2024 is under review)

To apply, click the "apply" button to create a candidate profile and to submit your application.

Please complete/attach the following to your profile before submitting your application:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Motivational letter that speaks to the requirements of the position and
• Three referee names which must include their title and name, position details, relationship to you, their e-mail address and telephone number.
• Three (3) examples of written or published work (preferably as lead author)
• Certified copy of ID, or passport and work permit or permanent residence in South Africa, and driver’s license
• Certified copies of academic transcripts and qualification certificates

An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo competency and pre-placement-medical assessments.  References may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process.

Any enquiries around the application process to be addressed to Ms Tracy Moore at recruitment05@uct.ac.za or 021 650 5405.

Closing date:              30 June 2024                                     

Website:                     www.ci.uct.ac.za

Reference number:    ID618

UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at https://uct.ac.za/media/9482.

UCT reserves the right not to appoint.