Junior Scientist

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) is seeking to appoint a Junior Scientist for a post in its Health Systems Research Unit (HSRU). The purpose of this job is to assist and work closely with the Qualitative Specialist Scientist on qualitative analysis of adolescent studies in the field of sexual and reproductive health.

• To assist the Qualitative Specialist Scientist with:
• Support and assist with data collection activities (interviews/ focus group discussions)
• Translate and transcribe interview/ focus group discussion recordings
• Translate study material in English and isi Xhosa
• Analyze and interpret qualitative study results
• Qualitative data management
• Maintain tracking logs
• Data quality checks
• Assist in training of field staff where needed
• Presenting at internal meetings/ journal clubs/ workshops
• Developing manuscripts and/or conference abstracts

• 3 months

• 4-year tertiary qualification in Social Sciences / Development Studies / Public Health and Masters' registration
• At least 2 years’ experience conducting qualitative research (interviews, focus group discussions)
• At least 1 year experience analyzing qualitative data
• Experience in field of sexual and reproductive health research and/or programmes
• Experience writing manuscripts / conference abstracts / developing research outputs.
• Experience in working and supporting a team.
• Excellent interpersonal relations and communication skills.
• Experience in presenting a scientific matter to a lay audience (e.g., school).

• Experience working in collaborative qualitative analysis teams
• Experience in HIV prevention / sexual and reproductive health studies
• Experience with translation of isi Xhosa to English
• Experience with recruitment of study participants
• Experience writing papers and conducting literature reviews

• R 36 342 per month cost to company

• 26 February 2026