[SN-ANNOUNCE] Site Social Scientist/Researcher Vacancy

[South African AIDS Vaccine Initiative]

TO ALL SANGONeT USERS

NATIONAL SOCIO-BEHAVIOURAL GROUP
South African AIDS Vaccine Initiative (SAAVI)

The South African AIDS Vaccine Initiative (SAAVI) was established in 1999 to
coordinate the research, development and testing of AIDS vaccines in South
Africa. The Socio-behavioural Group is a joint undertaking of SAAVI and the
University of Stellenbosch, and has been tasked with: providing national
co-ordination of all SAAVI-funded socio-behavioural activities; developing
appropriate methodologies for socio-behavioural research, developing
national capacity in this research; and, facilitating communication and
sharing of expertise.

The following position is available in the Socio-behavioural Group.

SITE SOCIAL SCIENTIST/RESEARCHER
Closing date: 31 January, 2007

The Socio-behavioural Group wishes to appoint a socio-behavioural researcher
for a split-site post between the Socio-behavioural Group in Stellenbosch
and the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre (DTHC) at the University of Cape Town.
Working in collaboration with the existing social science team at the DTHC,
the site social scientist will contribute to existing research being
conducted at the DTHC and will also be responsible for assessing the
socio-behavioural research needs at this site and initiating, managing and
coordinating new research projects. The post will begin in February 2007, or
as soon as possible thereafter.

Responsibilities for the position include: developing and implementing
research protocols across a number of research studies; training field
workers and other research staff, monitoring research progress, managing
research timelines and ensuring that deadlines are met, qualitative and
quantitative data gathering, report writing; and, undertaking regular
written and verbal feedback/reporting to the national Socio-behavioural
Group A postgraduate/Masters degree in a relevant social science discipline
is a requirement. Relevant work experience will be a strong recommendation.

In addition the ideal candidate will have: experience of conducting
research, including design, data analysis and report-writing; experience of
project management, or study co-ordination; training experience, previous
experience of conducting HIV/AIDS research or a related field; competence in
qualitative and quantitative research methods and software (e.g. SPSS and
Atlas ti); a valid driver's licence; demonstrated computer literacy in word
processing software; ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines;
and, be prepared to travel.

Preference will be given to applicants with: proficiency in the languages
spoken in the region; fluency in written and spoken English (including good
English writing skills); good organisational skills; ability to work
independently and in a team; and, previous experience in protocol
development, implementation of research studies, training of staff and study
co-ordination.

The post is for a fixed-term contract period of 9 months. The successful
candidate will be required to attend a training and orientation programme at
the start of his/her contract. Depending on the availability of funding and
the incumbent's work performance, the contract may be extended. Remuneration
will depend on qualifications and experience.

Your application should include: your CV; a letter of motivation indicating
why you think you are qualified for the position; the names of three
referees (including telephone, fax, and e-mail contact details); a copy of
your current earnings on a cost to company basis; and, a sample of your
written work (this may include publications, theses, dissertation or
research reports).

Applications for the position should be submitted via post or e-mail to: 

Ms Janine Roussouw, Department of Psychology, University of Stellenbosch,
Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602; janiner at sun.ac.za Enquiries may be directed
to Ms Anthea Lesch (021) 808 2869, e-mail: alesch at sun.ac.za

We encourage equity with respect to disability, race and gender in our
hiring practices.