Research Ethics Committee Members

In delivering social science that makes a difference in South Africa and the region the Research Units of the Human Sciences Research Council initiate and undertake policy-oriented research projects and programmes from its offices in Cape Town Pietermaritzburg and Pretoria. Its public-purpose mandate is set out in the Human Sciences Research Council Act of 2008.

The Research Impact Division (RID) comprises four interconnected units each contributing to our overarching goal of translating research into measurable impact: Impact Evaluation; HSRC Press; Strategic Partnerships and External Capacity Development; and Research Ethics. Together these units ensure that the HSRCs research is not only rigorous and relevant but also transformative - helping to shape a more inclusive informed and just society. The RID plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the HSRCs work extends beyond academic outputs to create real and lasting change in society. Our mission is to support strengthen and institutionalise the impact of HSRC research by aligning it with South Africas development priorities and the broader African and global context.

The HSRCs Research Ethics Committee seeks to appoint external committee members. Applicants would represent academic backgrounds in varied fields such as Social Sciences Humanities Medicine Biostatistics Epidemiology Law and Human Rights. The function of the Research Ethics Committee (REC) is to promote research ethics in the organisation including the ethics review of research proposals. The HSRC REC is accredited with the South African National Health Research Ethics Council (NHREC) and has Federal Wide Assurance (FWA) in place with the US Office of Human Research Protections.

The contract duration for REC Members at the Human Sciences Research Council is Five (5) Years.

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: RESEARCH ETHICS COMMITTEE MEMBERS

(Ref. No: REC MEM 05/2026)

EXPECTED PERFORMANCE AREAS FOR THE RESEARCH ETHICS COMMITTEE:

• Reviewing and monitoring research proposals and practices in the HSRC from an ethical perspective.
• Promoting respect for human rights in researc
• Ensuring that informed consent is obtained in the case of human participant
• Ensuring that ethical values are promoted both within the HSRC and within the broader social sciences community in South Africa

This appointment will be on a five-year cycle from 01 July 2026 to 30 June 2031. Please be advised that this is not a full-time position and external members of the REC are reimbursed according to predetermined rates for their time spent attending and preparing for meetings.

Applications:

1. A cover letter of motivation indicating your suitability and goals for the position.
2. A detailed CV as well as a certified ID copy and qualifications.
3. Three recent referees with telephone/cell number e-mail and institutional affiliation.

The HSRC will only consider applications that comply with the above requirements.

Please register and submit your application on-line at Instructions:

• Candidates can make use of their mobile devices or any browser to register on the Neptune recruitment site as well as to make applications for available vacancies; Candidates will be prompted to upload their CVs;
• Attachments must be less than 1MB there is an on-screen option to resize.

For further information about the HSRC or the post please consult our website (). Enquiries to application process can be directed to Ms Aurelia Smith at and those relating to technical knowledge for the positions (NOT applications or CVs) may be directed to Dr Mzikazi Nduna at .

Closing date: 01 June 2026. We encourage applicants to submit prior to this date. Applicants who have not been contacted within eight weeks should assume that their application has been unsuccessful. Only applicants who are interviewed will be advised of the outcome of their applications.

The HSRC reserves the right not to make an appointment.

APPLICATIONS FROM RECRUITMENT AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

Suitable candidates should:

• Have a good understanding of research ethics human rights and community welfare.
• Have awareness of the role of research in society.
• Have a track record in work related to research ethics in their areas of specialization.
• Have completed a recognised online training module dealing with research ethics in South Africa.
• Keep up to date with national and international research ethics and regulatory guidance.