The Centre for Health Policy (CHP), situated within the School of Public Health at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, is offering exciting opportunities for highly motivated individuals interested in health systems and policy research. The Centre is seeking pre-PhD interns and post-doctoral fellows to join their growing research programme.
This opportunity provides a dynamic environment to conduct cutting-edge research and engage in national and international policy debates, making a significant impact on health policy and systems in South Africa and beyond.
Pre-PhD Internship and Post-Doctoral Fellowship Opportunities
The CHP invites applications for two key positions: Pre-PhD interns and Post-Doctoral Fellows (PDF). These positions offer a unique chance for individuals passionate about health equity and social justice to advance their careers in research and policy development.
Pre-PhD Internship
The one-year pre-PhD internship is designed to support candidates in preparing a PhD application for the National Research Foundation (NRF) in South Africa. The successful candidate will be supported in developing a research proposal and will be eligible for three years of PhD funding upon successful application.
Candidates must have a relevant master’s degree in fields such as public health, sociology, economics, political science, development studies, epidemiology, biostatistics, or social work. Experience in quantitative and/or qualitative research and analysis is required. Additionally, candidates must be 32 years or younger by November 2026 in accordance with NRF rules.
Post-Doctoral Fellowship
For those who have already completed their PhD in a relevant field, the post-doctoral fellowship offers an excellent opportunity to further their research career. The successful post-doctoral fellow(s) will be expected to conduct primary research on specific topics within health policy and systems. These topics include digital health, health care financing, community-based mental health care, and mental health care systems.
Post-doctoral fellows will join a multidisciplinary team working on research in various regions, including urban health and demographic sites in Gauteng and Sedibeng District, as well as a rural health and demographic site in Mpumalanga.
Areas of Research Focus
The Centre for Health Policy’s research spans several critical areas within health systems and policy. The successful candidates will have the opportunity to contribute to ongoing research in the following areas:
- Digital Health: Exploring the intersection of technology and healthcare, with a focus on improving health outcomes through innovative digital tools and platforms.
- Health Care Financing: Investigating sustainable financial models for health care systems that promote equitable access to quality services.
- Community-Based Mental Health Care: Developing strategies to improve mental health services at the community level, especially in underserved areas.
- Mental Health Care Systems: Researching the effectiveness and efficiency of mental health care systems, aiming to strengthen support for mental health in South Africa.
These research areas are crucial to addressing pressing health policy challenges in the country, and the successful candidates will play a key role in advancing this important work.
About the Centre for Health Policy
The Centre for Health Policy is dedicated to building capacity in health policy and systems research, with a focus on creating a supportive environment for mentorship and professional growth. As part of the School of Public Health at the University of the Witwatersrand, CHP offers a rich and vibrant academic environment for students and researchers alike. The Centre’s research focuses on health systems, human resources, healthcare financing, access to healthcare, implementation research, and systematic reviews for decision-making.
CHP’s success is built on innovation and diversity, and its researchers engage in policy debates both at national and international levels. The Centre’s collaborative research efforts are backed by a strong reputation within the health policy field, and its members regularly contribute to high-impact publications and international consortia.
Qualifications and Skills
To apply for these positions, candidates must possess excellent writing and conceptual skills and be able to work well in a multi-disciplinary team. For the pre-PhD internship, a relevant master’s degree is required, along with experience in quantitative and/or qualitative research. Candidates for the post-doctoral fellowship must hold a PhD in a relevant field and demonstrate the ability to conduct independent, high-quality research.
Fluency in local languages will be an advantage, as the research often involves engagement with communities in various regions across South Africa. The successful candidates will be expected to contribute to ongoing research projects, publish their findings, and participate in policy discussions related to their research areas.
Application Process
Candidates interested in the pre-PhD internship or post-doctoral fellowship must submit their applications through the University of the Witwatersrand’s official website. The closing date for applications is 15 June 2025. Applicants should submit the following documents:
- A cover letter expressing their interest in the position
- A detailed CV, including contact details
- The names and contact details of three referees
- Certified copies of degrees or diplomas
- A short piece of recent written work or publication, where the applicant is the first author
Applicants should clearly specify whether they are applying for the pre-PhD internship or post-doctoral fellowship in the subject line of their cover letter.
Commitment to Employment Equity
The University of the Witwatersrand is committed to employment equity, and preference will be given to candidates from under-represented designated South African groups in line with the University’s Employment Equity Plans and policies. The University retains the right not to make an appointment if no suitable candidates are found.
For further inquiries, interested candidates can contact Jane Goudge at [email protected] (note that applications should not be sent to this address).
Check also: Latest Internship Opportunities – 12 June 2025
This is an outstanding opportunity for young researchers to advance their academic and professional careers in health policy and systems research. The Centre for Health Policy at the University of the Witwatersrand offers a nurturing and supportive environment for individuals passionate about making a meaningful impact on health systems and policy.
Successful candidates will join a dynamic and diverse team, contributing to critical research that will shape the future of healthcare in South Africa and beyond.
