Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU) / African Social Sciences Unit of Research and Evaluation (ASSURE)
Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU) / African Social Sciences Unit of Research and Evaluation (ASSURE)
Program type: International, Research
Format: Hybrid
Location: Soweto, South Africa
Organization Name: Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU) / African Social Sciences Unit of Research and Evaluation (ASSURE)
Location: Soweto, South Africa
Internship Details
- Intern Positions Available: 2
- Format: Hybrid (mix of virtual and in-person work)
Organization Description
Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU): Located in Soweto at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, PHRU is a leader in HIV-related research and healthcare. It focuses on adult, pediatric, and adolescent HIV treatment and prevention research, along with addressing TB and other co-infections. PHRU also advocates for equitable healthcare access and conducts social science research to benefit vulnerable communities.
African Social Sciences Unit of Research and Evaluation (ASSURE): A multidisciplinary social science research unit under the WITS Health Consortium, ASSURE focuses on African-led research in psychology, sociology, anthropology, and related fields. It provides programmatic support, capacity building, and innovative solutions to challenges in South Africa and beyond.
Internship Responsibilities
Interns will join the Bio-Behavioral Research (BBR) Division of PHRU and contribute to ongoing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods projects focusing on adolescents and young adults in Soweto. Responsibilities include:
- Data Analysis and Interpretation
- Perform qualitative and/or quantitative research data analysis.
- Interpret findings and support manuscript write-ups.
- Abstract and Manuscript Development
- Conduct literature reviews to support abstract and manuscript creation.
- Draft and refine manuscripts under guidance from mentors and co-authors.
- Project Support
- Assist in daily project operations and community engagement activities.
- Participate in site visits, ward rounds, and shadow other research divisions.
- Collaboration
- Work with multi-disciplinary teams, including statisticians, investigators, and field experts.
Learning Outcomes
- Experience working in a low- and middle-income country (LMIC) research setting.
- Develop skills in preparing peer-reviewed publications.
- Collaborate within multi-disciplinary teams addressing global health inequities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience analyzing qualitative and quantitative datasets.
- Strong skills in literature reviews and manuscript preparation.
- Passion for global health and social justice.
- Empathy for individuals living with HIV and TB.
- Must be in at least the second year of undergraduate studies or higher.
Work Environment
- In-Person Work: Office-based at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, with rotations across PHRU divisions and community-based activities in Soweto.
- Virtual Work: Regular meetings and mentorship sessions to ensure progress.
Interns will receive a dedicated workspace and support from PHRU staff to meet key deliverables, including a draft manuscript by the internship’s end.
Key Dates and Application Requirements
- Start Date: Flexible based on student availability.
- Application Statement: A 500-word essay outlining:
- Relevant skills and experiences for the role.
- Expectations for the placement.
- Desired learning outcomes.
Logistics
- Visa Requirements:
- Students must apply for a 90-day visitor’s visa for South Africa.
- Accommodation and Transport:
- PHRU will offer guidance but interns must finalize arrangements independently.
- Equipment:
- Interns must bring their own laptops.
Key Focus Areas
Climate Change, Community Engagement, Data Analysis, Fieldwork, Health Systems Strengthening, Infectious Diseases, Literature Review/Writing, Maternal/Child Health, Mental Health, Technology/Innovation