​Centre for Global Surgery​​


National Research Foundation Masters Student Bursary in Global Surgery


 Objective

The National Research Foundation (NRF) has awarded a grant for master's-level research focused on global health to identify barriers to surgical care provision in the Western Cape, and provide solutions for policymakers on how to surmount these barriers by improving surgical capacity and referrals. This bursary aims to recruit a talented candidate to pursue a master's degree in research related to this global health topic starting in 2020.

The degree can be obtained from any South African university. The candidate will be supervised by Professor Kathryn Chu, the Director of the Centre for Global Surgery in the Department of Global Health at Stellenbosch University, and can be co-supervised by a faculty member from other universities or departments. The master's degree can be obtained in any discipline with an interest in or relevance to global health and global surgery, for example, community health, public health, epidemiology, heath systems strengthening, health policy, nursing, family medicine, emergency medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, computer science, engineering etc. The master's degree can be customized to fit a multidisciplinary approach to global health.

Requirements and qualifications

  • South African citizenship.
  • A bachelor's degree in Medicine and Surgery (MBChB), Public Health, Global Health, Epidemiology, or equivalent.
  • Prior experience in global public health and health systems research, data analysis, and scientific writing.
  • Experience in STATA, SAS, SPSS, or R.
  • Candidates must have a strong work ethic and the ability to function in a multicultural environment, manage projects, participate in group research projects, and work independently.
  • Applicants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
  • Research and/ or clinical experience in global health or global surgery is highly desirable.
  • A track record of published research is preferred but not required.
  • Knowledge of ArcGIS or other GIS related software a plus.


Commencement, duration, and funding

  • Commencement: March 2020 (start date flexible)
  • Duration: 2020-2021. Renewal for the second year and subsequent years will be considered on evidence of satisfactory academic progress.
  • Bursary: R90,000 per annum funded by National Research Foundation. The bursary is in accordance with the SARS Guidelines and is tax exempt.


Application procedure and questions
All applications should include:

  1. A letter of motivation stating the applicant's areas of expertise, research interests, and experience.
  2. A curriculum vitae, including a list of publications.
  3. One or two reference letters from academics, who have taught, supervised, or worked alongside the applicant.


Please direct all applications and queries to Professor Kathryn Chu at kchu@sun.ac.za​ or mailing: 
Professor Kathryn Chu, 
Stellenbosch University, 
Department of Global Health, 
PO Box 241, 
Cape Town, 
8000

Stellenbosch University strives to be a welcoming campus that makes all students, staff, and visitors feel at home. Stellenbosch University is committed to creating a
multicultural and inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment irrespective of origin, ethnicity, language, gender identity or expression, religious and political conviction, social class, disability, or sexual orientation.

The closing deadline is 5pm, Friday 7 March 2020.