SANBI-GBIF works with partners to mobilise primary biodiversity data, such as species, specimens, observations, molecular and multimedia records, making them available on the internet to support research, assessment, monitoring, conservation and decision-making. One of the key strategic objectives of the SANBI-GBIF Node is to develop the capacity and skills base of biodiversity informatics professionals and practitioners in the country in the mobilisation, analysis, use and publication of data. This includes hosting and implementing training courses, e-learning activities, and developing curriculum in line with this.
Sol Plaatje University, in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, has a strong data science focus, and is nested in the School of Natural and Applied Science. This is a multi-disciplinary field that uses scientific methods, processes, algorithms and systems to extract knowledge and insights from structured and unstructured data. It focuses on finding solutions to solving big data problems. This is well aligned to SANBI's efforts to develop capacity towards improving biodiversity informatics science. This is also well aligned to the outcomes on Science, Technology and Innovation of the Department of Science and Innovation.
A dynamic and innovative post-doctoral position with SANBI-GBIF and the University of Sol Plaatje is available in support of growing the field of biodiversity informatics and in the development and implementation of curriculum and short courses. The fellowship will require engagements with academics across faculties to bring together existing efforts in biodiversity and data science, and to implement a short course at SPU in 2023/24. It is intended that the short course will contribute towards fuller curriculum implementation in 2024, and to expand the network of stakeholders engaged in biodiversity informatics towards effective decision making and for sustainable development outcomes. This Postdoc will also focus on conducting biodiversity informatics research, using tools, techniques and ecological applications, applied to biodiversity data with a publication as an output.
This is an exciting opportunity for a post-doctoral candidate to work in a multidisciplinary environment and bring together biodiversity, statistics and data science content. The fellowship will be based at SANBI, with a requirement to also travel to SPU in the Northern Cape for short periods of time to achieve outcomes.
Requirements: The Post-doctoral fellowship is open to anyone who has completed their PhD in the last five years. Candidates must be pro-active, enthusiastic, and interested in doing excellent research that can make a difference and contributes to the work of the SANBI-GBIF Node and its partners, building biodiversity data science efforts and in developing biodiversity informatics as a field of science. Candidates must be in possession of a valid driver's license.
Supervisors: Tendai Musvuugwa, Douglas Harebottle and Fatima Parker-Allie.
Bursary Value: R350000 for 1 year. Running costs will be available separately depending on the project.
Application procedure: Each application is to be accompanied by the following documents:
Proposed project outline (2 pages);Full CV;Two letters of reference (academic);Statement of acceptance from supervisor;Certified copy of academic marks;Certified copy of highest qualification;One or two published/submitted articles;Certified copy of ID (or passport for non-RSA residents).SANBI reserves the right not to fill this bursary. If no response has been received within 21 days of the closing date, candidates may assume that their applications were unsuccessful.
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