Biodiversity Monitoring And Indicator Development Postdoctoral Fellowship

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral fellowship with SANBI's Biodiversity Research, Assessment and Monitoring Division to support biodiversity monitoring and indicator development related to National Biodiversity Assessment, and international processes such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Sustainable Development Goals. Funding is available for 12 months dependent on adequate performance.
Requirements: The postdoctoral fellowship is open to anyone who has completed a PhD in the last five years, or who has submitted their PhD thesis for examination. An understanding of biodiversity monitoring in general and specific experience with indicators and metrics used in national and international reporting would be highly advantageous. Applicants must be able to demonstrate an ability to undertake research, synthesise literature and data sources, and find scientific evidence to formulate defendable recommendations. The position also involves coordination and convening tasks linked to the establishment of a community of practice for biodiversity monitoring, inclusive of government academia and civil society in South Africa. Experience in spatial analysis and data science would be advantageous.
Research Areas: The main avenues of research are piloting the Multidimensional Biodiversity Index in South Africa; testing and developing appropriate biodiversity indicators for use in national and international reporting processes; and supporting the development of a national biodiversity monitoring framework and implementation plan.
Bursary value: The value of the fellowship is R350000 per year and is available for 12 months. Please note that this fellowship is not subject to income tax and the University will pay the fellow according to their processes. Some running expenses will also be made available for the year.
University: The postdoctoral fellow may propose a South African University of their choice or work with SANBI to find a host university.
Application procedure: Each application is to be accompanied by a standard bursary application cover sheet (attached to this advert). Applications are to include a full CV; certified copies of ID and academic records; two letters of reference (one must be from an academic supervisor); examples of published work and a short motivation describing the applicant's suitability for the position in terms of skills and experience.
SANBI reserves the right not to fill this fellowship. If no response has been received within 21 days of the closing date, candidates may assume that their applications were unsuccessful.
Note: if the candidate selected to fill this role has not yet been awarded their PhD, their postdoctoral enrolment will be limited to 6 months; on the award of the PhD the contract will be extend to the full 12 months.
Closes: Tuesday, 31 October 2023 (Successful candidate will be notified end of November 2023)
Location: Cape Town
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