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 18 months dependent on adequate performance.

Requirements 

Candidates must be independent and productive, and in possession of a PhD that is related to biodiversity or ecology. The postdoctoral fellowship is open to anyone who has completed their PhD in the last five years.  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 strategy and implementation plan.

Bursary value 

The value of the fellowship is R350 000/year and is available for 18 months. Some running expenses will also be made available for the year. The postdoctoral fellow may propose a South African University of their choice or work with SANBI to find a university host.

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.

Send all documents to students@sanbi.org.za with ‘SANBI Biodiversity Monitoring postdoctoral fellowship’ in the subject line.

SANBI reserves the right not to fill this fellowship. Successful candidate will be notified by the end of August  2022.

If no response has been received within 21 days of the closing date, candidates may assume that their applications were unsuccessful.

Enquiries:
Academic queries:
Dr Andrew Skowno
E-mail: a.skowno@sanbi.org.za

Application process queries:
Ms René du Toit
E-mail: r.dutoit@sanbi.org.za