GEF7 project Postdoctoral Fellowship

A postdoctoral fellowship opportunity is available within the Directorate Research and Scientific Services at the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) National Zoological Gardens to support research in animal forensics science in the southern African region.

The postdoctoral fellowship is under the auspices of the project titled ‘GEF7 project (Pillar 1 Component 2: Enhance forensic and scientific support services linked to wildlife trafficking investigations) (hereafter ‘SANBI-GEF7 Pillar 1 Component 2 Project’), which is funded by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) for a period of 2 years.The focus of the SANBI-GEF7 Pillar 1 Component 2 project is to support the expansion of the DNA forensic analysis capabilities of SANBI and the South African Police Service (SAPS) Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for targeted South African species (birds, mammals, reptiles and marine species). The project will: (a) develop alternative laboratory technologies and approaches for forensic investigations; (b) provide training and skills development for laboratory technicians (sample collection using chain of custody protocols, biomaterial processing, tissue storage, forensic tests for species identification and traceability of source populations); and (c) procure additional laboratory equipment, materials and short-term specialist expertise.  The project will support the implementation of the Barcode of Wildlife Project (BWP) in South Africa, and assist in the expansion of the central biobank database. In addition the project will be used to expand the South African “reference library” of DNA barcodes (established with Google start-up funding) for CITES, Red List or Threatened and Protected Species (TOPS) and/or illegal trade in these species.

The Postdoctoral fellow will provide research capacity to develop comprehensive, geo-referenced DNA libraries for priority taxa. This capacity is also needed to ensure that all metadata and generated DNA barcode sequence data is collated and maintained using an operational records database (SA-BOLD: South African Barcode of Life Data system) and is linked to species identification analyses to support forensic investigations and/or prosecutions.

Requirements: The postdoctoral fellowship is open to anyone who has completed a PhD in the last five years, or who will be awarded their PhD in early 2023. Candidates must have a strong molecular biology or genetics background, preferably including work in African vertebrates (birds, mammals and reptiles). Candidates must be independent and productive with a peer-reviewed publication track record. Applicants must be familiar and comfortable with DNA barcoding and phylogenetic analysis techniques as well as advanced phylogenetic data analysis and software packages. Proficiency in R would be a distinct advantage. Applicants must demonstrate an ability to undertake research, synthesise literature and data sources, and use scientific evidence to formulate defendable recommendations.

Research Areas: The main research focus areas are to

1) Develop wildlife forensic crime diagnostic tools through the following activities;

1.1) Access current technologies by conducting a review of literature for prioritized species/taxa looking at different levels of genetic variation to identify species, populations, individuals and family groups,

1.2) Investigate the current global genetic profiling systems for mammals, birds and reptiles,

1.3) Investigate the impact of current genetic testing systems in place for captive/wild origin (traceability), and 1.4) Develop technologies for forensic testing for prioritized species/ taxa; and

2) Prepare validation plans for DNA barcoding for birds, mammals and reptiles for specific DNA barcoding regions.

Value: A fellowship of R300,000 per year for two (2) years is available. Some running expenses will also be made available each year.

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, drivers license and academic records; two letters of reference (one must be from an academic supervisor); examples of published work; and a motivation letter (no longer than a page) describing the applicant’s suitability for the position in terms of skills, experience and published research. Send all documents to students@sanbi.org.za and students.sanbi@gmail.com with “SANBI-GEF7 Wildlife Forensic Genetics Postdoctoral Fellowship” in the subject line.

Contact details

Academic queries can be directed to Dr Monica Mwale (m.mwale@sanbi.org.za). Questions about the application process should be sent to Ms René du Toit (r.dutoit@sanbi.org.za).

SANBI reserve the right not to fill this fellowship. If no response has been received by end May 2023, candidates may assume that their applications were unsuccessful.