Marine Scientist: Ecosystem Mapping and Assessment

The South African National Biodiversity Institute is looking for a highly motivated individual to contribute to marine biodiversity research, monitoring, and assessment to be conducted within the Biodiversity Assessment Directorate and European Union H2020 funded Mission Atlantic Project.

This position requires a postgraduate qualification in Marine Sciences, Life Sciences, Earth Sciences, Natural Sciences, Ecology, Biology, Geography, Botany, Zoology or equivalent and relevant qualification at NQF 8 ). The possession of a valid driver’s licence with at least one-year practical driving experience and a willingness to travel is essential. A postgraduate qualification in Marine Sciences, Life Sciences, Earth Sciences, Natural Sciences, Ecology, Biology, Geography, Botany, Zoology or equivalent and relevant qualification at NQF 9 will be an added advantage. This position also requires a minimum of 1 years’ relevant experience.

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: knowledge of marine ecosystem mapping, classification, and assessment; experience in marine benthic ecosystem research, benthic invertebrate, and fish identification;  ability to conduct meta-analyses and represent data spatially, experience in data inventory, data management, Geographic Information Systems, scientific writing and report writing is essential; experience in ocean literacy and science communication will be an added advantage; analytical, problem solving skills and interpersonal skills; excellent communication (both verbal and written); excellent computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools (Ms Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook) is essential.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Participate in and facilitate relevant forum/committees with external stakeholders in ecosystem related research and monitoring;
• Conduct research to improve the national marine ecosystem map and assessment;
• Contribute to data inventory and data management;
• Participate in science engagement work being undertaken by SANBI and Mission Atlantic; and
• Support Mission Atlantic project reporting.  
  

Salary commensurate with a range of inputs and outputs in terms of the SANBI career ladder for scientists.

Application procedure

1) An application form must accompany the CV together with a letter motivating why the applicant should be favourably considered for this position, and certified qualifications confirming that the minimum qualifications are met (applicants lacking evidence of meeting minimum qualifications and relevant experience will not be considered).

2) A competency test will be conducted as part of the selection process.

3) Applicants must also provide the full names, addresses and telephone numbers and if possible e-mail addresses of at least three referees.

4) Failure to submit the requested information and reference number shall result in your application not being considered.

Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. SANBI reserves the right not to fill this position. All applications will be considered with the understanding that, in terms of the SANBI Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups.

Contact Ms Kaashiefa Bassier on Tel: +27 (0)21 799 8878/8800 for any queries for purposes of clarity. Applications consisting of the completed application form, motivation letter, a concise CV, and certified qualifications are to be submitted via an e-mail to recruitmentct@sanbi.org.za Postal applications must be addressed to: Deputy Director: Human Resources, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X7, Claremont, 7735. 

Candidates are expected to be available for selection interviews on a date and time as determined by SANBI. If no response has been received within 30 days of the closing date, candidates may consider their applications unsuccessful.