Molecular/Ecological: Postdoctoral Fellowship

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral fellow to join the Molecular Ecology research group at SANBI in collaboration with the National Biodiversity Assessment. The research will focus on mapping to identify areas of phylogenetic distinctiveness across South Africa, with a particular focus on amphibians. This work will field directly into national biodiversity reporting, such as the National Biodiversity Assessment and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Requirements: The candidate should have graduated with a PhD in the last five years (in a field of Biological Sciences), and have research experience in phylogenetics, with an additional emphasis on using GIS. Excellent DNA laboratory and analytical skills are a prerequisite, as are demonstrated hypothesis based scientific thinking, and the ability to integrate molecular phylogenetics with landscape level data and existing track record in publishing in international peer-reviewed journals would be beneficial.

The project will focus on:

• phylogenetics;
• phylogenetic diversity;
• mapping using GIS.

Responsibilities: Implement a research project to enhance the content of the National Biodiversity Assessment through collaboration, and publish findings in internationally peer reviewed journals

Bursary value: The value of the fellowship is R300,000/year and is available for 12 months with a 2023 starting date.

Application procedure: Applications must include a standard bursary application cover sheet (attached to this advert); 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 motivation letter describing the applicant’s suitability for the position in terms of skills and experience, highlights of achievements to date, research interests, and future goals (approximately two-pages).

Send all application documents to students@sanbi.org.za and students.sanbi@gmail.com with “Phylogenetic Indicators Postdoc Fellowship” in the subject line.

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.

Academic enquiries:
Prof Krystal Tolley
E-mail: k.tolley@sanbi.org.za

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