Applications are invited for a postdoctoral fellowship with SANBI’s Biodiversity Research, Assessment and Monitoring Division to conduct research on issues related to wildlife population modelling and the impacts of sustainable use and trade.
The aim of the project is to make wildlife population data useful to key decision-making processes related to wildlife conservation and trade through an information system that is currently under development. Funding is available for 18 months dependent on adequate performance.
Requirements
Candidates must be able to work independently and be productive, and in possession of a PhD that is related to conservation science, ecology, resource economics or statistics. It would be beneficial for applicants to have some experience with conservation policy to develop case studies for decision-makers from their research.
The postdoctoral fellowship is open to anyone who has completed their PhD in the last five years. An understanding of wildlife population modelling and experience in working with population data and indices of abundance is required. Experience and/or knowledge of issues relating to wildlife trade, specifically the impacts of trade on population trends would be 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 some project management and stakeholder engagement, including working with stakeholders and service providers to develop workflows to translate population data into abundance indices for a centralised wildlife population information system. Must have good writing skills.
Research areas
The main avenues of research are developing population models and indicators for key species to inform decision-making processes related to the Scientific Authority, as well as determining sustainable offtake quotas and the impacts of illegal trade. Research should take into account different subpopulations and monitoring methods to generate national-scale patterns and trends.
Secondary research areas can include assessments relating to the IUCN Red and Green list of species, as well as Natural Capital Accounting of species. The research should also support the development of standardised data mobilisation and management workflows for species groups to ensure long-term monitoring efficacy.
Bursary value
The value of the fellowship is R300 000/year and is available for 18 months. Some running expenses will also be made available for each year. 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.
Send all documents to students@sanbi.org.za with “SANBI wildlife population and trade postdoctoral fellowship” in the subject line.
SANBI reserves the right not to fill this fellowship. If no response has been received within 30 days of the closing date, candidates may assume that their applications were unsuccessful.
Academic enquiries:
Mr Matthew Child
E-mail: m.child@sanbi.org.za
General enquiries:
Ms René du Toit
E-mail : r.dutoit@sanbi.org.za
Closes: Thursday, 03 November 2022
Opportunity type: Post-doctoral Fellowship
Location: South Africa
Bursary value: R300 000 per annum is available for 18 months