SANBI-GBIF post-doctoral fellowship 2020

South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) has been mandated to “collect, generate, process, coordinate and disseminate information about biodiversity and the sustainable use of indigenous biological resources, and establish and maintain databases...” Biodiversity information management is therefore an integral component of SANBI’s activities and responsibilities.

SANBI-GBIF, funded by the Department of Science and Innovation works with partners to mobilise primary biodiversity data, such as species, specimen, observations, molecular and multimedia records and makes them available on the internet to support research, assessment, biodiversity monitoring, conservation planning, decision-making and policy formulation.

The field of data science and analytics and its application for policy and decision making is therefore highly relevant for SANBI.

One of the key strategic objectives of the SANBI-GBIF Node is to develop the capacity and skills base of biodiversity informatics professionals and practitioners in the country in the mobilisation, analysis, use and publication of data.

In light of this, the National Node has developed a 5-year capacity development strategy, and follows a holistic approach to building biodiversity informatics skills in the country.

This includes hosting and implementing training activities/events, e-learning activities, engagements with academic institutions, growing communities of practice in specific content areas and developing curriculum in line with this, and funding support such as bursaries and fellowships.

Sol Plaatje University, in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, has a strong data science focus, and is nested in the School of Natural and Applied Science. This is a multi-disciplinary field that uses scientific methods, processes, algorithms and systems to extract knowledge and insights from structured and unstructured data.

It focuses on finding solutions to solving big data problems. This is well aligned to SANBI’s efforts to develop capacity towards improving biodiversity informatics science. This is also well aligned to the outcomes on Science, Technology and Innovation of the Department of Science and Innovation.

A dynamic and innovative post-doctoral position with SANBI-GBIF and the University of Sol Plaatje is available in support of growing the field of biodiversity informatics and in the development of curriculum.

It is intended that the curriculum will be available for further implementation, and to expand the network of stakeholders engaged in biodiversity informatics towards effective decision making and for sustainable development outcomes.

This is an exciting opportunity for a post-doctoral candidate to work in a multidisciplinary environment and bring together skills and content areas from disciplines such as Education, Information Technology, Biodiversity, Big Data, Spatial Ecology, Mathematics, Statistics, Conservation Planning, Information Management, Geographic Sciences and Computer Systems amongst other areas, to help support and develop curriculum for this new field of research. Experience in scientific research and/or education capacity building sectors will be an advantage.

Requirements

The Post-doctoral fellowship is open to anyone who has completed their PhD in the last five years. Candidates must be pro-active, enthusiastic, and interested in doing excellent research that can make a difference and contributes to the work of the SANBI-GBIF Node and its partners, building biodiversity data science efforts and in developing biodiversity informatics as a field of science.  Candidates must be in possession of a valid driver’s licence.

Bursary value 

R300 000 (to cover living expenses and university fees) for one year. Running costs will be available separately depending on the project. 

Application procedure 

Each application is to be accompanied by the following documents:

• Project outline (2 pages);
• Full CV;
• Two letters of reference (academic);
• Statement of acceptance from supervisor;
• Certified copy of academic marks;
• Certified copy of highest qualification;
• One or two published/submitted articles;
• Certified copy of ID (or passport for non-RSA residents).

Please send all documents to students@sanbi.org.za with ‘GBIF bursary application’ in the subject line.

SANBI reserves the right not to fill this bursary. If no response has been received within 21 days of the closing date, candidates may assume that their applications were unsuccessful.

Enquiries:
Ms. Fatima Parker-Allie (academic queries)
E-mail: F.Parker@sanbi.org.za

Ms. Rene du Toit (application process queries)
E-mail: R.DuToit@sanbi.org.za