Wetland Data Science: Postdoctoral Fellowship

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral fellow to join the Freshwater Biodiversity Programme at SANBI in collaboration with the National Biodiversity Assessment. The position will focus on improving wetland data science practices to support wetland ecosystem and species assessment in South Africa. This work will feed directly into national biodiversity reporting on freshwater ecosystems, such as the National Biodiversity Assessment, Sustainable Development Goal 6.6, the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.

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 by February 2023. Experience must include substantial data science elements, and experience in environmental science, earth science, hydrology, or ecology would be an advantage. Excellent quantitative and analytical skills are a prerequisite, and demonstrated experience with one or more of the following is advantageous: database management and familiarity with SQL, spatial analytical skills with Python, ModelBuilder or R, data systems design, statistical computation and visualization. An existing track record in publishing in international peer-reviewed journals would be beneficial.

The project will focus on:

1. preparing a database or framework to integrate complex datasets,
2. develop and run well-documented and reproducible analyses to validate and use this data in assessments and indicators required in national and international reporting;
3. innovating visualisation and communication of results;
4. recommending future research applications for e.g. monitoring database and analyses

Responsibilities:

• Implement a data science research project to enhance the freshwater component of the National Biodiversity Assessment, and publish findings in international peer reviewed journals

Bursary value:

The value of the fellowship is R300,000/year and is available for 12 months with an early 2023 starting date. Some running expenses will also be made available. The postdoctoral fellow may propose a South African University of their choice or work with SANBI to find a host university.

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 “Wetland Data Science Postdoctoral 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:
Ms Nancy Job
Email: n.job@sanbi.org.za

General enquiries:
Ms René du Toit
Email: r.dutoit@sanbi.org.za