Master and PhD bursaries available for 2016 One Masters level bursary (R80 000 pa) and one PhD level bursary (R120 000 pa) are available for an exciting interdisciplinary project in the Eastern Cape, and based at Rhodes University in Grahamstown.   Project title: A place to belong: urban planning, housing and greening   We seek motivated and enthusiastic students to conduct Masters and PhD research as part of an interdisciplinary team to investigate the worldviews and experiences of nature and use of natural resources and elements in the context of urban residents and its implications for urban planning, housing and greening. [...]

Living Lands (www.livinglands.co.za) is a not-for-profit organization for conserving and restoring living landscapes. A living landscape consists of a variety of healthy ecosystems and land uses, and is home to ecological, agricultural, and social systems which are managed so as to function sustainably. This ensures that natural and cultural resources are available for future generations and that the system is resilient for adaptation to climate change. There are currently 3 apprenticeship positions available with Living Lands. As an apprentice you will be learning on the job, supporting the senior staff in the organization and begin managing smaller projects. Depending on your experience [...]

GIS Specialist: Biodiversity Planning Biodiversity Information and Planning Directorate (Salary level 10) Kirstenbosch Research Centre – Cape Town The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is seeking to appoint a highly motivated individual to provide specialist Geographic Information System (GIS) support and biodiversity planning knowledge to the SANBI and external parties in order to inform the development of policy and tools that support the management of biodiversity priority areas in South Africa. The appointment requires at least a 3-year degree, preferably in Natural Sciences, with GIS as an area of specialisation. The successful candidate must have a minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience in [...]

Deputy Director: Ecological Infrastructure (Ecological Infrastructure Directorate) (Level 11) Pretoria National Botanical Garden Re-advertisement South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) requires an enthusiastic, responsible team player to coordinate SANBI’s programme of work on the integration of ecological infrastructure into agriculture and other priority sectors. Appointment requires a relevant post-graduate degree or equivalent qualification in the Natural, Social or Agricultural Sciences enhanced by 5 years relevant experience, of which at least 2 years should have been in a managerial capacity, in working through partnerships particularly in the public sector and communicating with a range of stakeholders. The incumbent must have thorough [...]

Postdoctoral position announcement Modelling of the land-sea nutrient transfer to the Mediterranean sea under different land management scenarios We seek a post-doctoral scientist for the project “Towards an integrated prediction of Land & Sea Responses to global change in the Mediterranean Basin” (LaSeR-Med), which focusses on integrated socio-ecological modelling. The duration of the contract is initially one year, with a possible extension for a second year, depending on the initial results. The post-doc will be based within the Mediterranean Institute of marine and terrestrial Biodiversity and Ecology (IMBE) in Aix-en-Provence, France. The project is part of the Labex OT-Med (https://www.otmed.fr/). [...]

Since 1977, the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis' (IIASA) annual 3-month Young Scientists Summer Program (YSSP) has offered research opportunities to talented young researchers whose interests correspond with IIASA’s ongoing research on issues of global environmental, economic and social change. From June through August accepted participants work within the Institute’s research programs under the guidance of IIASA scientific staff. Funding is provided through IIASA's National Member Organizations. For more information, please visit IIASA's website. Registrations close on 11 January 2016.

SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL PARKS VACANCY:  SCIENTIST: ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL SCIENCE PATERSON GRADING D3 SCIENTIFIC SERVICES, Cape Research Centre, Tokai in Cape Town Closing date:  5 November 2015   A vacancy for a Scientist: Environmental Social Science exists at the Cape Research Centre, a research unit of the Conservation Services Division in SANParks. The successful candidate will be expected to conduct research to better understand ways in which people interact with and consitute components of the natural marine and terrestial environments. The Cape Research Centre is responsible for research in the Agulhas, Bontebok, Table Mountain, West Coast, Tankwa and Namaqua National Parks. [...]

POST-DOCTORAL FIXED-TERM CONTRACT POSITION (3 YEARS) CLOSING DATE: 2 December 2015   Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) wishes to appoint a post-doctoral fellow, specializing in the social-ecological concept of “People-centred learning” for improving small-holder irrigation practice. This position forms part of a team of scientists funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), managed through the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA). The initial focus countries are Malawi and Tanzania, although this will widen to other countries in Eastern and Southern Africa over time. The aim of the wider project is to improve [...]

LAND NEGOTIATOR R349 596 (Total cost to company per annum) Contract position (Salary increases subject to performance) Contract period: 1 February 2016 – 31 September 2018 Stewardship and Land Purchase Negotiation Based in Kamieskroon / Springbok / Garies or surrounds This position will be responsible for negotiation of new Stewardship Contracts and the negotiation of the purchase of land for conservation purposes. This position will also seek to provide professional management support for the new sites which contribute to critical habitat as outlined in the Leslie Hill Succulent Karoo Trust Priorities. The incumbent will form an important part of a [...]

STEPS Centre Summer School 2016 16-27 May 2016 at the Institute of Development Studies in Brighton, UK The STEPS Centre Summer School aims to bring together an exceptional group of people who are exploring ideas and research methodologies for pathways to sustainability. Through a mix of lectures, walks, discussions and public events, participants will challenge the STEPS team and each other on questions of science, society and development. Who should apply? Applications are invited from highly-motivated doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, working in fields around development studies, science and technology studies, innovation and policy studies, and across agricultural, health, water or energy [...]