The SARChI Chair in Interdisciplinary Science in Land and Natural Resource Use for Sustainable Livelihoods in the Department of Environmental Science at Rhodes University is currently held by Professor Charlie Shackleton. The focus of the Chair’s is interdisciplinary research into understandings of natural resources in rural and urban livelihoods for poverty alleviation. Applications are currently open for one post-doctoral position, one PhD and three Masters candidates. These opportunities are ideal for natural, social and economic scientists interested in research on the ecology, use, trade and management of biological natural resources in rural and urban settings drawing upon a social-ecological systems framework.

 

  • Post-doctoral fellowship: we are seeking applicants with experience in urban ecology or urban forestry to work with the group on a range of projects into the ecology, use and benefits of trees in urban systems. The appointment would be for one year, potentially renewable up to a maximum of three years. The fellowship is worth R200,000 (tax free) per annum. This is a full-time-time position and candidates would be required to be based in Grahamstown, unless on project based work related field trips. Starting date is February/March 2016. Applicants must have (i) completed a PhD or D.Phil degree within the last five years in an appropriate discipline and topic, (ii) published one or more research papers in peer-reviewed journals of good standing, (iii) an interest in working in interdisciplinary teams, (iv) a valid driver’s license and (v) fluency in written and verbal English.

 

  • PhD bursary: we have one PhD opening funded through the Chair at R100,000 p.a. (tax free) for a maximum of three years. This is a full-time position and candidates would be required to be based in Grahamstown, unless on project based work related field trips. A range of projects are available (although preference would be given to candidates interested in rural food security issues and the role of wild foods). Starting date is February 2016. Applicants must have (i) completed a good Masters degree in an appropriate discipline and topic in the last three years, (ii) an interest in working in interdisciplinary teams, (iii) a valid driver’s license and (iv) fluency in written and verbal English.

 

  • Masters bursaries: we have three Masters bursaries available funded through the Chair at R70,000 p.a. (tax free), each for a maximum of two years. For each position applicants must have (i) completed a good Honours or equivalent four‐year degree in an appropriate discipline and topic in the last three years, (ii) an interest in working in interdisciplinary teams, (iii) a valid driver’s license and (iv) fluency in written and verbal English.  Fluency in one of the African languages of South Africa would be an advantage but not mandatory. One of the projects requires sound ecological/botanical sampling expertise and basic spreadsheet modelling skills.

 

To apply, please send (i) a full CV, (ii) name and contact details of three recent referees, (iii) an academic transcript and (iv) a letter of motivation. In your letter, please indicate which level you are applying for.

Please send the applications to the Chair Administrator, Ms Kate Benyon (k.l.benyon@ru.ac.za).

Closing date for applications is 15 November 2015.

If no suitable applications are received by that date, it will be extended.

For queries please contact Ms Kate Benyon (k.l.Benyon@ru.ac.za; 046-603 7585 (mornings only)).

Information ion the department is available at: www.ru.ac.za/static/departments/environsci/