Postdoctoral Research Fellowship - Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Services

In brief

**Overview** This is a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship position within the research niche of Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Services at the University of Limpopo. The fellowships is a two-year fixed contract, subject to satisfactory annual performance, offering a tax-free stipend of R300,000 per annum. The successful candidate will join a dynamic research team conducting transdisciplinary innovative research on biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, endangered species, and sustainable natural resource management. This fellowship offers an opportunity for an early-career researcher to contribute to high-impact research, publish in leading scientific journals, and collaborate with national and international partners. The research will be linked to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (2, 6, 13, 15, 16) and imperatives of the 2030 National Development Plan. The position commences as soon as possible and is tenable for one year, renewable for another year based on satisfactory performance. **What you will do** The successful candidate will be expected to: * Undertake independent and transdisciplinary collaborative research that advances understanding of biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services. * Contribute to research capacity development and postgraduate student training. * Conduct high-quality, original transdisciplinary research in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services. * Develop and implement research projects aligned with the strategic priorities of the host research group cross-faculty/transdisciplinary areas. * Publish research findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals, aiming for at least 4 accredited journal publications over the two-year fellowship. * Participate in biodiversity field surveys to collect quantitative and qualitative data, including monitoring of ecological systems and endangered species where required. * Analyse ecological, environmental, and socio-ecological datasets using appropriate analytical tools. * Mentor Honours, Masters’ and Doctoral students in research design, Mixed-Methods Research (MMR) approaches, data analysis, and scientific writing. * Collaborate with academic staff, government agencies, conservation organisations, and other research partners. * Contribute to knowledge exchange, policy engagement, and outreach activities that promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable ecosystem management. * Prepare technical reports and other research outputs as required by funding agencies and project partners, including research reports for stakeholders. * Present research outcomes at conferences, workshops, and stakeholder engagements, including several conference presentations at national and international scientific meetings. * Contribute to the preparation of research grant proposals and assist in securing external research funding, aiming for at least one competitive external research grant application. * Contribute to postgraduate student supervision and capacity development. * Produce collaborative publications with the host supervisor and research team. * Participate in multidisciplinary research projects within the Faculty and University. **Requirements (from the original advert)** Applicants should meet the following minimum requirements: * A Doctoral qualification in Biodiversity Conservation, Ecology, Environmental Science, Conservation Biology, Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Management or a closely related discipline, obtained within the past five (5) years. * Demonstrated research expertise in undertaking transdisciplinary research in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, ecological assessment, endangered species, restoration ecology, conservation planning, or related fields. * A strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals appropriate to career stage. * Evidence of quantitative data analysis skills and proficiency in statistical software and/or GIS applications (e.g., R, ArcGIS, QGIS) and qualitative data analysis (e.g., QDAS, NVivo, ATLAS.ti, MAXQDA and Dedoose). * Experience in field-based ecological research and biodiversity monitoring will be an advantage. * Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing effectively to multidisciplinary research teams. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. * A commitment to research excellence, scientific integrity, and collaborative engagement. **Who should apply** This position is suitable for an early-career researcher who has obtained a Doctoral qualification in a relevant discipline within the past five years. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated research expertise in transdisciplinary biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services, a strong publication record, and proficiency in both quantitative and qualitative data analysis. They should be capable of independent work while effectively collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, possess excellent English communication skills, and be committed to research excellence and scientific integrity. Experience in field-based ecological research is an advantage. **Deadline** Not specified **Reference** Original posting: https://www.myjobmag.co.za/job/postdoctoral-research-fellowship-biodiversity-conservation-and-ecosystem-services-university-of-limpopo Source: myjobmag

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