SANBI Postdoctoral Fellowship in Key Biodiversity Areas 2024

We are pleased to announce that the application for the 2024 SANBI Postdoctoral Fellowship in Key Biodiversity Areas is now open.

BirdLife South Africa (BLSA) and the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) have introduced a promising postdoctoral fellowship opportunity centered around the analysis, monitoring, and coordination of South Africa’s Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) network. This program is designed to support the SBAPP Regional Project, funded by French donors, aiming at boosting biodiversity knowledge in Southern Africa.

SANBI Postdoctoral Fellowship Eligibility

Educational and Experience Requirements:

• Must have been awarded a PhD within the last five years or have submitted the final version of their PhD by the application date.
• A robust ecological background, especially in South African biomes.
• An inclination towards a non-academic career, though research and publication opportunities are available.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze literature and data, and derive defendable recommendations from scientific evidence.
• Previous work involving coordination tasks, especially with the National Coordination Group (NCG) for KBAs in South Africa.
• Comfortable collaborating with diverse stakeholders and conducting necessary coordination meetings and workshops.
• An independent and productive attitude with a record in peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and popular writing.
• Experience with spatial biodiversity data sets, relational databases, and fundraising will be beneficial.

Areas of Responsibility:

• Formulating a strategic KBA monitoring plan and coordinating with partners on its implementation.
• Overseeing KBA activities in South Africa.
• Offering training and addressing queries about the South African KBA network.
• Networking with all KBA stakeholders and handling applications for new KBAs.
• Assisting in data acquisition, analysis, and curation related to the South African KBA network.
• Collaborating with SANBI and BLSA communication experts to enhance KBA network awareness.
• Fundraising for KBA-focused activities.
• Contributing to publications regarding South Africa’s KBAs.

Value of Fellowship:

• R350,000 per annum for one year, with a potential extension for a second year based on progress.
• The fellowship is tax-exempt and will be disbursed as per the chosen university’s protocols.
• Additional running expenses will be provided annually.

Location: Johannesburg/Cape Town (Remote options may be considered)

SANBI Postdoctoral Fellowship Application Procedure

1. Submit a bursary application cover sheet (found here).
2. A motivation letter detailing the applicant’s suitability for the role in terms of skills, experience, and research (maximum one page).
3. Attach a complete CV.
4. Include certified copies of academic records and ID.
5. Provide two reference letters (one from an academic supervisor and another preferably from a non-academic source).
6. Submit examples of published work.
7. Send all required documents to students@sanbi.org.za and students.sanbi@gmail.com with the subject line “SANBI-BLSA KBA Postdoctoral Fellowship.”

Application Date

• Closing Date: Tuesday, 26 September 2023