Position Title:  Research Officer (ACDI_Science)

Research Officer: Climate Responsive Nature-Based Solutions

Fixed Term Contract 26 months

African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI)

Faculty of Science

The African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI) invites applications for the position of Research Officer in Climate Responsive Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) for appointment 1 February 2025. ACDI is based at the University of Cape Town and supports research and training on climate change and sustainable development.

If you have initiative and strong research leadership skills, and you meet the criteria as listed below, we invite you to apply for this fixed term Academic Research position (26 Months).

Requirements for the job:

• PhD degree in a relevant discipline
• At least 4 years’ post PhD research experience, with a research track record in climate change adaptation, conservation and/or ecology.
• Publication track record, with evidence of recent productivity and quality, commensurate with career stage.
• Experience in interdisciplinary and/or transdisciplinary research.
• Evidence of securing independent funding for research, commensurate with career stage.
• Experience in postgraduate co-supervision at Honours, Masters and/or PhD level.
• Experience in research in sustainable livelihoods, local/indigenous knowledge and nature-based solutions.
• Experience with science communication at workshops and/or conferences and with the public and/or decision-makers.
• Experience with quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
• Experience in the use and analysis of spatial environmental and/or climate data.
• Experience in the use of remote sensing, GIS and/or modelling techniques.
• Field research experience in more than two sub-Saharan African countries.
• Be able and willing to travel to other sub-Saharan African and European countries.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

The following will be advantageous:

• Track record of research on climate and nature-based solutions
• Excellent data science skills, including advanced analysis, data visualization, and data management.
• Experience in machine learning for addressing typical nature-based solution target societal challenges.
• Knowledge of open science research principles and practices.
• Excellent science communication, such as contributing to media articles, public speaking, media interviews.

Responsibilities:

• Lead in key research projects that form part of ACDI’s Nature-based Solution research programme, including ALBATROSS (Advancing knowledge for Long term Benefits and Climate Adaptation through holistic Climate Services and Nature based Solutions) project by the European Union.
• Work in close coordination with UCT (including ACDI) researchers and external partners in planning, overseeing, and managing all deliverables on projects that form part of ACDI’s Nature-based Solution research programme.
• Proactively seek and work towards submissions for research funding proposals with guidance from and in collaboration with other UCT staff/research members.
• Advising and mentoring postdoctoral fellows and postgraduate students.
• Assisting in the administration of funding and research activities, including research monitoring and evaluation, finance, and HR with the supervision and support of the ACDI staff.

The annual cost of employment, including benefits is between R673 775 and R832 500.

For queries about the position, email Ruwani Walawege (ruwani.walawege@uct.ac.za).

To apply, please visit the UCT Jobs Site (click the apply button) to create a candidate profile and to submit your application.

Please complete/attach the following to your profile before submitting your application:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Motivational letter explaining fit to the position (not more than 2 pages)
• Statement of research interest and vision
• Three referee names which must include their title and name, position details, relationship to you, their e-mail address and telephone number.

An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and may be required to undergo competency and pre-placement-medical assessments. References may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process.          

Any enquiries around the application process to be addressed to Ms Natasha Khan recruitment06@uct.ac.za  or 021 650 3469

Closing date: 22 September 2024                                                             Website: https://acdi.uct.ac.za/

UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at https://uct.ac.za/media/9482.

UCT reserves the right not to appoint.