OKAVANGO RESEARCH INSTITUTE (MAUN)
VACANCY NO: IRC 2065
Applications are invited for the position Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the Okavango Research Institute (ORI). The Institute is based in Maun, in north-western Botswana, and specializes in natural resources management, sustainable natural resource use and conservation in the iconic Okavango Delta and the Kgalagadi (Kalahari) region.
Job Description: The Post-Doctoral Research Fellow (PDRF) will assist their academic advisor with research duties through data analysis and publications and by supporting post-graduate students, including assisting with teaching courses and workshops. The primary focus of the research undertaken by the PDRF will be large herbivore ecology, with some support possibly needed for studies on other mammalian wildlife. The PDRF will have access to new and existing datasets from multiple species through the academic advisor and through collaborative initiatives, such as AfriMove, that can be used for analysis and publication. Data will consist primarily of GPS locations and accelerometer data, with some potential to access physiological data from implants or acoustic data.
Duties: The successful candidate will be expected to (i) develop a comprehensive program of work based on planned and existing data to be approved by the academic advisor, (ii) communicate effectively with their academic advisor and associated post-graduate students, (iii) publish research findings in reputable scientific journals and disseminate them widely through conferences and public outreach, (iv) participate in grant writing, and (v) carry out other reasonable requests from the academic advisor.
Requirements: Applicants should have (i) a PhD in Wildlife Ecology, Movement Ecology, Quantitative Ecology or a related field, (ii) a proven track record of publications in reputable peer-reviewed journals, with a minimum of three publications, (iii) experience with fieldwork, data analysis and teaching, (iv) demonstrable skills with analysis software, including R and ArcGIS Pro, or similar software (assessable through scripts), and (v) excellent time management and interpersonal skills.
Remuneration: The PDRF will be offered a regionally competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
How to apply: The PDRF candidate will submit a cover letter, transcript and CV with contact details for three referees. Short-listed candidates will be invited for interview, where detailed information will be shared on active projects and data so that candidates can develop a concept note highlighting their proposed study focus. The PDRF will be appointed for two years, with renewal subject to performance and funding availability.
How to Apply: Letters of applications are to address the qualifications outlined in the advertisement and provide any other information to assist the university to determine the applicant’s suitability for the position. The applicant should quote the vacancy number of the post applied for; provide current CVs (including telephone, telex and telefax number and e-mail where possible), certified true copies of educational certificates, transcripts and three references, including names and addresses of referees. Applicants should inform their referees to (i) quote the Vacancy Number(s) and Position(s) applied for and (ii) submit their references directly to the below address.
Applicants should send their application to: Human Resources Officer, Okavango Research Institute, Private Bag 285 Maun, Botswana. Tel.: +2676817228; Fax.: +2676861835: E-mail: ori_recruitment@ub.ac.bw/ basiangy@ub.ac.bw . Hand delivered applications should be submitted to the HR Office, Admin Porta cabin.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Closing Date: 6 February 2025