Research Assistant: Biodiversity Projects at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
At the SAEON’s Egagasini Node for Marine Offshore Systems, based in Cape Town, we are building one of the world’s leading long-term ocean observing and modelling networks. Our mission is clear: to detect, predict, and respond to global change so that we can create a sustainable ocean future for all.

Key Responsibilities:

• Process existing seafloor imagery following a Darwin Core data protocol
• Processing of project data into high-level indicators as requested e
• g
• summary data per station/project/year
• Develop and implement a relevant progress tracking data management protocol for image data
• Prepare data and metadata for publishing with SAEON Data portal and/or update data on existing platforms
• Assist in at-sea survey preparations and potential/optional participation in surveys
• Production of popular articles/short communications related to the relevant projects engaged in
• Developing suitable science communication / outreach content from the projects

Minimum Qualification:

• Honours Degree / Post Graduate Qualification / Professional Qualification / NQF 8

Minimum Experience:

• 1-2 years

• Master of Science degree in natural sciences (e
• g
• , biology, marine biology), or BSc Honours in natural science with 1 year work experience

Experience:

• Proven experience in conducting marine research, analysing and interpreting data
• Proven experience in ability to work with large datasets
• Proven experience working with marine invertebrate Experience in benthic ecology will be advantageous
• Proven work experience and an interest in ocean science will be advantageous
• Proven experience in conducting marine research, analysing and interpreting data
• Proven experience in ability to work with large datasets
• Proven experience working with marine invertebrate

Knowledge:

• Demonstrable knowledge of broad marine taxonomy classification is required
• A demonstrable understanding of ecosystem classification, assessments and mapping

Additional Notes:
Why join us?Be part of a nationally and internationally recognised ocean observing [URL Removed] to research that supports evidence-based policy for ocean [URL Removed] hands-on exposure to marine science and the possibility to join field [URL Removed] in a collaborative, supportive environment that values growth, innovation, and [URL Removed] you’re curious about the ocean, eager to learn, and want your work to matter—not only in South Africa but across the globe—this role is for [URL Removed] NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and apply online through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant·s suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.

Desired Skills:

• Skilled in applied field of position
• Knowledge to be relevant
• Responsible in performing duties

About The Employer:

The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities. The South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) is a research platform funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and managed by the National Research Foundation (NRF) since 2002. SAEON is mandated to observe and research ecosystems on land, in coastal regions and the oceans to understand how those systems function and might change over time and space when influenced by socio-economic driving forces including climate change. We deliver our data online and offer tools, services and advice for informed environmental policy-making.