Postdoctoral Fellowship  
Afromontane Research Unit, University of the Free State: Qwaqwa Campus

Alpine Pollination and Plant Reproductive Ecology in the Maloti-Drakensberg and Other Southern African Afromontane Environments

The Afromontane Research Unit (ARU) is a strategic research hub at the University of the Free State (UFS), and the flagship research group of the Qwaqwa Campus (UFS-QQ). The vision of the ARU is to become ‘a continental leader in African mountain research, with an immediate focus on the sustainable development of the Maloti-Drakensberg’.

The ARU is seeking a self-led, physically fit, postdoctoral fellow to join the Plant Reproductive Ecology research team.

The fellow will be actively involved in the following projects:

• Alpine and montane pollination studies in the Maloti-Drakensberg as part of an EU Horizon 2020 (Biodiversa) project, ‘RangeX’ – a global collaboration with the Mountain Invasion Research Network (MIREN).
  
  
• Co-supervision and support of postgraduate students working on the reproductive ecology of native and invasive species in the Eastern Free State.

• Contribute to projects focusing on pollination systems in Southern African mountains (notably the Cape Fold Mountains and the eastern Great Escarpment).

• Contribute to funding proposal applications.
  

In addition to the above, the fellow will also have the opportunity to be exposed to and contribute to the wide range of world-class mountain-related activities being driven by the ARU.


Fellowship details

• One year with the option of renewing for a second year, depending on performance.

• The fellowship is valued at ZAR220 000 for one year (12 months), with R30 000 for running costs.

Eligibility criteria

• A PhD degree in a relevant background discipline (e.g., ecology, evolutionary biology, entomology, zoology, or motivated other).

• Applicants must have obtained their doctoral degrees within the past five (5) years or be able to show proof of pending graduation in 2021.

• Comfortable and competent in remote and rugged mountain field sites, including at elevations >3 000m.

• Applications from South African and international candidates are welcomed.

• Candidates may not hold full-time salaried employment during the tenure of the award.

• Valid passport (as this is a transboundary area) and valid driver’s licence.

• Proficiency in English, both verbal and written.

• The following intellectual/experiential background will be an advantage:
  

a.     Basic taxonomic knowledge and experience with herbarium specimens.

b.     A background in evolutionary biology, pollination, and/or dispersal ecology.

c.     Excellent data analysis and writing skills.

Application requirements

• Motivation letter (one page).

• Full curriculum vitae (CV) (including a list of academic outputs to date).

• Full transcripts of academic record.

• Copy of degree certificates.

• Copy of South African identity document or passport (international candidates).

• Signed letters of recommendation from three academic references.
  
  

Short-listed candidates will be interviewed by telephone/MS Teams. Applicants who have not received a response to their application by 30 September 2021 can accept that they were not successful. The UFS reserves the right to re-advertise for this post if a suitable candidate is not found.

Extended Application Deadline: 31st August 2021

Contact person:

Dr Sandy-Lynn Steenhuisen
Department of Plant Sciences and the Afromontane Research Unit
University of the Free State: Qwaqwa Campus
Private Bag X13, Phuthaditjhaba, 9866, South Africa
E: steenhuisens@ufs.ac.za

View the PDF advert with logos of key role players.