Marine Biology Assistant at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
The incumbent will make a significant contribution to ongoing research by assisting with preparation of and participating in routine field sampling and laboratory-based sample analyses, preparation and handling. Additionally, the incumbent will be tasked to participate in the analysis and curation of stored samples as well as developing reference sample collections and libraries. Furthermore, the incumbent will assist with the analysis of videos and still images collected using stereo Baited Remote Underwater Video and Jump Camera Systems (sBRUVs and JCs), the identification and counting of benthic biota and fish, the developing of species information sheets and user guides.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide technical, field and laboratory support to the Node’s marine biological research activities
• Assist with estuarine, coastal and marine field sampling
• Assist with the preparation of biological material and specimens for laboratory analysis
• Assist with the analysis of biological samples
• Assist with the analysis and processing of collected stereo Baited Remote Underwater Video and Jump Camera Systems imagery
• Assist with record keeping, data capturing, cleaning and processing
• Assist with the development of identification keys and information guides

Minimum Qualification:

• Bachelors Degree / Advanced Diploma / NQF 7

Minimum Experience:

• 0-3 years

• BTech, BSc degree in Marine Sciences or equivalent
• A valid code B driver’s license

Experience:

• Sea-going and work experience on small boats
• Experience in preparation and laboratory analyses of marine biological material
• Experience in data analysis, reporting and the publication of scientific and popular articles

Knowledge:

• Demonstrable working knowledge of compound and stereo-zoom microscopes would be advantageous

Additional Notes:
Willingness to learn new analytical skills in the [URL Removed] to work both independently in a reliable manner and co-operatively as part of a larger [URL Removed] to travel to remote locations and work over [URL Removed] appointed person would be required to: bend, stoop, reach or stand for extended periods as well as be able to lift and move heavy [URL Removed] appointed person should be comfortable on boats (able to participate in sample collection and processing) and in the water (swimming and snorkelling).Shortlisted candidates may be subjected to a practical assessment where their technical skills and aptitude will be tested as part of the selection [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.