Research Assistant: Coastal Carbon at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
The SAEON Elwandle Coastal Node is based in Port Elizabeth at the Ocean Sciences Campus of the Nelson Mandela University. The Elwandle Coastal Node is mandated to undertake long-term monitoring and research on South Africa’s coastal zone. The node comprises a dynamic team of driven individuals who have a passion for the sustainable utilization of our coastal resources.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with the establishment of an in-situ network of coastal carbon sites along the west, south and east coast of South Africa
• Assist with developing protocols and standards for the collection of coastal carbon samples and data
• Assist with the collection of carbon samples from estuaries, salt marshes, mangroves, phytoplankton and the coastal ocean
• Assist with the analyses of carbon samples in the Blue Carbon Laboratory on the Ocean Sciences Campus
• Providing assistance with record keeping, data capturing and data processing
• Assist with the development and maintenance of the SAEON Blue Carbon database and website

Minimum Qualification:

• Masters Degree / NQF 9

Minimum Experience:

• 0-1 years

• • Completed MSc degree in Marine Science, Chemistry or equivalent

Experience:

• Practical exposure during the undergraduate phaseParticipating in sampling activities during undergraduate phaseLaboratory exposureExperience in preparation and laboratory analyses of sediment, water and/or vegetation samples
• Experience in data analysis, reporting and the publication of scientific and popular articles
• Sea-going experience on small boats

Knowledge:

• Basic understanding of marine sampling techniques, field and laboratory sample handling methodologies and shallow marine research
• Basic understanding of carbonate chemistryScientific methodWorking knowledge of carbonate chemistry would be advantageous

Additional Notes:
A valid code B driver’s [URL Removed] to learn new analytical skills in the [URL Removed] written and spoken English communication [URL Removed] to [URL Removed] to work both independently in a reliable manner and co-operatively as part of a larger [URL Removed] to travel to remote [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 (sample collection and processing) and in the [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 conducts long term observation and research in ecosystems on land, the coast and the oceans to understand how those systems function and are changing in time and space through human influences and climate change. We deliver information to our informed policy-making towards a sustainable society.