The Coastal and Ocean Sciences Team (COST) at the NRF-South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity in Makhanda is seeking a PhD candidate to join the research team and work on a project investigating the Potential of mussel beds as blue carbon habitats: Climate change mitigation.
Overview of the Research Project: The detrimental effects of climatic changes are increasingly attributed to human activity, as global warming reaches unprecedented levels alongside a persistent increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Rapid and excessive carbon emissions into the atmosphere pose threats to the (marine) environment, with implications for our economies and well-being. Blue carbon research has emerged as a promising nature-based solution to alleviate this global crisis, aiming at reducing the greenhouse gases, mitigating climate change and increasing ecosystem resilience. This research project aims to evaluate the role of mussels in storing blue carbon. Given the multiple approaches involved in this research, the prospective candidate should possess skills and interests in marine biogeochemistry, trophic food webs, ecophysiology, GIS and restoration ecology.
Application criteria:
The candidate should hold an MSc degree with a minimum average of 65%. The candidate should demonstrate excellent computational, written and oral communication, and soft skills. Evidence of at least one first-author publication is advantageous. The successful candidate must be capable of working both independently and collaboratively. Applicants should be ready for extensive sampling work; therefore, a driving license and driving experience are essential.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should email their application to Professor Porri (f.porri@saiab.nrf.ac.za). Applications should include a cover letter with a statement of research interests, CV, a copy of transcripts,
and the contacts of two referees.
Application Deadline: 7th of June 2024 15:00 GMT
The successful candidate will be invited to develop a proposal with the assistance of the mentor and submit an online application to the DSI-NRF Postgraduate Student Funding call for the 2025 Academic Year (https://www.nrf.ac.za/nrf-call-for-proposals-for-funding-in-2024-and-2025/). Subject to the success of the Postgraduate NRF application, the selected candidate will join the COST under the primary supervision of Prof. Porri and will work in a stimulating and inclusive environment at the NRF-SAIAB, while being enrolled at Rhodes University.
