Postdoctoral Fellow – Ecology: Join the research team at the University of Cape Town for a postdoctoral position focused on advancing our understanding of plant hydraulic function in the Greater Cape Floristic Region. This NRF-funded project aims to assess sensitivity to drought in Cape Floristic Region shrubland biomes. Collaborate with experts in the field and contribute to studying the evolutionary ecophysiology of shrubs within the GCFR using plant ecophysiological methods and comparative phylogenetic approaches.
Designation: Postdoctoral Fellow
Research Area: Plant Hydraulic Function in the Greater Cape Floristic Region
Location: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Completed doctoral degree within the past five years
- Expertise in plant ecophysiological methods, including plant hydraulic measurements
- Interest in using comparative phylogenetic approaches to study plant physiology
- Strong research background in plant physiological ecology
Job Description:
As a Postdoctoral Fellow in this project, you will:
- Collaborate with a team on the NRF-funded project focused on drought sensitivity in Cape Floristic Region shrubland biomes
- Work in the lab of Prof. Adam West at the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town
- Collaborate with A/Prof Rob Skelton (WITS), Prof Res Altwegg (UCT), and Dr Justin van Blerk (UCT)
- Explore the evolutionary ecophysiology of shrubs within the GCFR
- Utilize plant ecophysiological methods and comparative phylogenetic approaches
- Have the flexibility to design your own research within the broader project
Conditions of Award:
- Fellowship available to individuals with a doctoral degree within the past five years
- Fellowship tenure: Two years (2024 – 2025)
- Fellowship value: R220,000 per annum
- Fellowship does not include benefits and is exempt from taxation
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should email the following documents to Prof Adam West (adam.west@uct.ac.za) by September 30, 2023:
- Letter of application
- CV, including list of publications, conference presentations, and methodological expertise
- Copies of academic transcripts
- Copy of relevant thesis (if no publications have emerged from this work yet)
- Names and contact details of two academics who have taught, supervised, or worked alongside the applicant
Selection Process:
- Eligible candidates will be selected by the project leaders’ team
- Incomplete, late, or inappropriate applications will be disqualified
- The University of Cape Town reserves the right to disqualify ineligible or incomplete applications, and to make no awards
For more information, contact Prof Adam West (adam.west@uct.ac.za) or A/Prof Rob Skelton (rob.skelton@wits.ac.za).
Contribute to cutting-edge research in plant physiological ecology, collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, and further your research career in a vibrant academic environment. Apply now and be a part of advancing our understanding of plant hydraulic function in the Greater Cape Floristic Region!
Join us 