SANBI, through its three herbaria, viz. the National Herbarium in Pretoria, KwaZulu-Natal Herbarium in Durban and Compton Herbarium in Cape Town, is the single biggest employer of Plant Taxonomists in the country. Activities at these herbaria are service and research orientated. We currently seek to appoint two Senior Plant Taxonomists at the Compton Herbarium, Cape Town. Their responsibilities will involve:
• original plant taxonomic research resulting in publications • curation and expansion of the herbarium collections • plant identifications • maintenance of the PRECIS database • mentoring • limited managerial functions. In addition, opportunities exist for systematic molecular research.
Applicants must be in possession of a PhD in Botany (Systematics) or a PhD thesis ready for submission in early 2009. This must be enhanced by at least 2 – 5 years’ relevant research experience. Candidates must display a keen interest in and enthusiasm for botany, coupled with experience in herbarium activities and in taxonomic research, as well as willingness to undertake fieldwork.
In addition, applicants must be equipped with well-developed computer skills, demonstrate a meticulous sense of accuracy and technical ability, and hold a valid Code B driver’s licence with one year’s practical driving experience. Excellent interpersonal relations, as well as a good spoken and written command of English and one other official language, are prerequisite.
Scientists within SANBI are encouraged to further develop their research skills, but also to share their expertise in an ongoing mentoring programme at the herbarium.
SANBI offers an annual salary of R174 243, supplemented by fringe benefits, which include attractive medical and pension schemes.
Please Note: 1) Applications must be accompanied by a letter motivating why the applicant should be favourably considered for the position and confirming that the minimum qualifications are met. 2) A competency test may be conducted as part of the selection process.
All applications will be considered with the understanding that, in terms of the SANBI Employment Equity Plan, preference will currently be given to candidates from the designated groups. Applications submitted by employment agencies will not be considered. SANBI reserves the right not to fill these positions. Candidates are expected to be available for
selection interviews on a date and time as determined by SANBI. If no response has been received within 21 days of the closing date, candidates may assume that their applications were unsuccessful. Contact Ms Glynnis Oosthuizen on 021 799 8635 or, preferably, forward a letter and concise CV to recruitmentct@sanbi.org or fax 021 762 3229. Postal applications are to be addressed to the Deputy Director: Human Resources, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X7, Claremont 7735
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