Senior Researcher/Researcher - Palaeobotanist/Palynologist

Job Description

The Evolutionary Studies Institute at the University of the Witwatersrand is seeking a Senior Researcher or Researcher specializing in Palaeobotany or Palynology. The role involves establishing an active field-based research program, supervising postgraduate students, teaching specialist courses, and managing palaeobotanical collections.

Requirements

• PhD in Palaeobotany, Palynology, or a related specialization in Micropalaeontology, past environments, past climates, or past vegetation
• Excellent research track record of peer-reviewed publications in accredited journals
• Evidence of conference presentations
• Evidence of independent research
• Ability to raise research funding
• Established collaborations and research projects, both local and international
• Teaching experience in palaeobotany, palynology, or palaeoenvironments
• Demonstrated ability to train and supervise postgraduate students
• Ability to conduct successful fieldwork- and laboratory-based research campaigns
• Excellent communication skills for media and outreach
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines
• Ability to support a vibrant academic community

Responsibilities

• Establish an active and well-funded field-based research program
• Supervise postgraduate students
• Attract new talented postgraduate students to the Evolutionary Studies Institute
• Make regular contributions to scientific meetings
• Publish work in internationally accredited scientific journals
• Teach specialist courses at undergraduate and Honours levels in palaeobotany, palynology, and related fields
• Lead appropriate field excursions
• Provide management oversight and technical support for the preparation and long-term curation of palaeobotanical collections