Job Description

SANBI is looking for two highly motivated individuals to improve the reproducibility and transparency of workflows used to generate maps, indices and products that underpin SANBI's assessment and reporting requirements. The increasing volume and complexity of data requires improved data science capacity in SANBI's teams that are responsible for summarising and presenting the state of biodiversity in changing climates and human use impacts. The successful candidates will strengthen data science applications within a multi-disciplinary team that generates the National Biodiversity Assessment (NBA) and reports on national and international biodiversity-related indicators. The successful candidates will have the unique opportunity to develop skills across marine, terrestrial and freshwater environment.

This position requires a Master's Degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, Biological or Environmental sciences or equivalent qualification with NQF 9. A postgraduate qualification or equivalent qualification at NQF 10 will be an added advantage. This position also requires 2 years' experience in relevant field.

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: moderate training in Ecology; demonstrated experience in the use of programming languages (preferably R); version control; databases and mapping with relevant GIS software is required; proficiency with MS Office; evidence of scientific writing skill; good command of spoken and written English; ability to synthesise data would be advantageous. The possession of a valid drivers' license with at least one-year practical driving experience.

Key Performance responsibilities include:

• Improving SANBI's knowledge generation and dissemination, by strengthening the quality of data and analyses with improved methods of data collation, cleaning, curation and well-documented workflows.
• Collaborate with SANBI staff and partners for effective collation and curation of internal and external data, on research and policy projects relating to ecosystem mapping, monitoring and assessment, and in support of small grant applications when needed.
• Support generation of the National Biodiversity Assessment and its underlying products and supporting scientific outputs, via strengthened data science workflows and participating in relevant ecosystem classification, mapping, assessment and biodiversity indicator-related forum/committees with external stakeholders.
• Strengthen SANBI's data science capacity by developing your own skills to improve ecosystem classification, mapping and assessment, automating workflows, as well as offering training opportunities and/or mentorship for interns and students.

Application procedure:

1) A portfolio of evidence - Scientist application form application form must accompany the CV together with a letter motivating why the applicant should be favourably considered for this position, and certified qualifications confirming that the minimum qualifications are met (applicants lacking evidence of meeting minimum qualifications and relevant experience will not be considered).

2) A competency test will be conducted as part of the selection process.

3) Applicants must also provide the full names, addresses and telephone numbers and if possible, e-mail addresses of at least three referees.

4) Failure to submit the requested information and reference number shall result in your application not being considered.

Personal Information will be processed by SANBI for purposes of assessing your suitability for the advertised position. SANBI may also share your personal information including special personal information with service providers or third parties, both within the Republic of South Africa and in other jurisdictions, to carry out verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, background and reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks. In this regard, by virtue of your application, you acknowledge that SANBI's authorized verification agent(s) and service providers will access your personal information including special personal information to conduct background screening, verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks. For more information, kindly refer to SANBI's website.

Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. SANBI reserves the right not to fill this position. All applications will be considered with the understanding that, in terms of the SANBI Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups.

Contact Mr Veli Ngobese on Tel: +27 (0)21 799 8636/8800 for any queries for purposes of clarity. Applications consisting of the completed application form, motivation letter, a concise CV, and certified qualifications are to be submitted via an e-mail to

Postal applications must be addressed to:

Deputy Director: Human Resources
South African National Biodiversity Institute
Private Bag X7
Claremont
7735

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 30 days of the closing date, candidates must consider their applications unsuccessful.

Closes: Friday, 16 February 2024
Job type: Fixed-term contract, ending 30 November 2024
Salary: Salary commensurate with a range of inputs and outputs
Location: Cape Town

ABOUT SANBI

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) contributes to South Africa's sustainable development by facilitating access to biodiversity data, generating information and knowledge, building capacity, providing policy advice, showcasing and conserving biodiversity in its national botanical and zoological gardens.

SANBI