The Global Change and Sustainability Research Institute (GCSRI) at the University of the Witwatersrand invite applications for the following opportunities:

A. Within the broad fields of

  • Water Management,
  • Innovation and energy transitions,
  • Sustainable urbanisation and
  • Healthy and productive ecosystems;

the following positions are available with funding received from the Carnegie Corporation of New York:

  • Bursaries for full-time doctoral study: R150 000 per year, for a maximum of three years, with R20 000 per year running cost.
  • Postdoctoral fellowships: R200 000 per year, for one year, renewable for a second year, with a relocation and medical aid allowance
  • Research fellowships: R340 000 per year, renewable for a second year. Research fellows are expected to contribute to the full spectrum of the Institute’s activities, including, but not limited to, fund raising, teaching, supervision, research and community engagement.

B. Within the broad field of food security, the following positions are available with funding received from the Open Society Foundation:

  • Bursaries for full-time masters’ by dissertation study: R75 000 per year, for a maximum of two years, with R20 000 per year running cost.
  • Bursaries for full-time doctoral study: R120 000 per year, for a maximum of three years, with R30 000 per year running cost.
  • Postdoctoral fellowships: R215 000 per year, for one year.

 

Applications will be evaluated on a competitive basis using the following criteria:

1. Academic excellence. A proven publication record and/or peer recognition of achievements would be considered as supporting evidence.

2. Novelty. The research project should clearly demonstrate novelty in its approach to research in the above-mentioned fields. Envisaged outputs should be appropriate for publication in high-impact international journals, and/or other similar high profile, visible outputs.

3. Interdisciplinarity. Applicants have to show that they understand the interdisciplinary nature of the global change challenge, and that they have access to, or will develop, appropriate support networks for this type of research.

 

Only electronic applications will be accepted and it should be sent to ashwini.jadhav@wits.ac.za.

If you need more information, please contact barend.erasmus@wits.ac.za.

 

A complete application consists of:

1. A complete CV with names and contact details of at least two referees.

2. Confirmation from a full-time Wits academic to support the postdoc/research fellow/postgraduate student with supervision, funding and infrastructure as appropriate.

3. A concept note (maximum 5 pages) on the proposed research, containing a rationale, aims & objectives, methods, outcomes and key references. This concept note should address the criteria above, and specify the research area.

 

The deadline for applications is the 7 February 2014. Preference will be given to South African nationals. Applicants for the Carnegie Corporation awards should have in interest in pursuing an academic career. Wits retains the right to not make an award.