Three SANBI Invasive Wasp Bursaries

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is offering three bursaries, 2x MSc and 1 x Post Doc, to conduct research on various aspects of the invasive biology and status of the European Wasp (Vespula germanica) and European Paper Wasp (Polistes dominulus) in South Africa to inform management actions for these species.

The Invasive Wasps Project is funded by the Department of Environmental Affairs’ Environmental Programmes Division through SANBI’s Invasive Species Programme.

Requirements:

Candidates must be South African citizens, in possession of a drivers licence and able to drive to field sites, prepared to work with hazardous insects, able to work in a team, have a strong academic record, and interested in doing applied research on risks to biodiversity. Background in entomology or pest control is an advantage, but not essential. All applications will be considered with the understanding that preference will be given to suitable candidates from the designated groups.

Bursary Values (to cover living expenses and university fees):

• Masters: R105 000.00 p/a for 2 years; and
• Post Doctoral: R180 000.00 p/a for 1 year.

Projects offered:

Project running expenses will be covered separately and the candidate will be based and registered as per the academic supervisors listed in the various projects below:

• MSc 3: Influence of landscape type on the abundance of Vespula germanica and Polistes dominulus, and possible disruption of pollination systems in fynbos. Supervised by Prof Mike Picker Dr Jonathan Colville, and Dr Ruan Veldtman; based at the Department of Zoology, University of Cape Town.

• MSc 4: Field ecology of the invasive wasps, Vespula germanica and Polistes dominulus, and the influence of climatic conditions. Supervised by Dr Ruan Veldtman, Mr Matthew Addison and Dr John Terblanche; based at the Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University.

• Post Doc: Genetics of Vespula germanica and Polistes dominulus in South Africa: understanding pathways of invasion and possible multiple introductions. Supervised by Drs Ruan Veldtman and Francois Roets; based at the Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University.

Application procedure:

Each application is to be accompanied by a standard bursary application cover sheet that you can access, here. MSc candidates please indicate the specific project that you are applying for in your letter of interest.

Send all documents to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with “Invasive Wasp bursaries” in the subject line.

Please note that if you applied for one of the MSc posts earlier in 2012 when they were first advertised, please REAPPLY. Any previous applications will not be considered unless candidates reapply.

Applications close 31 October 2012 and successful candidates will be notified by 12 November 2012

Enquiries: Dr Ferozah Conrad at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .