Doctoral Studentship (Earth Systems Science: Ocean and Climate) at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the Job:

The CSIR annually offers Studentship opportunities through the Southern Ocean Carbon-Climate Observatory (SOCCO), an interdisciplinary programme hosted by Smart Places. These opportunities are in a range of disciplines that address the research needs of earth systems science with a focus on the oceans, which includes research in oceanography, physics, marine biology, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, computer science, and engineering. Interns need to perform over the internship period in order to  qualify for the Masters or doctoral studentship programme, apply for an NRF bursary and gain admission to a university.  These opportunities will be based in Cape Town.

Focus area:

Ocean Biogeochemistry: The impact of microbes on carbon export:  What is the role of particle content, sinking rates and microbial composition and activity in dictating carbon export and transfer efficiency from the surface oceans to the interior.          

Key responsibilities:

• Preparing a research proposal to be approved by both the CSIR and the university;
• Preparing a written literature overview of the current state-of-the-art relevant to the research topic;
• Performing original research to solve the open research problem that the student identified in his/her proposal;
• Producing sufficient quantity and quality of peer-reviewed publications based on this research topic;
• Compiling the doctoral thesis and defending the work (if applicable) successfully;
• Contribute to extra activities that may be outside the scope of the master’s research as per the needs of the research group. The amount of such work shall be limited to 20% of the total time.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• An Masters degree in biogeochemistry, microbiology, oceanography, marine biology or other transferable/relatable degrees;
• Basic  coding experience (e.g. Matlab / Python) will be advantageous; 
• Willingness to spend multiple weeks on research vessel performing independent field work in the Southern Ocean 
• Effective communication skills (oral, written and presentation);
• Be independent and able to work under pressure.

Applicants must attach the following documents:

• Copies of academic results (including the latest academic results or transcript);
• Copies of tertiary qualifications and ID;
• CV (highlighting relevant skills and experience) and cover letter (explaining why this internship and associated scholarship programme is of interest)

Closing date: 04 October 2023