Senior Researcher/Researcher - Palaeobotanist/Palynologist at University of the Witwatersrand

Position: The Evolutionary Studies Institute (ESI) invites suitably qualified and experienced applicants to apply for a permanent position of Researcher /Senior Researcher - Palaeobotanist/Palynologist in the ESI.  

Brief Description        
Requirements: 

• A PhD in Palaeobotany, Palynology, or a related specialization in Micropalaeontology, past environments, past climates, past vegetation to complement the existing research strengths of the Institute.
• The successful candidate will have an excellent research track record of peer-reviewed publications in accredited journals and conference presentations.  Evidence of independent research and ability to raise research funding is a requirement.
• Must have 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, both media and outreach, with the ability to collaborate across disciplines and support a vibrant academic community. 

Key responsibilities:  

• The incumbent is expected to establish an active and well-funded field-based research programme.
• Supervision of postgraduate students, as well as attracting new talented postgraduate students to the ESI.
• Make regular contributions to scientific meetings.
• Publish work in internationally accredited scientific journals. 
• The incumbent will be required to teach specialist courses at undergraduate and Honours levels in palaeobotany, palynology and related fields, and to lead appropriate field excursions. 
• Provide management oversight and technical support on the preparation and long-term curation of palaeobotanical collections.

Closing Date: 19th September, 2025