African Climate & Development Initiative (ACDI) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Climate and Development 2021/2022

Applications are open for the African Climate & Development Initiative (ACDI) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Climate and Development 2021/2022. The African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI) is seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PDRF) funded through the Carnegie Developing Emerging Academic Leaders (DEAL) program.

The DEAL program aims to embed early career researchers within accredited research groupings at the University of Cape Town to support their development as the next generation of African researcher leaders.

The post-doctoral research fellowship is aimed at enabling a recently graduated PhD researcher to develop their own independent research within one of ACDI priority thematic areas, under the guidance of senior academic and research staff within the ACDI network.

Research Areas

ACDI is seeking candidates who propose an innovative initial two-year research program in one of the following priority areas:

1. Nature based solutions for climate change
2. Economics and financing of climate adaptation
3. Governance of interacting climate and other societal crises
4. Synergies in poverty, inequality and climate action
5. Modelling and assessment of climate risk in Africa

Fellowship

• The value of the fellowship is R300,000 per year, payable as a tax-free stipend.
• The fellowship is valid for two years, with continuation into a second year conditional on achievement of agreed outputs.

Eligibility

The Carnegie Developing Emerging Academic Leaders (DEAL) programme has a focus on African early career researchers, so we particularly encourage applications from citizens from South Africa and other African countries.

Required

• Applicant should have a PhD, awarded within the previous four years, within the field of social science or natural science relevant to the research theme the candidate wishes to work within.
• A strong publication record, given the applicant’s career stage.
• Desire and ability to work in an interdisciplinary research team setting.
• Excellent organizational capability and ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Desirable

• Experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder processes.
• Experience in translation of research into knowledge for policy and practice.

NOTE

Candidates are strongly encouraged to discuss potential research areas with potential ACI mentors in advance of submitting their application, as follows:

1. Nature based solutions for climate change: Professor Sheona Shackleton (sheona.shackleton@uct.ac.za)
2. Economics and financing of climate adaptation: Professor Mark New (mark.new@uct.ac.za)
3. Governance of climate and non-climate risks: Professor Gina Ziervogel (gina.ziervogel@uct.ac.za)
4. Synergies in poverty, inequality and climate action: Dr Britta Rennkamp (britta.rennkamp@uct.ac.za), Dr. Jiska de Groot (jiska.degroot@uct.ac.za), Dr. Nadine Methner (nadine.methner@uct.ac.za)
5. Modelling and assessment of climate risk in Africa: Professor Mark New (mark.new@uct.ac.za) and Christopher Trisos (christopher.trisos@uct.ac.za)

 

Application

Applicants should submit, combined into a single PDF the following:

• An application letter that includes a short description of their expertise and research interests, and how these relate to the position;
• A CV, including a publication list;
• Copies of academic transcripts and/or certificates;
• Email addresses of at least two references who have been directly involved in their PhD and/or previous postdoctoral research.

Application documents should be sent to Ms Adiela Floris at Adiela.Floris@uct.ac.za.

For more information, visit ACDI.