ACEP Bursaries South Africa 2019 – 2020

About ACEP

African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme (ACEP) was founded in 2000, when a living population of coelacanths was found off Sodwana Bay. ACEP, as initiated by the Department of Science | Technology (DST), is now a multi-disciplinary east coast research programme. It is primarily funded by the DST and uses research equipment and platforms from numerous research agencies. ACEP is managed by the National Research Foundation through NRF-SAIAB, which is one of its National Facilities.

ACEP strives to ensure sustainable development that benefits South African citizens through in-depth knowledge of the country’s east coast marine and coastal environment and its resources.

ACEP Bursaries

ACEP offers the following bursaries:

1. ACEP Canyon Connections MSc Project

ACEP’s Canyon Connections project, in partnership with the WILDOCEANS Ocean Stewards Initiative is offering a Masters level bursary for two years. The project is looking for quantitative, self-motivated and dedicated learners with a strong background in Physical Oceanography to utilize the oceanographic data collected through this project. Applicants should also be able to apply physical oceanographic information to back up the marine biodiversity and ecological results of the Canyon Connections project.

Recipients of this bursary will have a potential opportunity on the Angra Pequena research yacht in May of 2018 and 2019 which involves deployment of deep moorings to collect oceanographic and temperature data. This is subject to space availability.

The bursary value is R 80 000 a year from the NRF and additional R 10 000 topup from Wildlands, both for 2 years.

1. Phd Position To Study Marine Fish Ecophysiology

ACEP is seeking a highly-motivated South African applicant to apply for the programme’s multidisciplinary South African Linefish Physiology Assessment (SALPA) project team. The project aims to understand the results of exploitation on the physiology of resident coastal fishes. This will include full-time study for three years, funded by an NRF PhD bursary with a value of R120 000 per year. The successful applicant will be based in Grahamstown at Rhodes University (RU).

Bursary Requirements and Eligibility

ACEP Canyon Connections MSc Project

BSc (Hons) in Marine Science
Interest in oceanography and marine biodiversity conservation
Previous experience with sea-going activities is preferred
Willing to spend extended periods of time at sea
Proof of writing skills
Willing to be enrolled at UCT
Compliance to assist with the next Ocean Stewards cohort within reasonable amounts of time and attend the annual events

Phd Position To Study Marine Fish Ecophysiology

Holder of MSc degree or recently have completed their MSc (before graduation) in a biological discipline
Have good written/spoken (English) communication skills
Preferably have an understanding of the coastal marine environment and knowledge of coastal fishes
Proven experience in experimental design and statistical analyses
Skills in fish husbandry, physiology research and clearing and staining will be given preference
Willingness to go out to sea on a coastal research vessel
Have a valid driver’s license

How to Apply and Application Details

ACEP Canyon Connections MSc Project

Submit the following to apply for the project:

CV
Full academic record with honours project brief
One-page reasoned article explaining the issues, challenges and potential solutions about a current marine conservation topic
Reference letter
Letter of motivation (please address the eligibilities listed above in your letter)

Only applications submitted via electronic method will be accepted.

Send your applications to NikkiC@wildlands.co.za

Phd Position To Study Marine Fish Ecophysiology

Please contact Warren Potts at w.potts@ru.ac.za or Nicola James at n.james@saiab.ac.za, for more information about the project.

Send the following documents to apply:

Motivation letter outlining your specific interest and/or experience in fish physiology/ecology
CV (including names and contacts of two references)
Official transcripts of academic records

Opening | Closing Date

ACEP Canyon Connections MSc Project: 27 February

Phd Position To Study Marine Fish Ecophysiology: 15th March

Contact Details

ACEP Canyon Connections MSc Project

tammy@saeon.ac.za

Phd Position To Study Marine Fish Ecophysiology

Warren Potts: w.potts@ru.ac.za

Nicola James: n.james@saiab.ac.za