Fungus Gnats Online

The Natal Museum, one of the largest, leading national Heritage Institutions in South Africa, invites applications for

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Natal Museum scientists conduct research in various fields of natural sciences. The main responsibilities for this position are:

1. Implement a focussed programme of hypothesis-driven research, with emphasis on the unique resources housed in the Natal Museum: ideally insects (Diptera or Hemiptera), or other non-insect invertebrates such as arachnids, myriapods and earthworms. Register for higher postgraduate qualification where appropriate.
2. Augment the collections through fieldwork where appropriate.
3. Critically evaluate and interpret data, and prepare high quality manuscripts that meet the standards of the international scientific community.
4. Formulate targeted research projects and submit applications to external funding bodies. Report regularly and manage efficiently budgeting and expenditure.
5. Ensure efficient management and databasing of the collections, and provide guidance and scientific advice where necessary.
6. Provide junior research staff with advice and guidance i.r.o. collections management and research projects, facilitate and supervise their further training and post-graduate studies.
7. Interact with national and international research community, advise government departments, serve on scientific review and evaluation panels (e.g. NRF), contribute to professional societies.
8. Engage in collaborative research projects to enhance research capacity.
9. Advise on production of African Invertebrates, one of the Natal Museum scholarly journals.

REQUIREMENTS:
PhD degree in relevant field, or Masters degree with considerable experience, evidence of an active independent research programme, with at least five years research experience, publication record and curatorial experience. Experience and a proven record in attracting independent research funding. Broad discipline-based knowledge and understanding the role of museum research are essential, plus a high level of expertise in the relevant research field, both practical and intellectual. Excellent writing, presentation, communication and organizing skills. Valid drivers licence.

Salary: Negotiable at salary level 9 of Public Service Employees. [this will be ca. ZAR174,000-210,000 per annum gross depending on applicant's merits plus some benefits - MM, unpublished info]

All applications should be hand delivered at the Museum's Reception or posted to:

The Deputy Director: Natal Museum
Private Bag X 9070
Pietermaritzburg
3200

The closing date for the submission of applications is Friday, 17 October 2008 at 12:00. Late applications will not be accepted. Please send a covering letter stating the position you are applying for, a detailed resume with a list of references and certified copies of all qualifications and a copy of your identity document. Further enquiries regarding these positions can be obtained from the Deputy Director. If you have not heard from us by the 14 November 2008, consider your application to have been unsuccessful.

Email for further information: mmostovski@nmsa.org.za