Overview

The Kalahari Research Centre (KRC) organised by Prof. Marta Manser (University of Zurich) and Prof. Tim Clutton-Brock (University of Cambridge) is seeking to appoint a resident research manager in January 2020 to replace Dr David Gaynor. The Centre (which is around 30km from Van Zyl’s Rus in the Northern Cape) is the base for long-term, individual-based studies of mammals and birds  involving research teams from several universities in the UK, Switzerland, Germany, Australia, USA and South Africa. Research projects at the Centre investigate a wide range of ecological, evolutionary and behavioural topics using detailed records of the life histories of recognisable individuals combined with non-invasive experiments (see link below). Facilities at the Centre include the ownership of a 3,200ha reserve, a substantial facility maintaining captive breeding colonies of mole-rats, a small  molecular laboratory, extensive computing facilities, multiple 4X4 vehicles and accommodation for 40+ staff, scientists and interns. Existing staff include a logistics manager and managers of the mole-rat facility and the meerkat field programme. There are commonly around forty people working on site.

The Research Director/Manager’s role is to contribute, facilitate, co-ordinate and help to direct research on meerkats, mole rats and ground squirrels at the Centre. Together with the Principal Investigators of the different projects, the Research Director/Manager plays an active role in directing and organising data collection for these three projects and co-ordinates research between different senior PI’s  working on the same or different  species. In addition, he/she ensures all research  based at the Centre conforms to South African regulatory frameworks (ethics permits, research permits, etc) and produces the necessary reports.

Applicants should have a PhD, experience in conducting fieldwork and an understanding of data handling systems and techniques. They will need to be able to assist with the development of data collection protocols, research databases and automatic monitoring systems. They should have experience in managing fieldwork and in organising research teams and be fluent in English and ideally in Afrikaans, too. This is a full-time position within a salary range of R25-37,500/month after deductions. Appointment will be for one year initially, though funds are in place to support the post for at least five years. The manager would have to live on site at the Kuruman River Reserve and a house will be provided. Normal South African employment conditions apply. Preference will be given to South African citizens and individuals with an existing South African work permit.

CVs and names of two referees to be sent to Dr D Gaynor at dgaynor@iafrica.com as soon as possible or by 5 January 2020. Candidates will be shortlisted and interviewed on-site 15-20 January.

Details of the KRC and the work conducted there can be found at https://kalahari-meerkats.com/kmp/ and https://portal.kalahariresearch.org/general-reserve-information/