http://193.191.134.28/expert/88020

ORCID : 0000-0002-9885-5730

MSc Environmental Science

ECOP (Early Career Ocean Professional)

Biological Oceanography, Marine Ecology
eDNA

Key Performance Areas (KPAs): 1. Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Research Projects. • Contribute to the design, coordination, and execution of applied marine biodiversity research focusing on coastal and marine ecosystems. • Undertake systematic biodiversity assessments, including the identification and documentation of rare and threatened marine taxa, community interactions, and habitat condition indices. • Conduct comprehensive literature reviews, data collation, and synthesis of peer-reviewed scientific information to inform ongoing and future research programmes. • Support the development of research proposals, ethics submissions, and funding applications in alignment with institutional, ethical and methodological standards. • Apply standardised research protocols and maintain full traceability of data and samples to ensure scientific defensibility and reproducibility. 2. Fieldwork and Sampling Campaigns. • Plan, coordinate, and implement marine and coastal field expeditions, ensuring accurate and standardised collection of biological, physical, and environmental data. • Operate and maintain specialised field equipment in compliance with institutional safety protocols and environmental regulations. • Ensure sample integrity through proper handling, storage, and metadata documentation in accordance with data management principles. • Record in situ observations, conduct reef transects, benthic surveys, and oceanographic measurements, and ensure quality assurance of all field datasets. • Adhere to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and scientific field work safety requirements during all field operations. 3. Data Analysis, Interpretation, and Reporting. • Process, curate, and analyse ecological, spatial, and temporal datasets using statistical and computational tools (e.g., R, Python, PRIMER, QGIS/ArcGIS). • Integrate multidisciplinary datasets to assess ecosystem trends, resilience, and drivers of biodiversity change. • Generate data visualisations, summary statistics, and interpretive analyses suitable for technical reports and publications. • Contribute to the preparation of scientific and technical reports, management plans, and national biodiversity assessments. • Maintain data integrity through adherence to FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles. 4. Laboratory and Technical Support. • Conduct laboratory analyses of marine and benthic samples (e.g., water chemistry, planktonic composition, coral physiology, genetic assays) following standard operating procedures (SOPs). • Ensure laboratory quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) through calibration, method validation, and proper documentation of analytical processes. • Maintain a comprehensive inventory and maintenance log for analytical and research instruments. • Provide technical assistance and training to postgraduate researchers and interns on laboratory methodologies, instrumentation, and data handling procedures. • Contribute to the development and refinement of new analytical methods and protocols relevant to marine ecological research. 5. Academic Writing and Knowledge Dissemination. • Draft, edit, and contribute to peer-reviewed manuscripts, technical reports, and institutional research outputs. • Prepare and deliver scientific posters, presentations, and conference papers at national and international platforms. • Assist in translating complex research findings into policy-relevant and management-oriented recommendations for marine biodiversity conservation. • Support the popular dissemination of science through outreach materials, newsletters, and digital content that promote public awareness of marine ecosystem health. • Ensure ethical authorship practices and proper acknowledgment of collaborative contributions in all outputs. 6. Collaboration and Capacity Development. • Engage in multidisciplinary collaborations with supervisors, postgraduate students, and partner institutions to advance marine ecological research goals. • Contribute to the training, mentoring, and supervision of undergraduate students, interns, and earlycareer researchers. • Participate actively in departmental seminars, research colloquia, and professional workshops, contributing to knowledge exchange and capacity building. • Uphold professional conduct standards, including scientific integrity, transparency, and environmental responsibility in all research activities. • Demonstrate continuous professional development (CPD) through participation in technical training, certifications, and professional societies relevant to oceanography and marine ecology.

Indian Ocean
Southern Ocean

Technical Skills: • Marine Ecosystem Monitoring & Management. • Environmental Data Systems (Esri ArcGIS, QGIS, MARXAN, SeaSketch, AfrOBIS, SeaDataNet, SAAQIS). • Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), Execution & Monitoring. • Data Aggregation & Analysis (Excel, SPSS, R, Python). • Technical Research & Reporting. • Ecosystem Assessment & Impact Profiling. • Marine Protected Area (MPA) Design & Management. • Project Coordination & Implementation. • Development of Socio‑economic Impact Assessments (SEIAS) & Management Plans. • Marine Environmental Policy Development & Advocacy. • Valid code C1 (Code 10) driver’s license. Professional Skills: • Ocean Governance & Stakeholder Collaboration. • Cross-cultural Communication & Facilitation. • Stakeholder Mapping & Engagement. • Community Outreach & Capacity‑building. • Leadership & Conflict Management. • Marine Biodiversity Sector Intelligence. • Systematic & Organisational Acumen. • Strong Analytical Writing, Policy Drafting & Presentation Skills. • Team Player with Exceptional Cognitive Control.

English

Other

https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default

Thank you for this great opportunity.