Senior Researcher / Researcher – Palaeobotanist / Palynologist – University of the Witwatersrand

Senior Researcher/Researcher – Palaeobotanist/Palynologist
Location Johannesburg, ZA
Organization Name Evolutionary Studies Institute

Department Description
The Evolutionary Studies Institute (ESI) is an international leader in palaeontological research for the past 80 years.  The ESI is host to one of the largest palaeontological collections in Africa containing extensive world-class collections of fossil hominins and associated faunas from the Cradle of Humankind; Palaeozoic and Mesozoic vertebrates from the Karoo Supergroup; and the largest palaeobotany herbarium in the southern hemisphere.  The palaeobotanical herbarium of the ESI comprises important plant fossil material (including wood, charcoal and pollen) from the Permian-Cenozoic that receives considerable research interest from associates both locally and abroad.  Further the ESI is actively involved in the management of the Sterkfontein Caves.  In terms of facilities, the ESI hosts a Micro-CT scanner, 3D printer, and virtual image processing laboratory as well as SEM, chemical and mechanical fossil processing laboratories.

Position: The Evolutionary Studies Institute (ESI) invites suitably qualified and experienced applicants to apply for a permanent position of Researcher /Senior Researcher – Palaeobotanist/Palynologist in the ESI.

Brief Description

Requirements:
•    A PhD in Palaeobotany, Palynology, or a related specialization in Micropalaeontology, past environments, past climates, past vegetation to complement the existing research strengths of the Institute.
•    The successful candidate will have an excellent research track record of peer-reviewed publications in accredited journals and conference presentations.  Evidence of independent research and ability to raise research funding is a requirement.
•    Must have established collaborations and research projects both local and international.
•    Teaching experience in palaeobotany, palynology, or palaeoenvironments.
•    Demonstrated ability to train and supervise postgraduate students.
•    Ability to conduct successful fieldwork- and laboratory-based research campaigns.
•    Excellent communication skills, both media and outreach, with the ability to collaborate across disciplines and support a vibrant academic community.

Key responsibilities:
•    The incumbent is expected to establish an active and well-funded field-based research programme.
•    Supervision of postgraduate students, as well as attracting new talented postgraduate students to the ESI.
•    Make regular contributions to scientific meetings.
•    Publish work in internationally accredited scientific journals.
•    The incumbent will be required to teach specialist courses at undergraduate and Honours levels in palaeobotany, palynology and related fields, and to lead appropriate field excursions.
•    Provide management oversight and technical support on the preparation and long-term curation of palaeobotanical collections.

Remuneration and conditions of service: A competitive university package with excellent benefits offered, commensurate with the level of appointment.

Important:
Our sole purpose is to share new jobs in South Africa with our readers that seek employment. The job shown on this page, belongs to the Government department as seen on the listing.

Senior Researcher / Researcher – Palaeobotanist / Palynologist
University of the Witwatersrand
Johannesburg
19 September 2025