Cape Town and South Africa are the most exciting locations in the world for marine  and climate research, respectively, situated uniquely at the southern tip of Africa with ready access to the South Atlantic, Indian and Southern Oceans. As part of the expansion of interdisciplinary marine research and earth system science in South Africa, we are investing in some 15 MSc and PhD bursaries in study areas that focus on global change (including climate change and variability), with a strong marine emphasis and an interdisciplinary scope. We are particularly interested in the following study areas:

Biogeochemical Cycles: Observational and theoretical studies of the carbon, nitrogen and other cycles using instruments that range from ships to satellites. Climate: Observational and theoretical studies of past, present and future climates, of the interactions between the ocean, atmosphere and biosphere that determine climate, including Southern ocean research.

Computer Modelling of the ocean, the atmosphere and their interactions, for the purpose of studying climates, for support of oceanic and atmospheric field programmes, and for the production of operational products (especially for coastal zones) that require the development of data assimilation procedures.

Ecosystem approach to fisheries, including modelling studies of marine ecosystems, plankton and fisheries dynamics; marine biodiversity, conservation; seabird research; integrated coastal zone management.

Decision support for management of human activities in marine social‐ecological systems: Multi‐Criteria Decision Analysis; participatory modelling approaches and knowledge representation.

Knowledge systems underlying fisheries management, perspectives from fisheries sociology, anthropology and economics.

This is a second call for applications. We are looking for students with either natural or social science backgrounds and who are willing to work as part of an interdisciplinary team on topics that cover processes and human activities in the atmosphere, ocean and coastal areas, and the interfaces between them. We are looking for energetic and enthusiastic young scientists with special skills in several of the above areas to work in a dynamic environment for marine topics in or near Cape Town. Preference will be given to candidates who have some training or experience in quantitative and/or modelling studies. For the management‐oriented topics, research experience in coastal communities in southern Africa will be an advantage.

Bursaries range from R60,000 (MSc) to R90,000 (PhD) per annum. Bursaries will be awarded on the basis of potential to address South Africa’s needs, academic merit, relevance to our research topics, and funding.

The bursaries will be supported by grants from the University of Cape Town, Africa Centre for Climate & Earth System Sciences (ACCESS), Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), National Research Foundation, French Institut de Reserche pour le Develeppement, Norwegian Nansen Centre for Environment and Climate Research and other bodies.

Applicants:
Please write a short letter of motivation indicating why you are applying and which areas of research (listed above) interest you most. Attach a brief curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of 3 referees whom we may consult. Please attach a certified copy of your highest qualification.

Apply to:
Pavs Pillay, Ma‐Re Institute, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
(+27‐(0)72 476 7722), Email: ma‐re@uct.ac.za or pavs.pillay@uct.ac.za  BY DEADLINE: 31 OCTOBER 2010.  Find out more about us at: www.ma‐re.uct.ac.za