Full-time Research Studentship: PhD Candidate

Department of Forest and Wood Science

Full-time Research Studentship:  PhD Candidate

A full-time research studentship in the field of forest growth and yield modelling is available in the Department of Forest and Wood Science at Stellenbosch University. The incumbent will be awarded a PhD degree from Stellenbosch University. The studentship is supported by a bursary consisting of a minimum of R120 000 per annum,  which will be awarded tax-free, as well as the operating costs for field work and lab activities. 

Background:

The South African Forestry Industry, particularly growers of trees managed on short rotations, is facing a challenging future with changing climate conditions and difficulties associated with resource projection and planning.  To this end new, innovative modelling approaches are needed to allow proper yield and product quality forecasting appropriate to industrial planning horizons.

Duties:

• The incumbent will work closely with key partners in the South African Forestry industry to develop a new generation of climate-explicit growth and yield models;

• Leadership and planning of field work and sampling to this end;

• Publication of peer-reviewed journal publications from the research work.

Job Requirements:

• A first-class MSc-level degree in Forest Science with a modelling/biometrics focus, although students from other mathematical/modelling backgrounds are welcome to apply;

• Must meet the academic requirements for enrolment of a PhD degree at Stellenbosch University;

• Possess a high-level of statistical and mathematical skills;

• Enthusiastic and self-motivated, with the ability to take full leadership of the research project;

• Good English language and writing skills;

• The ability to program or develop scripts in systems like R;

• Experience in dealing with and analysing large datasets ideal.

Enquiries and to apply: Dr. David Drew on +27 21 808 3295, or at drew@sun.ac.za

Closing Date: 20 December 2017