Opportunity: PhD student
Institution: University of Cape Town (UCT) – http://www.uct.ac.za/
Department: Environmental and Geographical Science (EGS) – http://www.egs.uct.ac.za/
Research Group: Climate System Analysis Group (CSAG) – http://www.csag.uct.ac.za/

Integration of seasonal forecasts information with crop model for improved small scale farming support

The Climate Systems Analysis Group (CSAG) is currently seeking a motivated person with a passion for exploring the interaction of climate and agricultural systems in southern Africa. This is an opportunity to join one of the largest multi-disciplinary and vibrant climate system research groups on the continent, with a key interest in addressing the issues of climate variability and change relevant to Africa.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The incumbent will work as part of a small team within CSAG which conducts research on using crop models and climate information in order to evaluate future climate impacts on agricultural systems and efficient adaptation options for responding to such impacts. This position is directly connected to the UCT led project Seamless forecasting of rainfall and temperature for adaptation of farming practices to climate variability and funded by the South African Water Research Commission (WRC), the objective of w hich is to advance the integration of seasonal forecast information with crop models to better inform farmers in South Africa.

The successful candidate will ideally be an environmental modeller with a keen interest in agricultural applications and preferably having direct experience either with crop models or agrometeorological applications. Proficiency in one or more modern scientific programming languages (e.g. R, Python) is an advantage, as is experience with Linux operating environment. The successful applicant for the PhD position will have flexibility to develop his/her research interests within the scope of the WRC-funded project, which will provide a full scholarship to cover living expenses and university registration (R 120,000 annually reviewed).

To apply: Submit information request and applications by email to csag.wrc.phd@gmail.com. No fax or postal applications please. Include a letter of motivation outlining your interests, research questions you would like to address, reasons for your application, a full CV (no certificates), and the names, email and telephone details of 3 referees.

Deadline: Application is open-ended, with the intent to start the PhD as early as August 2015 and no later than January 2016.

Learn more about the opportunity through this link or click here to download the Call for Applications.