Call for applications for post-doctoral research fellowship

SAIMI calls for application for a post-doctoral research fellowship (PDRF) for 2022.

The aim of the fellowship is to support SAIMI’s strategic initiatives to support the participation and contribution of South Africans in the maritime industry through research, innovation and knowledge production as part of supporting the growth and development of the maritime industry. 

The PDRF will provide an opportunity for newly qualified doctoral candidates to develop and enhance their research and writing skills by constantly engaging in maritime research projects for a period of 24 months uninterrupted. 


Duration and funding
 

1. The duration of the PDRFP will be 24 months.
2. Subject to proof of satisfactory progress as set out hereunder 3, SAIMI may appoint the candidate for the remaining 12 months to complete the 24 months duration set out in 1.
3. As part of the performance target, candidates will be expected to at least produce 3 publications within a period of 12 months. 
4. Failure to meet the set target under 3, and without providing a valid reason may lead to failure to meet the target which will result in SAIMI withdrawing support and terminating the contract with the candidate.
5. The value of the PDRF for 2022 is a maximum of R300 000 per annum. An additional once-off payment of R20 000 will be made available to assist the successful candidate(s) to purchase research-related resources such as laptops etc.

Research focus areas
The key research focus areas include research on marine and maritime related outputs in the following thematic areas:

• Marine robotics/autonomous vessels, marine cyber-security
• Ocean Governance
• Sustainable offshore oil and gas exploration

Eligibility criteria
The programme is open for South Africans as well as foreign nationals who are available for full-time research.

Preference will be given to South African citizens who are below the age of 45 years. Provisions to this clause for those who are over 45 years will only be made unless there are specifically valid reasons which are supported by the prospective supervisor.

A post-doctoral scholar must have obtained a doctoral degree during the last five years, unless specifically motivated and approved by the relevant prospective supervisor.

The applicant should preferably not be older than 45 years at the closing date for applications, unless specifically motivated and approved by the relevant prospective supervisor.

The post-doctoral scholar must be based at host Institution for the duration of the fellowship. Any exceptions must be motivated and approved by the relevant prospective supervisor.
The research grant will be open to those that are eligible based on project scope and expectations. The candidates may also be selected based on their expertise.

Expectations and role of the PDRF Holders
 The successful candidates will be expected to:

• Conduct maritime research and publish their research output.
• Author and/or co-author at least 3 publications per year in a DHET accredited scholarly journal and/or publish a book chapter.
• Be engaged in a full-time period of uninterrupted approved research under their supervisors at the host institution under an expert who is either an Professor, Associate Professor, Research Expert and/or Visiting Professor at SAIMI.
• Interact with other academics, postgraduate students, and other post-doctoral scholars to contribute to a vibrant research culture within the maritime sector. 
• Submit bi-annual progress report to SAIMI. All these reports must be signed by the supervisor.
• Post-doctoral scholars are entitled to 21 days of vacation leave annually.

PDRF Applications
 The following documents must accompany the application for the general post-doctoral research fellowship: 

1. Certified copy of ID/passport. 
2. Full curriculum vitae, including a list of publications. 
3. A research proposal, including a description of the rationale and methodology of the proposed project, the proposed publication outputs and a summary of the proposal. 
4. The supervisor’s curriculum vitae (if known), including a list of publications over the last three years. The supervisor must have a doctoral degree and have reasonable supervision and publication record.
5. Three contactable referees. 
6. Applications must be sent to the SAIMI office for initial assessment, before being sent to the host institution.

Please note
 
Opening Date: 18 August 2022 | Closing Date: 31 August 2022

Deadline to take up the award is within 31 days from the date of receiving the award letter.

Completed application forms must be submitted to SAIMI Project Office at info@saimi.co.za.

There will be no extension granted to this date, and this also applies to candidates who fail to complete their doctoral degree by the deadline.