Research Assistant - N Drakensberg
National Research Foundation
The South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) is a research platform funded by the Department of Science Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and managed by the National Research Foundation (NRF) since 2002. SAEON conducts long term observation and research in ecosystems on land, the coast and the oceans to understand how those systems function and are changing in time and space through human influences and climate change. We deliver information to our informed policy-making towards a sustainable society.
Position: Research Assistant - N Drakensberg
Business Unit: South Africa Environmental Observation Network
Location: Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
Position Summary
The Expanded Freshwater and Terrestrial Environmental Network (EFTEON) is intended to provide a platform of well described and instrumented landscapes to the South African and International research community, in order to facilitate research into global change, ecosystem processes, social-ecological interactions and to provide data for remote sensing and model validation and calibration. This position will be based at Northern Drakensberg.
Key Responsibilities
Assist with preparation, construction and testing of necessary tools and equipment required for field-based hydrometeorology and biogeochemistry monitoring.
Assist with organizing and implementing field trips (Logistics and Liaison).
Assist with competent fieldwork in maintaining routine hydrometeorological sampling network array, including but not limited to surface and groundwater and carbon observations.
Assist with Instrument network work servicing and calibration as required.
Assist scientist, student and collaborator projects linked to the platforms.
Assist with data management tasks related to the hydrometeorological and/or biogeochemistry network.
Assist with required procedures for checking and loading the data into the required data systems.
Liaise with EFTEON and SAEON Scientists as required with SOP’s and data protocols.
Assist with the EFTEON Northern Drakensberg Landscape development and continued operation.
Assist with developing protocols and standards for the collection of carbon samples and data.
Additional Notes
The appointed person would be required to: bend, stoop, reach or stand for extended periods as well as be able to lift and move heavy objects.
The appointed person should be comfortable working in the field including remote locations and at heights.
Qualification
NQF 8 - Honours in Hydrology/ Meteorology/ Biogeochemistry or Engineering/ Light current electrical.
A valid code B driver’s licence.
Experience
Practical exposure during the undergraduate phase
Participating in sampling activities during undergraduate phase.
Laboratory exposure.
Computer literate (MS Office packages and advanced scripting languages e.g. R or Python).
Practical exposure during the undergraduate phase.
Participating in sampling activities during undergraduate phase.
Laboratory exposure.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Basic understanding of field sampling techniques.
Understanding the scientific method.
Closing Date: Wednesday, 23 Sep 2026
The NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities. Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and apply online through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant's suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.
