by Ria Olivier | Aug 12, 2025 | Announcement, Ecology, Environment, Invasion Biology, Jobs, Marion Island, Mice Eradication, Microbiology, Research
Postdoctoral Fellowship: Understanding Mouse Impacts on Sub-Antarctic Marion Island at Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria. (image: Otto Whitehead)
An exciting postdoctoral fellowship is offered on our South African National Antarctic Programme project “Towards a comprehensive understanding of impacts of the invasive house mouse on the terrestrial biodiversity of Marion Island”. Sub-Antarctic Marion Island is one of the most isolated landmasses globally. The house mouse invaded the island in the early 1800s, and its impacts are manifold, and intensifying under climate change. This project aims to fill gaps in understanding mouse impacts on the island, with the purpose of informing the planned mouse eradication. This position will provide exciting opportunities to work on excellent long-term and/or spatially well-sampled datasets and inform island management.
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Additionally, opportunities to collaborate locally and internationally exist within this project. We are looking for a candidate with expertise in one or several of the following, or related fields: community ecology, isotope ecology, entomology, botany, trait ecology; or with an ability to learn the necessary skills. Their primary responsibility will be conducting and leading research into one or several of these themes. Opportunities for student supervision and teaching also exist.
Closing Date : 29 August 2025
by Ria Olivier | Aug 5, 2025 | Jobs, Marion Island, Ornithology, Overwintering Team, Uncategorised
Now Recruiting: Field Birder Assistants for Marion Island 2026–2027!
Do you dream of working with seabirds in one of the most remote and ecologically important locations on Earth? The South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) is calling for two passionate and resilient individuals to join a pioneering research expedition to Marion Island as Field Birder Assistants for the 2026–2027 overwintering team.
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Successful candidates will spend over a year (April 2026 – May 2027) stationed on Marion Island, a sub-Antarctic territory and vital breeding ground for seabirds and marine mammals. This unique opportunity offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to contribute to long-term conservation efforts and seabird monitoring in a truly wild and isolated environment.
CLOSING DATE 25 AUGUST 2025
As a Field Birder Assistant, your role will include:
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Conducting biological research, fieldwork, and monitoring activities in line with detailed work plans developed by the project managers.
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Making independent decisions in the field regarding work priorities and protocols, often in challenging and unpredictable conditions.
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Handling seabirds, including both adults and chicks, with empathy, care, and attention to minimizing stress or harm to the animals.
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Maintaining accurate records and databases, ensuring all data is well-organized and up to date.
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Reporting regularly to project managers and providing progress updates on fieldwork and research activities.
by Ria Olivier | Jul 26, 2025 | Announcement, Jobs, Overwintering Team, Uncategorised
🌍 Join the 2025–2027 Overwintering Team at SANAE IV Station, Antarctica!
The South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) is calling on individuals to apply for positions at the SANAE IV Station in Antarctica for the 2025–2027 overwintering season. This is a rare opportunity to live and work in one of the most remote and extreme environments on Earth, supporting essential scientific research and operations.
🧊 Positions Available:
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Senior Meteorological Technician
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Diesel Mechanic
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Mechanical Engineer
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Medical Doctor
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Electro-Mechanical Technician
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Communications Engineer
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Instrumentation Technician
📅 Closing Date: 18 August 2025 🔗 Apply now and learn more:
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📍 Successful candidates will undergo pre-departure training and spend approximately 14 months in Antarctica, contributing to critical support and science at SANAE IV.
by Ria Olivier | May 28, 2025 | Gough Island, Jobs, Overwintering Team, Uncategorised
The South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) invites applications for the next Gough Island Overwintering Team, who will be stationed at Gough Base from September 2025 to October 2026.
Gough Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies over 2,500 km from South Africa and is known for its rugged beauty, unique wildlife, and critical role in weather and climate observation. The island is uninhabited apart from the small overwintering team stationed at Gough Base, which plays a vital role in supporting South Africa’s meteorological and environmental research.
Now Recruiting for the 2025–2026 Team
We are looking for skilled, motivated individuals to fill the following overwintering positions(click on position for detailed information:
CLOSING DATE 16 JUNE 2025
Job Page for more information
by Ria Olivier | Dec 23, 2024 | Biosecurity, Ecology, Jobs, Marine Protected Area, Marion Island
Vacancy for field researcher on Marion Island
(March 2025 – May 2026)
Mouse impacts on invertebrates and plants
The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Pretoria is offering one suitably qualified candidate an opportunity to spend a year on Marion Island to measure various aspects of the impact of the house mouse on the diversity and function of the terrestrial ecosystems of Marion Island. This work will entail collecting baseline data, mostly on invertebrates and plants. (Photo Credit: Michelle Greve)
Collecting invertebrate community data and identifying invertebrates.
Surveying and monitoring vegetation plots. Measuring plant traits.
Mapping species and events.
Installing, maintaining and downloading data from loggers.
Note that duties may change during the course of the year.
FULL DETAILS
Deadline for applications: 10 January 2025
by Ria Olivier | Oct 11, 2024 | Announcement, Jobs, Marion Island, News, Overwintering Team, Research, SANAP, Science, Southern Ocean, Stations, sub-Antarctic, Team member
The following positions are available on the sub-Antarctic, Marion Island for the overwintering period (April 2025 to May 2026)
Environmental Officer Assistant Environmental Officer
Communications Engineer Diesel Mechanic Electrical Engineer Medical Orderly
Senior Meteorological Technician Assistant Meteorological Technician
2 X Field Assistants – Sea Birds
Closing Date: 28 OCTOBER
Click here: View all positions
The South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) is calling on individuals to apply for positions at the SANAE IV Station in Antarctica for the 2025–2027 overwintering season. This is a rare opportunity to live and work in one of the most remote and extreme environments on Earth, supporting essential scientific research and operations.
Gough Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies over 2,500 km from South Africa and is known for its rugged beauty, unique wildlife, and critical role in weather and climate observation. The island is uninhabited apart from the small overwintering team stationed at Gough Base, which plays a vital role in supporting South Africa’s meteorological and environmental research.
The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Pretoria is offering one suitably qualified candidate an opportunity to spend a year on Marion Island to measure various aspects of the impact of the house mouse on the diversity and function of the terrestrial ecosystems of Marion Island. This work will entail collecting baseline data, mostly on invertebrates and plants. (Photo Credit: Michelle Greve)
