Fellowship in Taxonomy and Biodiversity Exploration
The Half-Earth Project Fellowship in Taxonomy and Biodiversity Exploration at Gorongosa National Park, Sofala: a Call for Applications –
The Half-Earth Project, in collaboration with the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Laboratory in Gorongosa National Park, is seeking highly motivated Mozambican students and recent graduates interested in advanced training in taxonomy and biodiversity exploration. The training, available cost-free to Mozambican participants, focuses on the taxonomy and biogeography of animals, with emphasis on invertebrates and freshwater organisms.
Successful applicants will be offered a 2-month fellowship at the Wilson Laboratory in Gorongosa, during which time they will receive scientific training from leading international taxonomic experts. The training will include sampling, identification, and classification of invertebrates and vertebrates.
It will also include an introduction to GIS and mapping, biological databases, and collection management. The training will include fieldwork in Gorongosa and surrounding areas. It will be conducted entirely in English.
Successful applicants will be offered free transportation to Gorongosa National Park, accommodation, and meals in Chitengo for the duration of their fellowship. The application process is highly competitive, and the fellowship is currently limited to two persons. Applications will be received until September 15th, 2022. The fellowship will last from September 20th until November 20th, 2022.
Requirements:
• B.Sc. degree in biological field (or equivalent, such as licenciatura),with a focus on zoology, agriculture, or forestry
• Working comprehension of spoken and written English language
• Working knowledge of basic computer technologies (word processing, spreadsheets)
• Ability to work in a diverse, multicultural environment
• Ability to live and work at a remote location, under occasionally challenging conditions
Applications must include a CV and a cover letter that outlines the applicant’s background and motivation for the participation in the Half-Earth Fellowship. Applications should be sent to Dr. Piotr Naskrecki (pnaskrecki@oeb.harvard.edu) before September 15th, 2022.
About Half-Earth Project
The Half-Earth Project is an international effort to protect half of our planet’s area to provide sufficient habitat to reverse the species extinction crisis, and to ensure the long-term health of our planet and all its living inhabitants. It champions biodiversity research, supports conservation efforts worldwide, and nurtures future biodiversity stewardship. It works to discover and identify species and support regional biodiversity research and scholarships. Learn more at half-earthproject.org.
About E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Laboratory
The Edward O. Wilson Biodiversity Laboratory at Gorongosa National Park offers research and training opportunities in biodiversity-related fields to students and conservation leaders in Mozambique. Its goal is to improve research capacity in the country, leading to the development of effective solutions for management of natural resources and poverty reduction. Learn more at gorongosa.org.