About the opportunity: The CSIR invites applications from motivated and capable Honours graduates to contribute to the Restoring Landscapes in South Africa (ReLISA) project. This opportunity is suited to individuals with interests in ecosystem restoration, earth observation, carbon markets, climate finance and nature-based solutions. The successful candidate will support interdisciplinary research aimed at advancing scalable and financeable restoration interventions in South Africa. The position is based in Pretoria and report to the Research Group Leader. For more information about the division/cluster/portfolio please visit Climate change | CSIR. Research Focus: The Restoring Landscapes in South Africa (ReLISA) project seeks to strengthen enabling conditions for large-scale ecosystem restoration by improving the biophysical evidence base, reducing uncertainty in restoration outcomes and supporting scalable restoration models that can attract climate and biodiversity finance. Carbon sequestration and carbon markets Biodiversity enhancement and ecosystem resilience Natural capital accounting and ecosystem services valuation Hydrological modelling and water resource management Climate change impacts on restoration planning Research activities may include the application of earth observation data, remote sensing, artificial intelligence, ecological modelling, field-based data collection and the development of decision-support tools to advance landscape restoration and nature-based solutions in South Africa. Key Responsibilities: Provide technical support in conducting research within the scope of the ReLISA project; Assist with field data collection related to vegetation biomass, soil carbon, hydrology, biodiversity and ecosystem condition; Collect soil and other environmental samples for laboratory analysis; Support biomass and soil carbon analysis and related research activities; Contribute to project reports, academic publications and knowledge dissemination activities; Ensure adherence to ethical protocols during all stages of data collection. Qualifications, Skills and Experience: An Honours degree in Environmental Science, Geography, Conservation Biology, Ecology, Climate Science, Geophysics, Computer Science, Hydrology, Resource Economics or a related discipline; Prior experience in research methods is essential; Willingness to travel for fieldwork; Knowledge of research ethics protocols and procedures; Experience with software such as QGIS, Google Earth Engine, ERDAS Imagine, ENVI, NVivo or Atlas.ti will be advantageous; Proficiency in English and one other South African official language will be advantageous; All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). What's in it for you? Access to a network of experts and practitioners in landscape restoration; Collaborate with leading researchers across restoration, carbon, biodiversity, hydrology and climate-related disciplines; Gain access to field sites and data for hands-on research experience; Access to cutting-edge tools and datasets for practical research experience; Opportunities for dissemination of research findings and professional development. Application Requirements: Motivation letter (maximum 500 words); CV with academic transcripts; Brief research concept note (maximum 500 words). PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY. For more info, please contact the CSIR Recruitment Centre on 012 841 4774 or email us at Recruitmentinfo@csir.co.za The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer. As such, it is committed to the Employment Equity Act and will through the filling of this vacancy, give preference to candidates from Designated Groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act. By applying for this position at the CSIR, the applicant understands, and agrees that the CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report from registered credit bureau and/or South African Police Services (in relation to positions that requires trust and honesty and/or entail the handling of cash or finances), and may also verify the applicant's educational qualification and employment history. The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement at any time before the stated closing date and it further reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified.