SASA MSc Entomology Bursaries

Original Text: To promote innovation in South African sugarcane agriculture, the South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI) hosts a dynamic post-graduate programme on the SASRI campus in Mount Edgecombe, KwaZulu-Natal. The research is conducted under the supervision of SASRI scientists who are affiliated with several leading South African universities, including the University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of Pretoria and University of the Free State and Stellenbosch University

Project Details

In the absence of an irradiator in KZN, and knowledge gained in the radiation biology and transport of the sugarcane borerEldana saccharina, a novel approach at pilot field releases, using large cages and small open fields infested with the borer, will be trialed. F1 offspring will be mass reared at SASRI from eggs supplied from the irradiation of male moths in the Western Cape, mated with unsterilised females at the radiation laboratory. In addition to field assessment techniques, quality control parameters at all stages of the shipment and rearing process will be used to assess the suitability of the techniques for the pilot trials.

The Candidate

The ideal candidate must hold a Bsc Hons in Entomology

This is a team-orientated project and the ability work within a team is essential.

This post-graduate bursary offers tuition fees and board and lodging on site at our Sugarcane Research Institute in Mount Edgecombe. The successful candidate will be based at SASRI (Mount Edgecombe) and will register with one of the South African Universities.

NB: Applicants are advised to submit a one page motivation highlighting reasons for their interest in the research study they have selected, along with a full curriculum vitae.

Although not an essential requirement, candidates who are securing free-standing NRF funding are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please apply on-line via the job portal on the SASA website (http://www.sasa.org.za/careers/Vacancies)

Closing date for applications is 17 October 2016 SASA reserves the right to consider applications received after this date but will not be obliged to do so.

The ideal candidate will have the following competencies:

Ability

• analyse and interpret scientific literature
• present research and findings
• work indepedently as well as in a team
• enter data in relevant database/s
• write in a scientific manner

Experience

• conducting research

Knowledge

• basics of the laboratory
• Honours level understanding and interpretation of content

About The Employer

The South African Sugar Association (SASA) provides a diverse range of highly specialised services to the South African sugar industry and our activities are funded in the main by the sugarcane growers and sugar milling companies. Our mission is to provide specialist services that enhance the profitability, global competitiveness and sustainability of the South African sugar industry.