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Researchers
MSc & PhD STUDENT RESEARCH
CCB is offering opportunities to MSc and PhD students interested in conducting predator related research in Botswana. Candidates should have a good academic record, hold a BSc or MSc degree and have a particular interest in predator ecology or human-wildlife conflict. Students should be affliliated with a university and be able to obtain suitable financial support to conduct and adequately complete their field research.
We welcome applications in any related topic, this may include:
Home range behaviour and movement patterns in cheetah;
Population assessment of predators;
Effects of translocation on trans-located cheetahs and the resident population;
Human attitudes in rural communities towards predators;
Human interaction between rural communities and predators;
Effective farm management techniques to promote coexistence with predators;
Effectiveness of predator education or community programmes, and;
Related veterinary projects.
In addition, a PhD student is required to work in the Tuli block (Southern Botswana) farmland on cheetah ecology and human conflict. Please apply as per the application process below.
Application Process
Applicants must be over the age of 21, enthusiastic and open minded, with an interest in carrying out predator related postgraduate study in Botswana. Please complete the appropriate Research Application Form and return it by email to: research@cheetahbotswana.com
Please make sure you complete the whole application form including the attached proposal detailing your research ideas and potential funding options. You should include a copy of your CV (please ensure email attachments are no larger than 1MB) and email to: research@cheetahbotswana.com
Costs & Funding
Students will be responsible for finding their own funding for a chosen research project, for meeting travel costs to/from Botswana and for providing adequate medical insurance cover for the duration of their placement. CCB will levy a fee of $600(U.S.) per month on all students, for the use of facilities such as accommodation, utilities, research support and administration services. Funding and bursaries may be available from a home college/university or global conservation organizations. CCB can assist with formal proposals by endorsing an application. Research councils, overseas universities and charitable foundations are also potential sources of student research funding.
Terms & Conditions
It is important that applicants allow sufficient time to conduct field research, as longer term placements are more likely to deliver results. Each student must have an academic supervisor for the proposed research project at their affiliate college/university. Students will be expected to enter into a formal agreement with CCB, established by written contract which will clearly identify mutual terms and those relating to data ownership, as well as any use of CCB facilities or resources. A formal Research Permit issued, in the student's name, by the Department of Wildlife & National Parks, will be required prior to commencement (A research fee may be applied by the Department in some cases.) CCB can assist in arranging Research Permit application documentation, for completion and submission.
CCB Facilities & Equipment
Students will be accomodated at modest CCB facilities at Jwana Game Park in Southern Botswana and/or at Ghanzi in Western Botswana. These facilities include accommodation, internet access, an office, bathroom and kitchen. Should a student wish to conduct a research project elsewhere in Botswana, CCB can assist in identifying placement at a relevant facility. A vehicle is likely to be the biggest outcost and the most essential piece of equipment for the successful completion of field research, therefore allowance should be made to purchase/rent, operate and maintain a suitable 4X4 vehicle for the duration of the field research project.
Current Availability for Students in 2011/12
We currently have the capacity for two researchers in 2011 and 2012. As placements are extremely limited, we recommend that applications from interested MSc and PhD candidates are submitted as soon as possible, using the downloadable form on this site.
Success for Unadvertised MSc and PhD Studentships!
1. Make sure you have the right qualifications - A BSc degree (upper second or first) in biology or closely related subject is the basic requirement for MSc candidates in the programme. For PhD students, we would expect qualification at MSc level already. Research undertaken for MSc qualification instils the appropriate disciplines and provides the necessary experience required to achieve success in research at PhD level. Applicants to funding bodies and institutions are also often required to have proven research experience, such as an MSc, otherwise limited at the undergraduate degree level.
2. Fully develop ideas and plan the research - A PhD qualification requires three years of dedicated study in a single topic. Therefore, it is important that the student takes on a subject in which they are especially interested. Given the level of competition for obtaining studentships at this level, some experience in your area of interest should be apparent and plans for further relevant research should be clearly formulated.
3. Identify costs and sources of funding - Funds are always limited and money is often the restraining factor in research. If already successful in attracting funding for your research, you will attract a lot more interest from potential supervisors than if you have not. If you have yet to attract funding, first identify all the potential costs involved in conducting field research, before approaching funders. A willingness to take a leading role in applying for those funds will be advantageous. Bear in mind that funding should be adequate to cover both living and research costs for the full three years of the studentship. If you have a good academic record, a sound cheetah research case and have the right background, you will be ideally suited to this opportunity. If you have also identified or obtained your funding, then the chances are that you will be successful.
We look forward to receiving research applications!
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Researchers