Internship Description

About the Organization:

Constituted by an act of the South African Parliament in 1945, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research is one of the leading scientific and technology research, development and implementation organizations in Africa . It is situated in Pretoria and represented in each of the nine provinces of South Africa .

The organization undertakes and applies directed research and innovation in science and technology to improve the quality of life of the country's people. Building measurable value into its work through local and international partnerships remains a key component of its endeavors to provide world-class technology.

The CSIR is committed to supporting innovation in South Africa to improve national competitiveness in the global economy. Science and technology services and solutions are provided in support of various stakeholders, and opportunities are identified where new technologies can be further developed and exploited in the private and public sectors.

his internship is with the Ecosystem Processes and Dynamics Research Group within the Natural Resources and Environment operating unit. The group works on understanding the behavior of relatively complex ecological systems (including those influenced by people) and is one of the leading publishing groups within CSIR. Much of the research falls in the general area of 'global change' or 'earth systems'. The core competencies in the group include ecosystem analysis and modeling, advanced statistical analysis, earth observation, biogeochemistry and environmental isotope analysis. The group operates a laboratory, unique in Africa, for light isotope analysis, and a flux measurement site.

Local Activities:


Job Description:
A detailed job description, in the form of a research proposal, will be decided upon based on the intern’s specific field of interest and qualifications and the group’s current research activities. Generally speaking, the intern will contribute to the current research efforts of the group related to ecosystem science and/or environmental isotopes, resulting in co-authorship of a significant research paper.

Depending on the intern’s skills and interests, it may be possible to be stationed at the flux measurement site in Krueger National Park or at another one of the group’s research locations.

Additional Information:

For more information about CSIR, visit its web site at:
www.csir.co.za

Click here for specific information on the Ecosystem Dynamics Group.

Consult the following articles for information about current research activities within the group:
“The Carbon Budget of Africa”
“Planning a Climatic Future for Durban”

Additional information on the country can be obtained from the following websites:
www.southafrica.co.za
www.gov.za
www.southafrica-travel.net/north



Start Date:

This internship is available each term. However fall term internships should be completed by early December and winter term internships cannot begin until mid- to late January.

Duration:

One or two terms

Number of Positions:
1-2 per term, depending on organization need and student skills

Intern Qualifications

Academic Background:
Open to students in environmental science, biology, ecology, forestry, mathematics and physics


Skills/Experience:
This internship is as a member of a research team. As such, applicants must have experience working in a formal research environment. In addition, because of the specific technical nature of this internship, potential applicants are advised to contact the Africa Regional Director before preparing their application in order to obtain preliminary feedback on their qualifications.


Language Requirement:
English

Other Requirements:

Internship Costs

Program Fees:
The program fee includes tuition, internship site development and placement, pre-departure orientation, international health insurance, internship monitoring and follow-up.
Click here for application information, including the program fee, for your school.
Note: The program fee does not include airfare, housing, living expenses or any other estimated costs noted below.


Note:
Any financial or in-kind support provided by the host organization is explicitly indicated.

Compensation:
None.

Accommodation:
The CSIR staff will assist interns in securing suitable accommodation, which may include backpackers lodges, short-term rentals or homestays.


International Travel:
$2,000 round trip from Oregon to Johannesburg, South Africa


Cost of Living:

Interns should plan to spend $600-$800/month for room, board and personal expenses.

Note: Students who have participated in Africa internships have suggested that interns may want to bring additional money so that they may participate more in uniquely African activities, such as visits to game parks, buying local clothing and crafts, contributing to local organizations, and bringing home gifts for friends and family. Therefore, depending on your interests, you may want to budget additional funds.


Budget Note:
Applicants should use these estimates for preliminary budgeting purposes.
IE3 will issue an official budget after acceptance by the host organization.

Application Information

Academic Credit:
Up to 12 credits available as per arrangement with supervising department.

Application Materials:
IE3 is a program of the Oregon University System.
Students from participating partner universities are also eligible to apply.
Click here for application information and select your school from the list.

Created/Revised: 12/5/06