Opportunities

The CADI Fellowship contributes to one of the outputs of the Central Asian Desert Initiative (CADI) – the generation, application and dissemination of knowledge on ecosystem services, biodiversity, conservation status and land - use of temperate deserts in Central Asia .

The Fellowship aims at scientist s that have the support of their home countries institutions and a clear commitment to a career in their country of origin. Target groups are post - graduate senior scientists , who preferably have at least three years of professional experience and preferably are not older than 40 years. The fellows are supposed to work on a subject of their own choice according to the project aim and related outputs, supported by the project partners.

Within the frame of “ Research for Development ”, the project must also have a clear relevancy for the country of origin and should focus on the increase of sustainability or improvement of livelihoods in the region. The fellowship program will be completed in Greifswald (Germany) at the Michael Succow Foundation in close cooperation with the University of Greifswald. Exceptionally – dependent on the research topic – even other places at german scientific institutions might be eligible if there is a clear synergy with CADI project aims. The results of the stay and the research with in the fellowship program are to be published in a peer - reviewed international journal.

What CADI offers:

• Monthly grant of 1,000 € for a period of up to 12 months
• One-time travel allowance of 750 €
• Field -, laboratory equipment up to an amount of 2,000 €, upon approval based on a sound scientific justification 
• Individual supervision
• Involvement in to an international network of scientists and practitioners for the conservation and sustainable use of deserts

Who is eligible for application and what documents are needed?

Applications may be submitted by scientists with nationality and place of residence in one of the eligible countries: China , Iran , Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Please provide with a description of your research topic, scope and a detailed research plan including places, potential supervisors and possible partnering institutions in Germany.

Furthermore it should include periods of field surveys etcetera and, if relevant, target groups including an outline of the methodology to be applied and an explanation why your research is unique and relevant for CADI (maximum of 1,200 words). 

Additionally, the following documents should be submitted :

• Curriculum Vitae
• University diploma in a field that is relevant to the project and its focus (Biology, Geography, Agriculture, Silviculture, Landscape Planning, Nature Conservation, Environmental Policy , Environmental Law – or other similar subjects relevant to temperate deserts)
• Two letters of refere nces who give proof on your scientific qualification
• Relevant certificates of your career
• Reference list of published papers
• Endorsement of application by current employer
• Proof of written and spoken upper-intermediate English l anguage skills
• Scanned copy of passport

All documents should be submitted in English. The endorsement letter can be written also in Russian.

Applications will be assessed based on: 

• Relevance for the practical implementation of CADI objectives and for the country of origin. 
• Scientific relevance. 
• Originality of the research topic and/or the method. 
• Possible implementation in the given period. Besides these, the fellowship seeks a balance regarding the distribution of countries and regions, gender, and scientific background of the participants.

In the second step, shortlisted applicants and their respective references may be contacted, in order to clarify any open questions and to receive more information on the applicant if needed.

Contact:

Fanny Mundt, Coordinator of CADI Fellowship 
Email: fanny.mundt[a]succow-stiftung.de

Find the original job advert on the Michael Succow Foundation website.