Senior Research Techinician - Weeds Biocontrol(Cedara) at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• Participate and contribute to national and international research, implementation and technology transfer, by providing advanced technical support to a consistent high standard to meet contractual obligation for the biological control of invasive weeds at ARC-PHP Cedara.
• Plan, coordinate, independently undertake technical activities at an advanced level to support laboratory and field research, mass-rearing, field implementation and evaluation activities on biological control of parthenium hysterophorus, and when requested other invasive alien plants.
• Compile, execute and report on project technical activity plans.
• Oversee and undertake daily activities for the mass-rearing, field release and monitoring of insects agents and production of host plants.
• Manage project facilities, equipment and consumables ( laboratory management).
• Assist with compiling, managing and utilizing project budgets.
• Manage technical personnel to ensure coordination and optimal outputs to meet contractual obligations develop their technical capacity at propriate levels.
• Collect, process, analyze and interpret technical and research data and make recommendations. Meticulous record keeping and data processing.
• Compile detailed technical reports and technology transfer documents.
• Contribute to technical reports and scientific publications and to make presentations at congresses.
• Participate in awareness and training activities for stakeholders.

Requirements

• MTech/MSc. degree in Biological Science (or equivalent NQF 9), with at least 3 years' experience in biological control or Entomology fields OR a BSc/BTech  in Biological Science with at least 6 years of proven relevant and proven experience in Biocontrol or Entomology fields.
• Excellent organizational skills, systematic and meticulous.
• Excellent data collection, analytical and interpretation skills for data processing.
• Excellent written communication skills for compilation of technical documents and reporting.
• Experience with technology transfer and/or training activities
• Laboratory management experience would be advantageous.
• Computer literacy (including MS Office and statistical software) required. Additional software skills would be advantageous.
• Code B/EB driver’s license required, with frequent driving experience (distance / off-road advantageous).
• Willingness to work extended hours when required and undertake physical tasks daily.