Job Opportunities at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• Supports project leaders by overseeing administrative tasks, communicating with stakeholders and monitoring resource availability for the project team.
• Develop detailed monitoring and evaluations plans for the full life cycle of research projects, including timelines, quality standards, milestones, communications, and resource allocation.
• Assist with the identification of project risks and monitor the implementation of mitigation strategies.
• Facilitate communication between stakeholders, project teams, and management.
• Monitor and track project progress (deliverables, finances and communications) in collaboration with project leaders, and report regularly to management.
• Maintain project documentation, including contracts, plans, budget, schedules, reports and invoices.
• Prepare and present detailed project status reports and performance metrics to management.
• Monitor and track reporting performance against set targets for the research group. 

Requirements

• Advance Diploma in Project Management (NQF 7); OR bachelor's degree / Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in any Biological or Agricultural Sciences plus a certificate in Project Management (NQF 5).
• At least 3 years’ experience in project coordination or management.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation of research projects will be an added advantage.
• Excellent client-facing and internal communication skills (written and verbal).
• Excellent organizational skills, including attention to detail and multitasking skills.
• Ability to work positively with a wide range of individuals involved in a project.
• Proficiency in the MS Office suite and others relevant to Project management.
• Ability to present/communicate the project status to all stakeholders, including management level.
• Valid driver’s license.

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Description

• Assist with writing of code in languages such as Python, JavaScript and R for remote sensing data processing and analysis.
• Assist with preparing map plates and other visual outputs, as well as workflows.
• Data curation.
• Collaborate with project team members to ensure timely completion of project tasks.

Requirements

• BSc or MSc degree in Computer Science or equivalent qualification.
• Proficiency in computer programming/scripting for data processing and analysis.
• Experience working with remote sensing data and GIS, as well as LiDAR data analysis.
• Experience working in GitHub.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently.

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Description

• Contribute to research by rendering desired support to research personnel to ensure successful completion of research projects in compliance with set standards.
• Knowledge of propagation, evaluation and maintenance of plants.
• Preparation of growth media and consumables according to protocol for tissue culture and glasshouse trials.
• Assist in optimizing research and administrative processes in the lab.
• Accurate, and timeous completion of set tasks in line with overall corporate strategy of the ARC.
• Maintain equipment in such a manner that optimal life span is ensured.
• Utilise material and equipment in a cost-effective manner.
• Adheres to quality standards.
• Collects, records data and provides verbal and written feedback on work activities to supervisor.
• Ensure that own and team deadlines are met.
• Assist training of junior staff.
• Visible compliance with HCM policies and procedures.
• Visible compliance with Occupational Health and safety regulations/ procedures.
• Use of proper aseptic techniques for initiation and sub culturing of plant materials.
• Perform correct labelling, culturing and tracking of plant materials and conduct checks to limit errors.
• Pay attention to detail and be precise with repetitive work in order to limit/prevent occurrence of errors in Genebank processes.
• Keep accurate records of daily operations to ensure traceability.
• Capturing of procedural data on a relevant system in line with quality assurance measures.
• Compile and submit weekly work reports to line manager.
• General cleaning of all areas in the In Vitro Genebank (i.e. dusting, sweeping, mopping, polishing, cleaning windows and walls).
• Ensure that relevant laboratory glassware and equipment is cleaned, maintained, and stored correctly.
• Assist in preparation for visitors of the Genebank facility and for exhibitions (when applicable).
• Completion of Performance & Development Agreements (PDAs) and Evaluations (PDEs) with the assistance of line manager.
• Ensure performance targets are achieved.

Requirements

• Matric with a minimum of three-year’s experience or Grade 10 with 10 years’ experience.
• Experience in plant tissue culture of plant tissue culture lab or any other lab will be advantageous.
• Knowledge of laboratory operations and equipment.
• Knowledge of laboratory, quarantine and nursery sanitation requirements.
• Writing, reading skills and the ability to accurately record and label samples.
• Ability to work independently, in a team, being pro-active and use of initiative.
• Good written and oral communication skills including ability to work with other members of the same team.
• Willing to learn and improve, and to accept feedback and criticism towards the greater good.
• Reliable, self-motivated and a hard worker.
• Knowledge of computer programs (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) would be an advantage.
• Driver's license code B.
   

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Description

• Prepare cost accounting records.
• Design and implement cost accounting records.
• Produce monthly management account.
• Management of the Institute budget.
• Monitor financial performance.
• Implement Finance plans and policies.
• Implement Internal controls.
• Risk, Fixed Asset and Inventory Management.
• Assesses financial feasibility and profitability of projects. Staff Management.
• Engage in special projects on an ad hoc basis.
• Prepare accurate and compliant financial statements and associate reports.   

Requirements

• B Degree in Financial and/or Management Accounting or equivalent relevant qualification.
• Postgraduate Degree or CA (SA) would be an added advantage.
• Five years’ experience in Project accounting or Cost and Management Accounting.
• Knowledge of project contracts, project costing and accounting.
• In Depth Knowledge of Public Financial Management Act, Treasury Regulations, Agricultural Research Act and GRAP.
• Attention to detail and deadline driven.
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.
• Supervisory skills. Good customer relations.
• Technical and professional knowledge and skills.
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Computer literacy with proficiency in MS Office suite.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Self-managed and motivated.
   

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Description

• Coordination and supports the management of research, development and innovation.
• Plan and undertake research on Plant Pathology, with a focus on bacterial, fungal and/or pseudofungal diseases of vegetables, industrial crops and medicinal plants.
• Plan and undertake research and development of integrated management strategies.
• Coordination and management of research projects and allocated resources.
• Actively sources new national and international research opportunities and funding.
• Contribute to diagnostic and advisory services.

Requirements

• PhD in Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Genetics or related field, plus at least six years’ experience related to Crop Protection or Plant Health research.
• Proven track record of experience in disease diagnosis and pathogen characterisation.
• Experience in developing diagnostic protocols for pathogen detection will be an added advantage.
• Experience with omics techniques to study plant-pathogen interactions will be an added advantage.
• Experience in vegetable pathology will be an added benefit.
• Authored or co-authored a minimum of eight peer reviewed publications relevant to the position.
• Strong leadership and business acumen.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and teamwork skills, with an ability to work within multidisciplinary teams.
• A valid driver’s license.

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Description

• Supports the management of research, development and innovation.
• Plan and undertake research on Plant Pathology, with a focus on viral diseases of vegetables, industrial crops and medicinal plants.
• Plan and undertake research and development of conventual and rapid detection techniques and characterisation of viral pathogens.
• Manage research projects and allocated resources.
• Actively sources new national research opportunities and funding.
• Contribute to diagnostic and advisory services.

Requirements

• PhD in Microbiology, Plant Virology, Plant Pathology, or related disciplines.
• At least three years’ experience related to plant virology research.
• Experience in general plant virology, molecular biology and bioinformatic analysis.
• Experience in disease diagnosis and pathogen characterisation will be an added advantage.
• Authored or co-authored a minimum of three peer reviewed publications relevant to the position.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and teamwork skills, with an ability to work within multidisciplinary teams.
• A valid driver’s license.

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Description

• Compiling and executing technical activity plans for the implementation of research in plant parasitic nematodes of vegetables, industrial crops and medicinal plants or entomopathogenic nematodes of vegetable pests.
• Coordinate activities for the collection of data.
• Capture and process technical data with basic analysis.
• Compile technical reports.
• Manage project facilities, material and equipment and ensure optimal utilization of resources.
• Develops technical capacity at an appropriate level.
• Assist in rendering technical or other research services at a national level.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree / Advanced Diploma / BTech (NQF 7) in Nematology, Entomology, Crop Protection, or related field.
• Relevant experience in technical aspects of plant parasitic nematodes and general Plant Pathology.
• Experience in scouting for pests and diseases and collecting samples.
• Knowledge of vegetable pests and diseases will be an added advantage.
• Experience in entomopathogenic nematodes will be an added advantage.
• Experience and good understanding of seed quality systems will be an added advantage.
• Previous experience with planning field trial layouts and statistical analysis of results will be an added advantage.
• Ability to do physical work in the field, greenhouse and laboratory.
• Ability to liaise with researchers on project progress.
• Good verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• A valid driver’s license.

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Description

• 100% Verification of assets from the fixed asset register to the floor.
• 100% tagging of all assets with new bar codes.
• Perform completeness and prepare a list of assets on the floor and not on the fixed asset register.
• Update the fixed asset information through the asset management systems (NetTrace) with the exact location, details, and condition of the asset.
• Assist the ARC’s asset management team with asset management functions at different locations.
• The temps will report to the ARC asset management team on site, which is allocated, too.

Requirements

• Grade 12 certificate/Matric.
• Proficiency in MS office suite

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Description

• Undertakes MSc studies for two years in Agronomy within the Agronomy program.
• Provides research support to Agronomy research projects as the affiliated postgraduate student.
• Engages with relevant stakeholders within affiliated research projects.
• Disseminate project results through, scientific or popular publications, conferences and peer reviewed publications.
• Ensures compliance with SHE/OHS policies and procedures.

Requirements

• BSc Honours (4) years in Agronomy, agrometeorology, plant sciences or related fields.
• Demonstrated capacity to conduct research at postgraduate level.
• Knowledge of crop modelling and crop physiology will be an advantage.
• Valid driver’s licence will be an added advantage.
• Must be a South African Citizen.
• Excellent English language (Spoken and written).

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Description

• Soil, plant and water sample collection, preparation and storage.
• Soil nutrient analysis and fertilizer calculations.
• Designing and maintaining soil databases.
• Mining data from primary and secondary sources, then reorganizing said data in a format that can be easily read by either human or machine.
• Using advanced computerized models (programming and statistical understanding) to extract the data needed.
• Assist with operation of laboratory instruments and field equipment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (BSc) or master’s degree (MSc) in Soil Science / GIS and Remote Sensing / Applied Agronomy or related field with subjects including Soil Science, Soil Chemistry, Soil Fertility and Mathematics/Statistics.
• Applicants should be highly motivated graduates with a strong academic background.
• Good communication skills (written and verbal)
• Willingness to travel to rural areas and farms
• Valid driver's license (code 08/EB)