Job Opportunities at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• Conduct analysis of chemical nature.
• Chemical analysis will include, but not limited to analysis on infrared instruments to test for fat, protein, lactose, somatic cell count, milk urea nitrogen, total solids and solids non-fat, pH and freezing point depression. Wet Chemistry analysis for the determination of fat, total solids, calcium etc.
• Correctly apply techniques within specified guidelines.
• Timeously complete technical tasks according to set quality and accreditation standards.
• Efficiently plan and schedule analytical services in accordance with given instructions.
• Cost effective and accurate sample analysis in compliance with target dates and available resources.
• Properly collect, process and capture data.
• Accurate, timeous and reliable reporting of analytical results.
• Assist with administrative duties of the laboratory information management system which entails sample registration, capturing of results, sending out test reports etc.
• Cost-effective stock control according to regulations.
• Assist with procurement of chemicals etc.
• Maintain and ensure that equipment is in working order and in compliance with applicable quality/accreditation standards.
• Timeous reporting of malfunctioning of equipment.
• Assist in maintaining a clean laboratory in general.
• Maintain Occupational Health and Safety according to Good Laboratory Practices.
• Maintain the accreditation status, ISO/IEC 17025:2017, of the laboratory.
• Comply with financial policies/procedure.

Requirements

• BSc degree or diploma in Analytical Chemistry or equivalent with 1-2 years’ experience in a laboratory environment.
• Good conceptual, analytical and writing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work under pressure and deliver accurate and high-quality analysis and give attention to detail.
• Computer literacy in Word & Excel.
• The ability to organize, prioritize and work systematically.
• Communicate in English, (Good communication skills).
• The ability to respect and maintain confidentiality.
• Skilled to work as part of the team as well as independently.
• In possession of a valid SA driver’s license.
• Experience in ISO 17025 and working in an accredited laboratory, will be an advantage.
   

go to method of application »

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.
   

go to method of application »

Description

• Initiate/manage research on molecular markers in tropical and subtropical fruit trees.
• Write publications/present research outcomes of relevance to subtropical fruit growers, industries and the scientific community.
• Provide leadership and mentoring to research technicians, assistants and students.
• Develop tools for molecular breeding and marker assisted selection in fruit trees.
• Liaise with growers, industry technical officers and national and provincial government.

Requirements

• PhD in Plant Biotechnology/Molecular Biology.
• Relevant experience of 3 years in a scientific research environment studying molecular markers in plants.
• In depth knowledge of Plant Biotechnology/Plant Molecular Biology with a particular emphasis on molecular marker technologies.
• Proven record of at least 3 scientific publications and presentations at scientific conferences and symposia.
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• Proven history of collaboration at national level.
• Proven history of mentoring and supervising/co-supervising researchers and students.
• Proven history of strategic and operational planning skills and expertise. 
• Proficiency in MS office suite.
• Code EB driver’s license.

go to method of application »

Description

• Initiate/manage research on plant production and maintenance of seed propagation systems for tropical and subtropical fruit trees.
• Ensure optimal application, utilisation and maintenance of farm facilities, apparatus and equipment.
• Ensure that cyclic farm practices are timeous and correctly executed to ensure optimal success of research projects.
• Manage farm and research staff.
• Write publications/present research outcomes of relevance to subtropical fruit growers, industries and the scientific community.
• Provide leadership and mentoring to research technicians, assistants and students.
• Liaise with growers, industry technical officers and national and provincial government.

Requirements

• PhD in Plant Production/Agricultural Management.
• Relevant experience of 3 years in a scientific research environment working on plant production.
• Experience in farm management will be an added advantage.
• In depth knowledge of Plant Production/Agricultural Management of tropical and subtropical crops. Practical experience in farm management will be an added advantage.
• Proven record of at least 3 scientific publications and presentations at scientific conferences and symposia.
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• Proven history of collaboration at national level.
• Proven history of mentoring and supervising/co-supervising researchers and students.
• Proven history of strategic and operational planning skills and expertise.
• Proficiency in MS office suite.
• Code EB driver’s license.
   

go to method of application »

Description

• Administer all Recruitment and Selection process, administer the HCM Training and Development for the campus,
• Assists with conducting efficient Human Capital record-keeping and database management.
• Assist in managing the employee onboarding and offboarding processes and assisting with recruitment processes.
• Maintain Human Capital policies and procedures.
• Assist with employee remuneration and benefits administration.
• Providing general administrative support to the HCM department.
• Compile and submit regular, monthly and quarterly HCM reports.

Requirements

• A National Diploma in Human Resource Management.
• 1-3 years of work experience in Human Resources/Capital.
• Knowledge of internal functional operations.
• Communication skills, including written and verbal.

go to method of application »

Description

• Manages people within projects and ensures optimal utilisation.
• Assists the researcher to compile and manage project budgets.
• Assist to plan and co-ordinate technical projects.
• Utilises project facilities, materials, and equipment.
• Ensures optimal utilization of resources.
• Strategic planning of future resources.
• Independently conducts specialist research/technical support, diagnostics, and other services across projects.
• Ensures compliance to quality standards.
• Renders expert diagnostic, technical and other services and consults at a national /international level.
• Assists in intellectual property developments.
• Assists to identify and pursue new business opportunities and projects.
• Contributes to scientific and popular publications.
• Ensures compliance with SHE/OHS policies and procedures.
• Assists to develop technical capacity at an appropriate level.
• Identifies learning opportunities of sub-ordinates.

Requirements

• PhD in Plant Breeding / Molecular Breeding / Genetics with Plant Breeding as a Major.
• Valid driver’s license will be an added advantage.
   

go to method of application »

Description

• Contributes towards projects.
• Coordinating of work activities and supervises allocated HR resources.
• Adheres to financial administrative controls. Assists with compiling project budgets and purchases.
• Plans own work activities according to project plans.
• Utilizes and maintains own facilities, material, and equipment.
• Conducts research support, diagnostics, and other services.
• Collects, captures, and processes data with basic analysis.
• Provides verbal/written reports on work activities and results.
• Adheres to quality standards.
• Optimizes equipment and/or processes and/or systems.
• Renders diagnostic, technical and other services under supervision.
• Complies with SHE/OHS policies and procedure.

Requirements

• B degree, B Hons degree, BTech. Or National Diploma Plant Production/Agronomy.
• Applicable experience in field trial management, research methods and data handling (added advantage to have this in onion).
• Agricultural knowledge and skills.
• Planning/Organizing skill.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite.
• Valid driver’s license.