Job Opportunities at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• Managing the Microbiology Laboratory as an ongoing project.
• Budgeting and keeping track of project income and expenditure.
• Advising clients on analyses necessary to give them the information required.
• Quoting on work that can be done. Doing analyses when necessary.
• Communicating with clients on procedures for sending samples, payment, etc.
• Accepting and registering samples as per clients' requirements.
• Delegating work to staff members.
• Keeping track of the progress of work in the microbiology laboratory.
• Checking and approving results and signing test reports.
• Generating invoices and statements and following up on payments.
• Handling complains or queries from clients about results.
• Organising repairs to laboratory equipment.
• Organising the generation of requisitions, timesheets, and leave applications.
• Organising purchase orders, receipt of goods, and sending of invoices for payment.
• Compiling of monthly project reports.
• Carrying out any requests from Finance, SC Management, and HR.
• Overseeing the maintenance of accreditation with ISO 17025.
• Approving, submitting, and evaluating proficiency testing results.
• Investigating non-conforming work and non-compliance, initiating corrective actions, and doing risk analysis.
• Initiating improvements in procedures. Developing and adapting methods.
• Revising methods, procedures, and controlled documents.
• Performance evaluation of laboratory staff.
• Training staff, evaluating, declaring competence, and issuing authorizations.

Requirements

• An MSc degree in Microbiology (or equivalent NQF9) plus 10 years applicable experience, OR B Hons degree/ B-Tech Degree (or equivalent NQF8) plus 15 years applicable experience.
• The applicable experience MUST be in microbiological food and feed analysis or the food or feed industry.
• Knowledge of at least the following analyses: Bacillus cereus presumptive, enumeration, Bifidobacterium spp (cultured products and bacterial cultures) enumeration, Coliforms and Escherichia coli (milk & dairy products) enumeration, Coliforms and Escherichia coli (food & feed, meat & meat products) enumeration, Salmonella spp. Presumptive, detection, Total aerobic count, enumeration, etc.
• Knowledge and experience in accreditation with ISO 17025 are imperative.
• Experience as a technical signatory with ISO 17025 will be an added advantage.
• A valid Code EB driver's license.
   

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Description

• The Research Technician is responsible for conceptualizing, designing, formulating, and initiating technical projects across the Institute; these include leading the following aspects of project management.
• The Research Technician is responsible for implementing and managing of technical projects.  These activities include the driving, leading and oversight of the following activities.
• The Research Technician is responsible for implementing and managing technology transfer initiatives in the institution, these are as follows.
• The Research Technician is responsible for implementing and managing scientific research endeavours; these include the following activities.
• The Research Technician is Responsible for implementing and managing safety, health and environment compliance and standards, these include the following activities.
• The Research Technician is responsible for human capacity development, which includes.

Requirements

• National Diploma (NQF 6) in Plant breeding/ Plant Production/Agronomy or related Plant or Crop Science qualification
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in in field trial management, research methods and data handling
• Agricultural research knowledge, skills and experience (especially on potato breeding and cultivation)
• Ability to set-up and manage research trials under open-field conditions.
• Experience and good understanding of weed control, soil cultivation methods, fertilization, spraying for disease and pest control, irrigation systems, soil health and sustainable field management.
• Experience and good understanding of potato propagation techniques and breeding will be an added advantage.
• Practical skills such as small repairs on irrigation system, tools and implements will be an added advantage.
• Experience in managing people will be an added advantage.
• Valid driver’s license
• Advanced computer literacy

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Description

• Initiates and manages research projects relating to crop improvement of Okra, by ensuring successful completion of research projects in compliance with set standards, client needs/ specifications, within budget and on time. 
• Experimental design, timeous execution, data capturing, data analysis and reporting of project deliverables according to scientific standards and in line with overall Corporate Strategy of the ARC. 
• Actively sources and secures new research opportunities, assists with identifying new business opportunities and capable of securing external funding. 
• Provides leadership, supervision, mentoring and training of postgraduate students, research technicians and assistants. 
• Manage allocated resources (facilities, manpower, material, and equipment) to ensure efficient deployment and utilisation of resources. 
• Properly compiled and managed budgets in compliance with the prescribed financial procedures and policies of the ARC with correct and timeously executed financial administrative activities/tasks. 
• Disseminates technology through peer-reviewed scientific articles, popular publications, manual productions, radio and TV talks, and other marketing events. 

Requirements

• PhD in Plant Breeding or related disciplines; or MSc with five years minimum work experience and currently in advance stage of completing PhD in relevant field. 
• Experience in classical plant breeding techniques. 
• Experience in molecular plant breeding techniques will be an added advantage. 
• Experience in breeding of fruit vegetable crops will be an added advantage. 
• Authored or co-authored a minimum of two peer review publications relevant to the position. 
• Evidence of popular article publications will be an added advantage. 
• Evidence of performing research independently, achievement of objectives and targets and effective reporting. 
• Experience in project management and participation in national projects. 
• Postgraduate student mentoring or supervision experience will be an added advantage. 
• A valid driver’s license.