Job Opportunities at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• Initiates and manages existing research projects on DNA marker technologies including molecular breeding to support breeding programmes.
• Together with breeders, designs and implements molecular breeding research experiments in support of the various breeding programmes.
• Keeps the division abreast with new developments on DNA marker technologies by reviewing new publications & research reports.
• Actively sources and secures new research opportunities and contributes to proposals for own research and towards the proposals of others.
• Compiles own and contributes to other progress reports (internal and external).
• Captures analyses and interprets data.
• Contributes towards the creation of IP and PBR.
• Provides supervision and mentors postgraduate students, research technicians and assistants. Understands management of co-workers and mentees.
• Disseminates technology through peer-reviewed scientific articles, popular publications, etc.
• Seeks networking opportunities (attends scientific gathering, working with farmer communities, etc.).
• Compliance with human resource policies and procedures.
• Ensures compliance with SHE/OHS policies and procedures.

Requirements

• PhD in Plant Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Proteomics, Plant breeding or Genetics; or MSc Plant Biotechnology or related with eight years relevant work experience.
• Strong background and experience in genomics and applications of molecular tools and latest molecular breeding technologies.
• Experience in the use of Bioinformatics and other genetic data analysis tools.
• Authored or co-authored a minimum of five peer-review scientific publications in a related field.
• Demonstrable experience in project management.
• Management skills including research projects, time, and personnel management.
• Good communication (verbal & writing) skills and liaison with clients, fellow scientists and support staff.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations and procedures.
• Valid code 8 driver’s license.
   

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Description

• Compiling and executing technical activity plans for the implementation of field trials relating to cannabis.
• Plan, conduct and supervise the execution and collection of data.
• Capture and process technical data with basic analysis.
• Compile technical reports.
• Manage trials, project facilities, material and equipment and ensure optimal utilization of resources.
• Assist with compiling and managing project budgets.
• Develops technical capacity at an appropriate level.
• Assist in rendering technical or other research services at a national level.

Requirements

• BSc degree or National Diploma (3 years) in Plant Breeding / Horticulture / Plant Production; or a relevant 2-year qualification at a recognised institution plus 3 years applicable experience.
• Ability to set-up and manage research trials under open-field conditions.
• Good understanding of weed control, soil cultivation methods, fertilization, spraying for disease and pest control, irrigation systems (installation, operation and maintenance), and sustainable field management.
• Experience and good understanding of cannabis and industrial crops production will be an added advantage.
• Experience and good understanding of plant breeding and cultivar descriptions will be an added advantage.
• Good verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Willing to travel nationally at regular intervals for monitoring and evaluation of off-site production trials.
• A valid driver’s license.

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Description

• Be versatile and capable of maintaining/repairing/constructing assets in various areas such as plumbing or HVAC equipment’s according to job requests.
• Maintenance of plumbing or HVAC equipment’s around the campus.
• Assist with any admin requests within the unit.

Requirements

• Grade 12 / Matric qualification and relevant 1 to 2 years’ experience working within Artisan environment on plumbing or HVAC on general building. 
• Driver’s license Code 8 or 10.
• Adhere to OHS Regulations.
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to perform routine work.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills

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Description

• Coordinate and manage the execution of Beef Genomics Programme, in the context of the Beef Genomics Program Consortium and in line with the contractual obligations of the Agricultural Research Council.
• Coordinate internal resources with third parties and vendors for execution of the project.
• Coordinate and compile all reports – both progress, technical and financial – to the different stakeholders. This includes coordinating and preparing all the internal reports and documents (for approval) and all external, approved documents to adhere to the contractual requirements.
• Chair and minute all Consortium meetings.
• Ensure all Supply Chain Management processes are performed as needed, including annual price negotiations, contract renewals, etc.
• Prepare and manage project budgets as well as facilitating payments, invoicing, etc.
• Ensure all project deliverables are delivered on time, within scope and within budget.
• Ensure resource availability and allocation.
• Maintain and monitor the project execution plan and track progress.
• Manage changes to the project scope, schedule, and costs using the appropriate techniques and approvals.
• Measure and track the project performance in relationship to milestones with the appropriate tools and techniques.
• Manage the relationship among all stakeholders within the Consortium.
• Perform risk management to minimize project risk and inform the Consortium of potential risks to the project.
• Establish and/or maintain relationships with third parties, vendors, etc.
• Establish and maintain comprehensive project documentation for project reporting, auditing, operations, etc.
• Meet all budgetary objectives, and provide recommendations on financial analyses against the milestones, budgets, etc to the Steering committee for approval and implementation.
• Attend all Consortium and relevant Stakeholder meetings.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Develop all the spreadsheets, diagrams, process maps, etc. documents required.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
• 8 years proven working experience in project management at internationally acceptable level.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Solid organizational skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) membership will be an added advantage.
• Preferences will be given to candidates with these requirements and an understanding of the South African Agricultural Sector.
   

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Description

• Prepare surfaces cleaning by cleaning, Scraping and sanding to ensure proper adhesion of panting.
• Maintain a clean and organised work area to enhance efficiency and safety. 
• Handling Minor Repairs such and surface preparation such as Filing Cracks and Holes.
• Assist with the preparation and clean-up process for panting.
• Assist with general maintenance duties as and when required

Requirements

• Grade 10 plus 1 to 2 years relevant experience or 5 year relevant experience.
• Proven experience as a painter.
• Ability to stand for long periods.
• Organized, neat, and accurate in work.

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Description

• Initiation, management and implementation of national/international research and innovation projects within the area of responsibility of their research team.
• Providing leadership across specialised research fields and value chains.
• Managing all human resources aspects and communication within the area of responsibility of their research team (e.g. performance management, employee relations and wellness) and being custodians of change management.
• Identifying long-term budget requirements and being accountable for compiling and managing project budgets.
• Leading, developing, writing and negotiating project proposals with national/international funders for research within the area of specialty, and actively sourcing new national/international research opportunities and collaboration.
• Managing the quality of science of the research programme including setting and maintaining the quality of accepted scientific standards of excellence within the discipline.
• Provision of scientific leadership and guidance regarding specific research field as well as quality control of all scientific outputs (project proposals, scientific and popular publications, technical reports, and scientific presentations).
• Marketing research projects within the programme through the establishment of appropriate networks, partnerships and collaboration both nationally and internationally. This includes stakeholder engagements to build new and maintain existing relationships/partnerships.

Requirements

• PhD in Soil Science.
• At least 8-10 years’ post-PhD experience.
• At least 8-10 years’ experience in the management of research teams.
• Minimum of 20 peer-reviewed publications.
• Proven research and managerial track record in Soil Science.           
• Proven experience in attracting externally funded projects, and networking with national/international clients and stakeholders.
• Financial and personnel management, marketing and negotiation skills.
• Scientific leadership and mentoring skills.
• NRF rating would be an added advantage.
• Registration with a scientific or professional body would be an added advantage.
• Candidate should demonstrate ability to work in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural research team.
• Good communication skills (written and verbal).
• Computer literacy with proficiency in MS Office suite.
• Valid driver’s license (code 08/EB).