Chief Research Technician: Plant Breeding (Port Elizabeth) at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• Manages projects on breeding and evaluation of tropical and subtropical crops at Addo.
• Manages daily activities in research blocks in the field with assistance of support staff.
• Manages project budgets to ensure effective resource allocation (funds and labour) within and across projects.
• Compiles monthly progress reports (internal) and quarterly reports (external for funders) in the form of written reports and presentations.
• Identifies research opportunities and implements advanced technologies in breeding.
• Supervision and management of Research Technicians and Research Support Assistants.
• Contributes towards technology transfer and training efforts.
• Liaise with growers, industry technical officers and national and provincial government.
• Write popular/scientific publications and present research outcomes of relevance to subtropical fruit growers, industries and the scientific community.

Requirements

• MSc. or MTech (NQF7) in Plant Breeding/Genetics/Horticulture/Plant Production with proven ability to manage farm/research blocks in the field.
• Relevant experience of 8 years (post MSc./MTech) in an environment with a focus on plant breeding.
• Knowledge of plant breeding, horticultural production and management of field blocks essential.
• Basic project and financial management skills.
• History of collaboration at national level.
• History of strategic and operational planning skills and expertise.
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• Advanced Computer Literacy.
• Code EB driver’s licence and proven ability to drive.