Junior Research Technician (Post Level 14) at Stellenbosch University

This internship will offer multiple pathways for learning, including:

• The technician intern will have to take ownership of technical aspects of agronomic trials, to develop independent thinking and problem-solving. As the intern will have limited experience at first, an experienced technical officer and researcher will, however, be supporting the intern to facilitate gradual learning and gradual increase of responsibilities.
• Development of agriculture-specific technical skills and general soft skills that will prepare a well-rounded agronomist for industry. Skills development areas include project management skills, time management, applied learning, social and networking skills, self-control and self-motivation, communication skills, as well as problem-solving and higher-order thinking.
• Experience will be gained by the exposure to multiple projects and crops and cropping systems. This experience will equip the technician intern with the essential skills to work as an agronomist throughout the country.
• Exposure to industry through engagement at farmers' days, symposia and workshops, including presenting preliminary research findings at farmers' days and symposia.

Duties

• The intern will be responsible for delivering technical support to agronomy researchers working on crop production systems involving cool-season crops, including wheat, barley, oats, canola, and cover crops/forage crops. Tasks may include, but are not limited to:
• Providing support with marking out trials in the field according to the trial design.
• Liaising with collaborators to ensure that requirements of multiple collaborators are met.
• Soil preparation and pre-establishment preparation of field sites.
• Planting and harvesting of field trials.
• Trial management, including weed-control, pest and disease control and fertilisation.
• Sampling and analyses, including field sampling and laboratory analyses, with the support of technical assistants.

Job Requirements

• BSc, BSc(Agric) or B.Agric degree in Agronomy, or a similar qualification.
• A valid Code B driver's licence.
• Willingness to travel during the production season.

Recommendation

• None.

Closing Date 12-Jan-2026