(Re-Advert) Researcher/Senior Researcher: Forage Breeding at Agricultural Research Council

• The ARC-Animal Production (ARC-AP) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced, and dynamic person to the following positions at Cedara, KZN:

Job Description

• Initiates, manages and contributes towards national/ international forage breeding initiatives.
• Actively sources new national/ international research opportunities including writing research proposals.
• Build and maintain international and national relationships and networking opportunities.
• Plan and coordinate research with single or multi-disciplinary team.
• Conduct independent and advanced research.
• Develop, Maintain and Protect Plant Breeders Rights of the unit.
• Manages people within projects and compiles detailed reports to various stakeholders.
• Compiles detailed reports and approves final reports.
• Manages data capture and shows advanced analysis, interpretation, and recommendations.
• Publishes semi-scientific and peer reviewed articles and publishes in journals with a high impact factor.
• Supervise or co-supervise PhD and MSc students with an emphasis on critical and scarce skills.
• Complies with all occupational health and safety regulations.

Job Requirements

Senior Researcher

• PhD/DSc degree in Plant Breeding with Five (5) years post PhD relevant experience in plant breeding.
• Minimum of 12 peer reviewed publications at date of appointment.
• Proven record of plant breeders’ rights generated and new cultivars registered.
• Proven record of accomplishment for generating external income.
• Proven record of initiating national projects and participation in international projects.
• Proven record of exposure and use of biotechnology applications to marker-assisted selection and modern breeding technologies and Biometrical Genetics.
• Practical experience and technical knowledge of appropriate research projects, financial and human resource management.
• Excellent Verbal and written communication skills.
• Generates income from commercialization of ARC IP for financially sustainable research teams.
• Experience in technology transfer through popular and peer-reviewed articles, presentations, and demonstrations.
• Demonstrated ability to attract external research funds and collaboration.
• A valid South African Driver’s license.
• Registration with a scientific and professional body and NRF rating will be an added advantage.

Researcher

• PhD/DSc degree and experience of research on master’s level of at least 3 years working experience as a plant breeder.
• Proven record of contributing to the development of plant breeders’ rights and new cultivars registered.
• A publication record with a minimum 3-5 peer reviewed publications already published with a record of additional work in progress.
• Record of presenting research at national and/or international conferences.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven record of exposure and use of biotechnology applications to marker-assisted selection and modern breeding technologies and Biometrical Genetics.
• Proven record of generating research funding and collaborations.
• Proven experience in working with large teams and on multiple projects at the same time.
• Proven track record of PhD and/or MSc student supervision in relevant fields of study.
• A valid South African Driver’s license.
• Registration with a scientific and professional body and NRF rating will be an added advantage.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 17 MARCH 2026