Researcher-065-001 at PPECB

Job Description
Main purpose of the job 

• To conduct research that provides valuable insights into postharvest technology, cold chain management, and product development within the perishable export sector. The role also supports the development and implementation of new cold chain processes, specialized shipment methods. The role tests and verifies equipment, and technologies that enhance efficiency, drive innovation, and reduce risk for the PPECB and the industries it serves.

High level job objectives 

• To ensure that core research is planned, conducted, controlled and reported 
• To ensure that collaborative research is planned, conducted and controlled  
• To manage temperature dispensations within the perishable export industry and align standards and protocols to new temperature regimes are reviewed
• To ensure internal and external stakeholders are advised and informed on latest developments in the research
• To ensure compliance to Human Capital and Financial policies and procedures
• To ensure effective risk management in the following areas
• Research and temperature management
• Operational environment

Requirements

Qualifications

(Essential)

• Relevant Bachelors Degree - BSc. Agric / BTech Agriculture (Horticulture /Crop Science)

(Desirable)

•  MSc. Agric / MTech (Horticulture/Crop Science/ Post-Harvest) 

Experience

(Essential) 

• Research experience  (3 Years)

(Desirable)

• Experience in conducting perishable products post-harvest research, Post-harvest temperature management and experience in fruit physiology (1 Year)

Knowledge.

(Essential)

• Understanding of statistics
• Knowledge of research methodologies within the perishable industry
• Understanding container loading 
• Project reporting relating to analyses and technical information 
• Understanding of temperature monitoring equipment
• Knowledge of the handling of perishable products in terms of storage, logistics, handing and inspections of perishable products 
• Knowledge of basic refrigeration and cooling- systems in containers, vessels and cold storages

(Desirable)

• Knowledge of relevant legislation e.g. relating to plagiarism
• Knowledge of the Copyright Act
• Knowledge of POPIA

Technical Skills/ Functional Skills 
(Essential)

• Proficient in Microsoft office 
• Report writing  
• Understanding of temperature monitoring equipment 
• Research conducting skills 
• Container loading 
• Facilitation of training 
• Presentation skills

Competency Profile: Behavioural 

(Essential)

• Analysing 
• Learning and Researching 
• Creating and Innovating 
• Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations 
• Following Instructions and Procedures 
• Adapting and Responding to Change 
• Entrepreneurial and Commercial Thinking

(Desirable)

• Deciding and Initiating Action

Physical and other

(Essential)

• Good health – ability to move around port terminal and storage facilities  
• Business Travel – National