Scientist Production at Department of Agriculture(DOA)

REQUIREMENTS :

• Applicant must be in possession of a Grade 12 certificate and BSc (Hon) or M Tech with Botany, Agronomy, Horticulture, Genetics and / or Plant Biotechnology as a major subject. Compulsory registration with South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNSP) as a Professional Natural Scientist.
• Job Related Work Experience: A minimum of three (3) years’ post qualification in the field of botany, plant taxonomy, plant breeding or administration of legislation related to Agriculture. Plant Breeders’ Rights Act. Plant Improvement Act. UPOV Convention. Plant Morphology and Physiology. Statistics.

DUTIES :

• Develop and implement relevant systems and procedures. Verifying applications and technical questionnaires submitted by applicants in terms of the Plant Breeding’s Rights Act and the Plant Improvement Act. Establishment of trials in collaboration with the directorate’s farm Manager, applicant or their appointed agent as applicable. Identify location of all candidates and comparative varieties/ liaise with farm manager on field identification. Engage with clients on matters related to their applications and do site visits. Perform technical scientific analysis. Collect data on candidates and standard varieties according to prescribed guidelines.
• Observation and evaluation of candidates to the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) or National Test guidelines as applicable. Variety characterisation and documentation. Data analysis on candidates and standard varieties. Compile variety descriptions and DUS reports for candidates’ varieties. Confirm that candidates’ varieties comply to prescribed DUS requirements in terms of the relevant legislation. Data processing. Provide technical support and advice. Collect and provide technical/scientific data, information and advice to Registrars and Plant Improvement organisations. Provide technical support and advice to applicants in relations to Technical Questionnaires submitted in terms of the Plant Breeder’s Rights Act and the Plant Improvement Act. Research and development. Draft and/ or provide input to UPOV and / provide to UPOV and / or national test guidelines.
• Review and study scientific publications, including internet searches, relevant to received PBR/VL applications. Participate at national, regional and international for a. Liaise with relevant scientific bodies on technical /science related matters and exchange of knowledge thereof. Ensure management of reference collections. Ensure proper management of filling system and crop and seed registers. Conduct or participate in research pertaining to variety characters or ring tests as applicable.