Specialist Researcher: Entomology (Onderstepoort) at Agricultural Research Council

Description

Research and innovation

• Conducts independent research as an internationally renowned specialist, mainly on, but not limited to, insect vector ecology and the pathogens they transmit.
• Identify, initiate, design, access funding and conduct research projects on insects of veterinary importance.
• Manage data capture, interpret and submit recommendations to research team.
• Compile detailed progress reports and approve final reports in fulfilment of contract requirements to external funders.
• Disseminate research results by presenting oral and poster contributions at national and international events.
• Publish popular, semi-scientific and peer-reviewed papers in journals with high impact factors, national and international.
• Referee scientific articles and project proposals for international journals and funding bodies. Willingness to serve on the editorial committee of international journals.
• Create, manage and report on project budgets according to the requirements as stipulated by ARC management (Internally and externally).
• Establish and maintain networking opportunities.
• Participate in the management, maintenance and expansion of the National Collection of Insects of Veterinary Importance with specific reference to tsetse colonisation.
• Diagnostics: Routine identification of lice and fleas and information on the control of these and other entomological pests.

Project Management

• Conceptualizes and initiates new projects, project definition and develops research plans at both national and international level.
• Liaise with National and International funders and other role players on project initiation, objectives, progress and funding.
• Identifies the need for resources, equipment and material in projects and manages them accordingly within the team and/ or specialised field.
• Ensures optimal utilisation of resources towards successful implementation and completion of the research.
• Financial management and optimisation of sustainable external income for programmes and projects.

Providing Scientific Leadership

• Leadership with regards to development of proposals for income generation and contribution to sustainable organisation.
• Managing the quality of science and plans and co-ordinates research activities within the team.
• Identify, acquire, upgrade, manage and maintain research materials and equipment as needed in the section.
• Reporting on progress of projects to funders and compiling of management reports within area of responsibility.
• Disseminates information.
• Publishes research results in high impact international journals.
• Create networks, partnerships and collaboration within the programme nationally and internationally as well as stakeholder management.
• Participate in Programme and Institute-related administrative and other duties as requested by the line manager.
• Risk management and Mitigation: Identifies risks and mitigation plans.

Human Capacity Development

• Provide guidance/ help/ on-the-job-training and supervise technical assistance and contract workers appointed in the project.
• Developing a lean and agile research team that is responsive to the needs of the agricultural sector.
• Evaluate subordinates annually for their performance by means of the set performance evaluations of the ARC.
• Identify learning opportunities (formal and informal) for subordinates.
• Act as promoter, co-promoter for postgraduate students at tertiary institutions.
• Give informal lectures on entomology to promote the activities of the ARC.
• Self-development- to be recognised in the international arena and to form part of International funded projects.
• Continually update knowledge and develop skills and translate knowledge of advances in the area into research activity.

Safety, Health, and Environment

• Ensures compliance with SHE/OHS policies and procedures.

Requirements

• PhD or DSc Degree in Entomology/ Parasitology or related field.
• More than eight (8) years' experience in a relevant scientific research environment, post PhD, and a proven international record of accomplishment.
• Minimum of twenty-five (25) peer-reviewed publications at the date of appointment.
• Proven track record of mentoring and supervising/co-supervising other researchers and students' development with a minimum ten (10) MSc or PhD students graduated at the time of appointment.
• Relevant experience in epidemiology and vector biology.
• Experience in molecular biology is desirable or the will to become proficient in this.
• An ability to execute and participate in multi-disciplinary research projects.
• Must be able to work independently, reliable, diplomacy, patience and perseverance.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• NRF rating of at least C3 or higher will be an added advantage.
• A good knowledge of statistical methods and Geographical Information systems (GIS) will be an advantage.
• Evidence of sourcing or obtaining research funds will be an advantage.
• Good administration and record keeping skills will be an advantage.