Active Jobs at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• Provide expertise for quality research and analysis in the field of social science research and development, and integration with other research programmes.
• Drive conceptualisation and implementation of multidisciplinary research projects and scaling of research for impact across the ARC.
• Facilitate gender integration and inclusivity in R&D research and development projects across the ARC.
• Evaluate research interventions of the ARC, to determine the impact of research and technology transfer effort.
• Facilitate community engagement efforts in research projects, knowledge translation and communication of research outputs to a broad variety of stakeholders including policy makers.
• Contribute to student supervision, mentoring and peer-support of colleagues.
• Publish research in accredited peer reviewed journals.

Requirements

• A PhD Degree in Social Science, Gender Studies, Monitoring and Evaluation, Sociology, Development Studies or other relevant Social Sciences field.
• 3-5 years’ relevant postgraduate work experience (can be before or after the PhD).
• Proven capabilities for qualitative data analysis skills and competency with related data analysis software.
• Evidence of ability to publish in peer reviewed journals (at least 3 peer reviewed publications).
• Sound understanding of the priorities and challenges facing the agricultural sector in South Africa.
• Experience working multi, inter or transdisciplinary teams.
• A valid code EC1 Driver’s License.

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Description

• Deliver administrative support to the OHS Officer.
• Oversee office operations by creating, monitoring, and implementing processes to ensure timely and effective handling of the division's business, including instructions, correspondence and appointments.
• Procurement of goods and services for OHS.
• Establish and manage proper record-keeping systems, including filing, retrieval, retention, storage, and destruction.
• Provide administrative support needed for the online submission of occupational injuries and diseases claims, campus safety files and OHS technical report
• Organize OHS related trainings.
• Attend and participate in any OHS/facility meeting as need may be.
• Assist in collecting OHS stats for monthly reporting.
• Partake in OHS investigations.

Requirements

• A National Diploma in Occupational/Environmental Health Sciences.
• Computer literacy and proficiency in MS Office suite.
• Knowledge of administrative processes.
• Good interpersonal relation.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written).
• High degree of integrity and tact to handle sensitive and classified information.
• A valid driver’s license will be an added advantage.

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Description

• Strategic planning and positioning of research programme nationally and internationally.
• Providing scientific leadership in a specific field of research in multi-disciplinary teams, which will include quality control of all scientific outputs, projects, proposals, scientific publications, reports, scientific presentations, popular publications and presentations with increased emphasis on innovation and sustainability.
• Planning and co-ordinating research activities, Oversight on the management of research material and equipment, oversight on research outcomes and writing management reports, disseminating information and oversight on publishing research results as well as fostering collaboration and building alliances.
• Managing all technology transfer initiatives of the multidisciplinary team across the commodities, leading the generation and commercialisation of Intellectual Property.
• Human Capacity Development that includes outputs of mentoring and developing others (internal staff) and developing self.
• Safety, health, and environment.

Requirements

• PhD or DSc in Crop Science / Agronomy / Soil Science / Plant Physiology or related field.
• At least 8 years' post PhD experience.
• At least 8 years’ experience in the management of research teams in any of the disciplinary areas.
• Minimum of 10 peer reviewed scientific publications.
• NRF rating of at least C1 will be an added advantage.
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• Proven recognition as a research leader on national and international level.
• Valid drivers license.

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Description

• Provides scientific leadership in the Range and Forage Science research and development.
• Manages the quality of science of the research programme including maintaining the quality of accepted scientific standards of excellence.
• Plans and coordinates specialised research within a single or multi-disciplinary team.
• Publishes peer-reviewed and semi-scientific articles.
• Renders specialised analytical and scientific services.
• Markets the research programme through the establishment of appropriate national and international networks and partnerships.
• Builds and maintains relationships with national and international stakeholders and strategic partners to secure research funding.
• Manages development of capacity and appropriate succession plan for the research team.
• Identifies the resource requirements (e.g. equipment and material) for projects and manages them accordingly.

Requirements

• PhD. Plant Ecology/Botany or related disciplines.
• A minimum of 8 years post PhD research experience in Plant Ecology/Botany or related discipline.
• Minimum of 20 scientific publications.
• Proven track record of generating external income.
• Proven track record of building national and international partnerships and stakeholder networks.
• Proven track record of strategic and operational planning skills and expertise.
• NRF rating of at least C1 will be an added advantage.
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• Computer literacy and proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• A valid South African Code B (08) drivers’ licence.

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Description

• The incumbent will be involved in research activities on transboundary animal diseases (TAD) such as foot and mouth (FMD) disease and African Swine fever (ASF). 
• Research work will focus on but is not limited to the development of improved vaccines and diagnostic assays.
• The job entails, but not limited to:
• Management of projects: initiate, manage and contribute to national research projects.
• Writes and submits research proposals, Sources new National research opportunities.
• Compile detailed reports and seek approval for final reports.
• Publishes popular, semi-scientific and peer-reviewed papers (in journals with high impact factor), Seeks networking opportunities.
• Attend scientific gatherings, be aware of intellectual property, disseminate research results by presenting oral and poster contributions.
• Plans and co-ordinates research activities within single or multidisciplinary team.
• Manage projects: initiate, manage and contribute to new national research projects.
• Manage project budgets: is accountable for compiling and managing project budget. Develops business cases for all project expenditure requirements.
• Management of human resources: identifies the need for human resources and manages them.
• Supports senior research team in special research projects.
• Identifies and manages resource needs and procurement.
• Identifies risks and mitigation plans within the research focus area.
• Maintain and manage assets from research activities.
• Human capacity development: Develops own capacity at an appropriate level, identifies and participates in own learning opportunities and supervise or co-supervise students.
• Adheres to company policy and safety guidelines.
• Performing all research work mainly in a biosafety level 3 (BSL3) laboratory and adhering to all rules and regulations thereof, including a five-day quarantine period before visiting an area, feedlot or abattoir where cloven hoofed animals are housed once you have been in the BSL3 laboratory.

Requirements

• PhD OR MSc/MTech with 5 years’ experience post MSc/MTech qualification, in Veterinary Virology, Molecular Biology, Diagnostic Development, Life Sciences or related disciplines.

The following would be an advantage:

• A tertiary major in Genetics or Microbiology.
• A track record of publications (at least 3 peer reviewed publications related to the advertised post), supervising students (MSc and/ or PhD) and obtaining research funding.
• Participating as a speaker nationally and internationally. Show competence in presenting research results.
• Knowledge and experience in DNA cloning and molecular biology techniques such as nucleic acid extraction, cDNA synthesis, specialized PCR techniques as well as trouble shooting of PCRs, protein expression systems, cell culture, serological techniques, immunological techniques such as ELISPOT and Flow cytometry as well as DNA sequencing, including NGS and analysis and editing of the data thereof using specific software.
• Knowledge in virology and immunology is important and experience in related laboratory techniques thereof is an advantage.
• Knowledge in developing improved vaccines through genetic engineering and diagnostic assays such as ELISA’s and VNTS.
• Knowledge/experience in phage display technology.
• Registration with a relevant profession council (e.g. SAVC or SACNASP).
• Network of National and International partnerships and networks.
• Strategic and operational planning skills and expertise.

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Description
Administrative Support

• Provide comprehensive secretarial services, including managing schedules, correspondence, and meeting arrangements for the Senior Researcher, Researcher, and Research Team Manager.
• Maintain effective document management systems for reports, research data, and financial records.
• Ensure compliance with ARC’s administrative policies and procedures.
• Take minutes at all meetings and distribute them timeously.

Project Support

• Assist in the preparation, coordination, and monitoring of project timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to ensure efficient communication and project progress.

Procurement and Financial Administration

• Facilitate procurement processes, ensuring adherence to South African government policies and regulations.
• Prepare and track purchase orders, invoices, and payments using Sage accounting software.
• Support the preparation of project financial reports and audits.

Communication and Stakeholder Management

• Manage a centralized stakeholder database, ensuring contact details, correspondence, and engagement histories are up to date.
• Act as the primary point of contact for internal and external communications, ensuring timely and professional responses.
• Coordinate communication with stakeholders, partners, and collaborators on behalf of the team, including drafting and distributing newsletters, invitations, and updates.
• Support the organization of stakeholder meetings, events, and workshops.

General Office Management

• Maintain office supplies and ensure the smooth operation of office equipment.
• Act as the primary point of contact for administrative inquiries and troubleshoot routine issues.
• Handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Personal Assistant Duties

• Manage travel arrangements, including booking accommodations and transport.
• Assist with event planning, including workshops, conferences, and team-building activities.
• Provide ad-hoc personal assistance to the Senior Researcher, Researcher, and Research Team Manager, including managing email and task prioritization.

Requirements

• Secretarial/Administration Diploma or Degree.
• Minimum of three years of secretarial or administrative experience.
• Proven experience in bookkeeping and financial administration, including proficiency in Sage accounting systems.
• Knowledge of South African government procurement regulations and processes.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Ability to use initiative, be proactive and work independently and /or with the team.
• Familiarity with research environments or scientific organizations is an added advantage.

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Description

• Support the operation of the Bioinformatics unit within the Biotechnology Platform.
• Manage the computational environment of the Biotechnology Platform in terms of an open platform and open-source strategy.
• Deliver data to clients.
• Develop and optimize bioinformatics and data analysis pipelines for next generation sequencing and genotyping 
• data for diverse projects within the mandate of the ARC with special emphasis on precision and turnaround time.
• Provide support for systems management, programming, scripting and database management and LIMS to users of the Bioinformatics Unit.
• Maintain/manage the LIMS, database and other ICT support needed by the Biotechnology research and core facilities units.
• Develop analyses products for the ARC to analyses data.
• Report on all activities within the unit quarterly.

Requirements

• MSc or BSc (Hons) in Bioinformatics with 3-5 years’ experience in bioinformatics programming.
• Demonstrate able programming and scripting skills.
• Ability to develop and work with databases, e.g. SQL, etc.
• Knowledge/Experience in analyzing Next Generation
• Sequencing data will be an advantage.
• Knowledge and experience in using artificial intelligence (AI), machine learn, etc. in molecular biology, sequencing analyses, etc. will be an advantage.
• Ability to interact with clients in a collaborative and consultative role and working as part of a team will be an advantage.
• Knowledge and experience in laboratory information management systems (LIMS) will be an advantage.

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Description

• Conduct genomics services as part of the Biotechnology Platform Core team.
• The position entails next generation sequencing (NGS), long read sequencing, genotyping and high-throughput DNA extraction services.
• Receive, track and quality control of samples, library preparation, NGS sequencing and data delivery to clients.
• Receive, track and quality control of samples, genotyping (Affymetrix and/or Illumina) and data delivery to clients.
• Operating and maintaining laboratory equipment and their servicing records.
• Develop and implement a program to optimise workflows with focus on quality, efficiency and cost.
• Develop and implement the use of Standard Operating Procedures.
• Conduct training of genomics technologies to students and external clients.
• Coordinate client workflows to ensure short turnaround times, efficient data dissemination and client invoicing.
• Generate and manage client quotations, purchase orders, invoices and certificates of conformance and ensure they are properly catalogued for monthly and quarterly reporting.
• Monthly inventory and purchasing of consumables and reagents according to procurement procedures

Requirements

• An MSc in genomics, genetics, molecular biology, or related field.
• At least 1 - 2 years’ hands-on experience with genomics technologies, especially next generation sequencing, is a requirement.
• Experience operating and programming automated liquid handlers and/or performing long read sequencing, will be highly advantageous.
• Demonstration of skills in project management will be advantageous.
• Ability to interact with clients in a collaborative and consultative role and working as part of a team will be an advantage.
• Knowledge and experience in laboratory information management systems (LIMS) will be an advantage.

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Description

• Monthly reconciliation and resolving all unreconciled and prior year items.
• Data cleansing and reviews.
• Accurate and complete transactions.
• Collections.
• Compile and evaluate the performance report of each project.
• Prepare financial reports and proof of income reports to the funder.
• Ensure that audit queries attended to and resolve as soon as possible.
• Preparation and posting of journals.
• Prepare General ledger reconciliations on a monthly basis.
• Manage all externally funded projects to avoid operational losses and report losses to the Institute Finance Manager.
• Strong Excel skills essential.
• Prepare and submit project budgets.
• Ability to work in a team and independently.
• Ability to work accurately under pressure and to deadlines.
• Assist project managers with budget revisions.
• Preferable knowledge of SAGE.
• Invoicing external customers.
• Follow up on outstanding debtors.
• Computer literacy with proficiency in the MS Office suite.

Requirements

• Must have NQF Level 6 in Accounting/ Cost & Management Accounting/ Management Accounting or any relevant qualification. 
• 2-3 years in accounting/ finance field.
• Strong debtors' reconciliation abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Deadline orientated and ability to work under pressure.
• Excellent numerical and accounting skills.

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Description

• Inventory management.
• Receiving of orders from suppliers.
• Packing of store item properly on shelfs.
• Distribution of orders to end -users/business units.
• Issuing of store items to end -users/business units.
• Creation of purchase requisition for store replenishment.
• Conduct Monthly Inventory count.
• Ensure inventory discrepancies are justified & recorded for audit purpose.
• Processing of invoices received from suppliers/service providers.
• Follow-up on outstanding Purchase orders/Invoices with suppliers.
• Receive of deliveries and distribution of orders.
• Attend monthly account meetings.
• Keep a proper record management system.
• Attend to all queries related to warehouse management.

Requirements

• National Diploma or Degree in Logistics/Supply chain/Purchasing/ Procurement or related.
• A minimum of 1 year’ experience in warehouse management.
• Knowledge of PFMA and Inventory management.
• Communication skills, including written and verbal.
• Customer service Orientation.
• Computer literacy with solid knowledge of MS Word, Excel & Outlook.
• A valid driver’s license will be an added advantage.

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Description

• Provide high quality all-inclusive project office and administrative support to the Senior Manager and Programme Manager.
• Management of institute/Special programmes reporting and research information systems.
• Collation of technical reports for management reporting purposes.
• Develop and maintain proper document management systems, ensuring document recording through filling, retrieval, retention, storage, and destruction.
• Management of Project Office, and Quality Control of project proposals and reports in collaboration with Research and Support Managers
• Assistance with Business Planning in collaboration with Research Managers.
• Facilitate communication between stakeholders, project teams, project leaders and management. 
• Liaison with ARC Corporate structures in relation to policy, legal requirements and intellectually property rights as well as in relation to the deliverables of contracts that are multifaceted.
• Develop quarterly and annual reports as per the guidelines of clients and the ARC.

Requirements

• A relevant bachelor’s degree / National Diploma, preferably project management/office management.
• The ideal candidate must have extensive experience in project office management as well as experience in coordinating projects and contracts, liaising with clients and stakeholders and doing management reports.
• Have excellent interpersonal relationships and ability to work under high pressure.
• Have excellent computer literacy with proven data management skills.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License.