Available Openings at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• Render office administration, including filing and removal of files in line with applicable laws.
• Coordinate the flow of correspondence from the office to the Board/Council and other stakeholders.
• Assist in logistical arrangements for Council and Management Committee Meetings (Boardrooms, Data projector, Recording Devices, catering services, etc).
• Proper record management of meeting records, agenda packs, and approved signed minutes in line with applicable laws.
• Diary management of the Group Company Secretary, screening calls, making copies, and managing incoming mail.
• Logistics management in the office of the Group Company Secretary & Council Members (travel arrangements, accommodation, etc).
• Financial administration and procurement management, including requisitions of budget,variance reports, monitoring (S&T), requisitions and invoices.
• Order office equipment, stationery, and office supplies in line with relevant policies.
• Rendering other secretarial and administrative support to the Group Company Secretary and team members when required. (Proper loading of  meeting packs on Convene, Drafting of Committee’s Agenda, compiling resolution registers, drafting of chairperson’s reports)
• Manage Board related claims and invoices.
• Perform any ad hoc duties required by the Group Company Secretary.
• Keeping an updated register of approved ARC policies by Council.

Requirements

• A National Diploma in Office Administration/Secretarial or equivalent qualification.
• 3 to 5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in a finance environment will be an added advantage.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite.
• Knowledge of administrative processes.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written).
• Good Interpersonal relation.
• High degree of integrity and tact in handling sensitive and classified information.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 22 SEPTEMBER 2025

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Description

• Manage the Scientific Applications Specialist team within BTP, including Developing, establishing, managing existing genomics, bioinformatics-based products to support research and development activities within the mandate of the ARC and other relevant sectors with focus on quality, efficiency and cost.
• Coordinate, manage analytical and support services within BTP-Core.
• Coordinate, manage planning and reporting of activities BTP-Core.
• Initiate and coordinate stakeholder engagement to promote activities of the BTP-Core.
• Coordinate client workflows to ensure short turnaround times, efficient data dissemination and client invoicing.
• Implement, run LIMS and automation of workflows on all products.
• Contribute to capacity building through either postgraduate student supervision and/or training within facility.
• Develop and implement the use of Standard Operating Procedures within the Core environment.
• Collaborate and interact with research teams across ARC to ensure broad application of genomic tools in agricultural research and development programs.
• Raise funds to ensure the optimal functioning of the Biotechnology Platform Core at the cutting edge of available technologies.
• Publish on research and other activities in research journals.
• Supervising of staff, students and interns working in the Core unit.

Requirements

• PhD in Genomics/ Bioinformatics or related field.
• At least 5 years' experience in genomics or bioinformatics.
• Knowledge of genomics and their application (NGS,genotyping, etc.) in agriculture and other science sectors.
• The ability to manage a team is required to deliver on time, maintain quality and provide new and improved services continuously.
• Experience and a proven track record in agricultural research, development and service provision.
• A track record of publications in research and/or development.
• Recognized within the research community.
• Track record of student supervision.
• Appropriate experience in project management and fund raising.
• Ability to work in a core facility or analytical laboratory environment.
• Ability to interact with clients in a collaborative and consultative role.
• Knowledge and experience in laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and/or automated liquid handlers will be advisable.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 22 SEPTEMBER 2025

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Description

• Supervision of Quality Control and Assurance activities (bioanalytic and regulatory compliance).
• Implementing the smooth execution of experiments, data collection and production laboratory procedures.
• Responsible for managing laboratory equipment, ensuring its proper functioning and maintenance.
• Collaborate closely with chief research technicians, assisting in the design, implementation of production activities, troubleshooting technical issues, managing the accuracy and reliability of data collected.
• Manage the coordination of activities and fostering a culture of safety and efficiency in the laboratory.
• Facilitate and enhance the research efforts of the institution by applying strong technical knowledge and ability, thereby
• Contributing to the successful execution and outcomes of research projects.
• Capacity building and skills transfer for Vaccine production trainee.

Requirements

• MTech Degree or equivalent NQF 9 plus 2 years applicable experience / Hons Degree / BHSc Degree or equivalent NQF 8 plus 6 years applicable experience / BTech Degree or equivalent NQF 7 / National Diploma or equivalent NQF 6 plus 8 years applicable experience.
• Experience in Life Sciences or Quality Control and Assurance will be an added advantage.
• Registration with the relevant proffessional regulatory body will be an added advantage.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 22 SEPTEMBER 2025

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Description

• Initiation, management and implementation of national/international research and innovation projects within the area of responsibility of their research team.
• Providing leadership across specialised research fields and value chains.
• Managing all human resources aspects and communication within the area of responsibility of their research team (e.g. performance management, employee relations and wellness) and being custodians of change management.
• Identifying long-term budget requirements and being accountable for compiling and managing project budgets.
• Leading, developing, writing and negotiating project proposals with national/international funders for research within the area of specialty, and actively sourcing new national/international research opportunities and collaboration.
• Managing the quality of science of the research programme including setting and maintaining the quality of accepted scientific standards of excellence within the discipline.
• Provision of scientific leadership and guidance regarding specific research field as well as quality control of all scientific outputs (project proposals, scientific and popular publications, technical reports, and scientific presentations).
• Marketing research projects within the programme through the establishment of appropriate networks, partnerships and collaboration both nationally and internationally. This includes stakeholder engagements to build new and maintain existing relationships/partnerships.

Requirements

• PhD in Soil Science.
• At least 8-10 years’ post-PhD experience.
• At least 8-10 years’ experience in the management of research teams.
• Minimum of 20 peer-reviewed publications.
• Proven research and managerial track record in Soil Science.           
• Proven experience in attracting externally funded projects, and networking with national/international clients and stakeholders.
• Financial and personnel management, marketing and negotiation skills.
• Scientific leadership and mentoring skills.
• NRF rating would be an added advantage.
• Registration with a scientific or professional body would be an added advantage.
• Candidate should demonstrate ability to work in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural research team.
• Good communication skills (written and verbal).
• Computer literacy with proficiency in MS Office suite.
• Valid driver’s license (code 08/EB).

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 23 SEPTEMBER 2025

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Description

• The incumbent will partake in diagnostic activities on transboundary animal diseases with specific emphasis on serological, molecular and virological assays.
• The successful candidate will be responsible to supervise and perform diagnostics, manage data capture, analysis, interpret results and make recommendations with regards to the status of diagnostic samples.
• Implementing the smooth execution of experiments, data collection, and laboratory procedures.
• Managing laboratory equipment, ensuring its proper functioning and maintenance.
• Collaborate closely with researcher technicians, assisting in the design and implementation of experiments, troubleshooting technical issues, and managing the accuracy and reliability of data collected.
• Manage the coordination of activities and fostering a culture of safety and efficiency in the TAD diagnostic laboratories (Serology and Molecular diagnosis).
• Facilitate and enhance the research efforts of the institution by applying strong technical knowledge and ability, thereby contributing to the successful execution and outcomes of research projects.

Requirements

• MTech/ MSc degree or equivalent NQF 9 plus 2 years applicable experience OR Honours/ BHSc degree or equivalent NQF 8/ BTech degree plus 6 years applicable experience OR National Diploma or equivalent NQF6 plus 8 years applicable experience.
• Experience in diagnostics laboratory services is a mandatory.
• Must be registered as a Veterinary Technologist and in good standing with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC).

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 24 SEPTEMBER 2025

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Description

• Prepare and process samples received by the laboratory’s standard operating procedures.
• Support with associated research and assist with maintaining a biological repository.
• Maintain cultures for future use.
• Maintain sample information on LIMS and other relevant programs.
• Responsible for general laboratory administrative tasks.
• Responsible for stock control.
• Assist in a variety of research projects.
• Assist in technical preparations (compiling of SOPs, calibrating and servicing of equipment, etc.) necessary for the maintenance of the Quality Management System.

Requirements

• National Diploma in Microbiology /Biotechnology or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology /biotechnology or related field will be an added advantage.
• Experience in disease diagnosis, pathogen identification, molecular biology, basic bioinformatics, and biobanking will be an added advantage.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Presentation skills.
• Ability to work in a team and independently.
• A valid driver’s license.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 24 SEPTEMBER 2025