Available Opportunities at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• Contributing to research by rendering desired support to research personnel to ensure the successful completion of research projects in compliance with set standards.
•  Assist with general laboratory tasks.
• Sample preparation.
• Preparing and pouring of media.
• Fungal isolations.
• Storing cultures.
• Field work including inoculation trials for grapevine and fruit trees as well as sampling.
• Monitor weeds and disease outbreaks in glasshouses and tunnels.
• Ensuring optimal use of facilities, equipment and project resources which includes.
• Cleaning of laboratories.
• Cleaning of laboratory glassware.
• Maintenance of equipment.
• Complying with SHE/OHS regulations and procedures

Requirements

• Grade 10 with 2 years of applicable experience in research support
• Lab experience in one of the following or similar areas Plant Pathology Microbiology Plant Breeding will be advantageous.
• Experience in operation of lab equipment, i.e. autoclaves, laminar flow cabinets, lab scales, will be advantageous.
• Valid driver’s license will be advantageous.
• Basic computer skills.
   

go to method of application »

Description

• Resource Allocation: Managing budgetary and resource allocation decisions to support the institution's mission and goals.
• Process Improvement: Identifying and implementing process improvements and operational efficiencies to enhance service delivery and reduce costs.
• Strategic Planning: Collaborating with Executive Manager: Crops and NRE to develop and execute strategic plans that align with the institution's mission and vision.
• Lead and Direct: Lead and Direct the Institute’s Research and Management Agenda.
• Shared Services Management: Collaborating with the Executive Manager: Shared Services/Corporate Support, in overseeing the shared services functions within the institution, ensuring they operate cohesively and meet their respective objectives.
• Policy Implementation: Ensuring that policies, procedures, and regulations are effectively communicated and adhered to throughout the Institute.
• Performance Evaluation: Monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to assess the institution's performance and make data-driven decisions.
• Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating operational risks and challenges that could impact the institution's mission or reputation.
• Stakeholder Relations: Building and maintaining positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Innovation and Technology: Promoting the adoption of innovative technologies and practices to enhance service delivery and operational effectiveness.
• Emergency Response and Continuity Planning: Implementing plans for emergency response, business continuity, and disaster recovery.
• Compliance and Legal Affairs: Ensuring that the institution complies with all relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
• Human Resources Management: Collaborating with Human Capital Business Partner, oversee personnel, including hiring, training, and performance management, to maintain a skilled and motivated workforce.
• Financial Management: Collaborating with Finance Business Partner, oversee Institute’s finances and financial health, budget and cost management and financial reporting.
• Communication and Reporting: Providing regular updates to Executive leadership, governing boards, and other stakeholders on operational performance and progress toward goals.
• Conflict Resolution: Handling internal conflicts and disputes within the Institute in a fair and constructive manner.
• Crisis Management: Leading the institution's response to crises or emergencies, coordinating efforts to mitigate negative impacts.
• Ethical Leadership: Upholding and promoting ethical standards and values within the organization, setting a positive example for all employees.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with Stakeholders to understand their needs and concerns and ensuring the institution's services are responsive to those needs.

Requirements

• A PhD in any related field of Plant Health (e.g. Plant Pathology, mycology, entomology, bacteriology, virology, etc.) 5 years’ post qualification experience in Research and Development and 5 years at Senior Management level or 10 years at middle management level.
• A strong research record.
• Capability for project and programme management, partnership development, collaborations, good organizational, planning, control and communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Proficiency in Ms Office Suite.
• Performance and financial management skills, individual leadership and good negotiation skills.
• Experience in the management of personnel.
• Valid Code B & EB driver’s license.
   

go to method of application »

Description

• Managing and curating the ARC microbial biobank and database.
• Providing scientific assistance.
• Ensuring compliance with regards to relevant legislation, both national and international.
• Contribute towards the daily running of the biobank.
• Staff supervision and contributing to the BBSA objectives, specifically for microbial biobanks

Requirements

• MSc or equivalent at NQF 9 with 3 years experience.
• Experience in collections management will be an advantage.
• Experience of working in a research team.
• Drivers license 08/EB driver.

go to method of application »

Description

• The incumbent will be responsible for the management of the beekeeping apiary sites.
• To assist with both field and laboratory based research on the monitoring and evaluation of pests and diseases of honeybees, and other research projects, including detailed data capture from bee hive surveys.
• Responsible for the preparation and maintenance of equipment required for field studies.
• Participate in Technology transfer initiatives.
• To provide verbal/written reports to the supervisor on work activities and results.
• The incumbent will be trained and mentored in the project administrative tasks required.

Requirements

• Diploma with 3 years experience as a beekeeper or Grade 12 with 5 years experience as a beekeeper.
• Full and extensive proven experience of working with bees in the field is essential, including the physical capacity for beekeeping under arduous conditions.
• Willingness to do field-work and to travel on fieldwork trips is a requirement. This post may require the incumbent to do field work in remote areas. Field trips may require occasional absence from home for 3 to 8 days at a time.
• Computer literacy will be an advantage.
• Good written and verbal communication skills will be an advantage.
• Code B/EB driver’s license required.

go to method of application »

Description

• Contributing to research by rendering desired support to research personnel to ensure the successful completion of research projects in compliance with set standards.
• Assist with general laboratory tasks.
• Sample preparation.
• Preparing and pouring of media.
• Fungal isolations.
• Field work including inoculation trials for grapevine and fruit trees as well as sampling.
• Monitor weeds and disease outbreaks in glasshouses and tunnels.
• Ensuring optimal use of facilities, equipment and project resources.
• Cleaning of laboratories and laboratory glassware.
• Maintenance of equipment.
• Complying with SHE/OHS regulations and procedures.

Requirements

• Grade 12
• 2 years of applicable experience in research support
• Lab experience must be in one of the following areas (or similar), Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Plant Breeding (i.e. tissue culture)
• Experience in: Operation of lab equipment, i.e. autoclaves, laminar flow cabinets, lab scales, etc.
• Isolation of fungal pathogens from plant material
• Valid driver’s license
• Basic computer skills
   

go to method of application »

Description

• General building maintenance such as plumbing, bricklaying, plastering, painting and any related electrical work.
• Assist with any admin requests within the unit.
• Adhere to OHS regulations
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to perform routine work.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills.

Requirements

• Grade 12 / Matric qualification.
• 1 to 2 years’ relevant experience. 
• Valid driver’s license.
   

go to method of application »

Description

• Contributes to DALRRD Research project(s): Survey of viruses on tomatoes, peppers, potatoes and Solanaceous weeds.
• field work and sample collection - assist with collection of samples on field trips.
• Viral diagnostics: molecular assays according to set protocols, plants or soil sample storage, nucleic.
• Viral diagnostics: molecular assays according to set protocols, plant or soil sample storage, nucleic acid (DNA/RNA) extraction and various diagnostic assays, including ELISA, RT-PCR or PCR and gel electrophoresis, viral identification by sanger sequencing and/or NGS.
• Laboratory management :assist with buffer preparation, organization of the laboratory, management of equipment, sample storage.  
• Glasshouse or field trials :assist researchers with the tending of plants or the monitoring of pests and diseases in glasshouse or field trials.
• Health and safety: compliance with general health and safety regulations; demonstrate safe use of safety equipment, safe application of surface sterilizers, sanitizers and pesticides.
• General : attention to detail and work accuracy, ability to work under pressure and handling of high work loadat times. 

Requirements

• MSc Degree in Plant Pathology, Molecular biology, Genetics, Virology, Biochemistry or Honours Degree with 3 years experience and strong skills in virology, molecular diagnostic skills, cloning, sequencing and phylogenetics.
• Previous work experience within a diagnostic laboratory will be an advantage.
• Candidate should be capable of designing and carrying out high-level, complex research experiments independently.
• Ability to work in diverse teams.
• Ability to be hands-on and excellent problem solving skills.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and work systematically.
• Prior experience in molecular laboratory and glasshouse and tunnel facilities.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite.
• Excellent communication Skills (Written and Verbal).
• Drivers license 08/EB driver.
   

go to method of application »

Description

• Initiate/manage research on molecular markers in tropical and subtropical fruit trees.
• Write publications/present research outcomes of relevance to subtropical fruit growers, industries and the scientific community.
• Provide leadership and mentoring to research technicians, assistants and students.
• Develop tools for molecular breeding and marker assisted selection in fruit trees.
• Liaise with growers, industry technical officers and national and provincial government.

Requirements

• PhD in Plant Biotechnology/Molecular Biology.
• Relevant experience of 3 years in a scientific research environment studying molecular markers in plants.
• In depth knowledge of Plant Biotechnology/Plant Molecular Biology with a particular emphasis on molecular marker technologies.
• Proven record of at least 3 scientific publications and presentations at scientific conferences and symposia.
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• Proven history of collaboration at national level.
• Proven history of mentoring and supervising/co-supervising researchers and students.
• Proven history of strategic and operational planning skills and expertise. 
• Proficiency in MS office suite.
• Code EB driver’s license.
   

go to method of application »

Description

• Initiate/manage research on plant production and maintenance of seed propagation systems for tropical and subtropical fruit trees.
• Ensure optimal application, utilisation and maintenance of farm facilities, apparatus and equipment.
• Ensure that cyclic farm practices are timeous and correctly executed to ensure optimal success of research projects.
• Manage farm and research staff.
• Write publications/present research outcomes of relevance to subtropical fruit growers, industries and the scientific community.
• Provide leadership and mentoring to research technicians, assistants and students.
• Liaise with growers, industry technical officers and national and provincial government.

Requirements

• PhD in Plant Production/Agricultural Management.
• Relevant experience of 3 years in a scientific research environment working on plant production.
• Experience in farm management will be an added advantage.
• In depth knowledge of Plant Production/Agricultural Management of tropical and subtropical crops. Practical experience in farm management will be an added advantage.
• Proven record of at least 3 scientific publications and presentations at scientific conferences and symposia.
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• Proven history of collaboration at national level.
• Proven history of mentoring and supervising/co-supervising researchers and students.
• Proven history of strategic and operational planning skills and expertise.
• Proficiency in MS office suite.
• Code EB driver’s license.

go to method of application »

Description

• Co-ordinates and contributes towards projects, by compiling and executing technical project activity plans.
• Manage fungal and bacterial genebanks.
• Manages grapevine virus collection.
• Assist with compiling and managing project budgets.
• Plan and co-ordinates own and technical project work activities.
• Manage project facilities, material and equipment. Ensures optimal utilization of resources.
• Independently conducts specialist research/technical support, diagnostics, and other services within a project.
• Collect, captures, processes and interprets technical data and makes internal project recommendations.
• Compile detailed technical reports and submit for approval.
• Manage and ensures compliance with quality standards.
• Present results to stakeholders.
• Optimise and implement equipment and/or processes and/or systems.
• Renders diagnostic, technical and other services at a national level.
• Manage and coordinates services within the division.

Requirements

• BSc degree in Plant Pathology.
• At least two years’ experience in laboratory techniques applicable to Plant Pathology, including isolation, culturing and identification of fungi.
• Knowledge of grapevine and deciduous fruit pests and disease management will be an advantage.
• Knowledge of molecular identification methods will be an advantage.
• Knowledge of curating genebank collections will be an advantage.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid SA driver’s license.