Current Openings at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• To contribute to research by rendering desired support to Rangelands management research staff and to optimise the utilisation of resources in the most cost effective and efficient manner.
• To supervise post-graduate students in the field.
• Pro-actively provide technical input within the context of the research project/s.
• To utilise and maintain facilities, apparatus and equipment.
• Collect, captures and process data with basic analysis.
• To comply with the Occupational Health and Safety regulations/ procedures.
• To ensure successful transfer of scientific technology.
•  Provides verbal/written reports on work activities and results
• Experience in technology transfer through articles, presentations and demonstrations.
• Knowledge on maintenance of equipment and infrastructure needed for research.
• Willing to do extensive traveling to research sites over multiple provinces is mandatory.
• Knowledge on safety standards as prescribed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• A valid driver's license 

Requirements

• A BSc Hons/BTech degree in Agronomy or Pasture Science.
• Practical experience in working with cover crops and planted pastures.
• Understanding of agricultural principles related to research projects.
• Experience in working with a large team including students
• Practical experience and technical knowledge of appropriate research projects, financial and human resource management.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience in technology transfer through articles, presentations and demonstrations.
• Knowledge on maintenance of equipment and infrastructure needed for research.
• Willing to do extensive traveling to research sites over multiple provinces is mandatory.
• Knowledge on safety standards as prescribed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• A valid driver's license

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Description

• Conducts research and manages research projects.
• Initiates, manages and contributes towards national projects.
• Identifies the need for human resources in project(s) and manages the allocated resources.
• Is accountable for compiling and managing the project budgets.
• Actively sources new national research opportunities and write research proposals.
• Plans and co-ordinates research with single or multi-disciplinary team.
• Identifies the need for resources (equipment and material) in project(s) and manages them accordingly.
• Manages data capture, analysis, interpretations and recommendations.
• Compiles detailed reports and seeks approval for final reports.
• To ensure successful transfer of scientific technology i.e. compilation of reports, oral and poster presentations at local and International fora.
• Publishes peer reviewed articles and popular articles (in line with the competency profile).
• Builds and maintain relationships with national stakeholders and strategic partners to secure external funding.
• Develop capacity at an appropriate level within or outside projects,
• Strong practical experience and technical knowledge of appropriate research projects, financial and human resource management.
• Supervise or co-supervise PhD and MSc students.

Requirements

• PhD degree or an MSc plus a minimum of 3 years working experience in Biology/Botany/Plant Ecology/Plant Eco-Physiology with a strong focus on molecular sciences.
• Experience in field work (sample collection), specimen curation as well as controlled laboratory trials.
• Experience in working in a molecular lab with skills in aseptic lab techniques (ensuring the laboratory is a sterile environment), Spectrophotometry, DNA and RNA extraction, PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and Advance PCR techniques (qPCR, RT-PCR), Next-generation sequencing preparation (DNA/RNA extractions, library prep, Illumina sequencing, data analysis).
• Experience in data analyses using appropriate statistical packages. Basic Bioinformatics and Computational biology (R, Ubuntu, Qiime, Mothur, Python) is essential.
• A publication record with a minimum of 3-5 scientific publications already published with a record of additional work in progress.
• Record of presenting research at national and/or international conferences.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to make informed decisions quickly, and execute those decisions with confidence.
• Proven experience in working with large teams and on multiple projects at the same time. 
• Proven track record of PhD and/or MSc student supervision in relevant fields of study.
• Must have a Driver’s license Code 8 or 10.
   

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Description

• Prepare surfaces cleaning by cleaning, Scraping and sanding to ensure proper adhesion of panting.
• Maintain a clean and organised work area to enhance efficiency and safety. 
• Handling Minor Repairs such and surface preparation such as Filing Cracks and Holes.
• Assist with the preparation and clean-up process for panting.
• Assist with general maintenance duties as and when required.

Requirements

• Grade 10 with 1 to 2 years relevant experience or 3 years relevant experience.
• Proven experience as a painter.
• Ability to stand for long periods.
• Organized, neat, and accurate in work.

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Description

• Compiling and executing technical activity plans for the implementation of field trials relating to cannabis and cannabis seed multiplication.
• Plan, conduct and supervise the execution and collection of data.
• Capture and process technical data with basic analysis.
• Compile technical reports.
• Manage trials, project facilities, material and equipment and ensure optimal utilization of resources.
• Assist with compiling and managing project budgets.
• Develops technical capacity at an appropriate level.
• Assist in rendering technical or other research services at a national level.

Requirements

• BSc degree or National Diploma (3 years) in Agronomy / Horticulture / Plant Production; or a relevant 2-year qualification at a recognised institution plus 3 years applicable experience.
• Ability to set-up and manage research trials under open-field conditions.
• Good understanding of weed control, soil cultivation methods, fertilization, spraying for disease and pest control, irrigation systems (installation, operation and maintenance), and sustainable field management.
• Experience and good understanding of cannabis and industrial crops production will be an added advantage.
• Experience and good understanding of commercial seed production will be an added advantage.
• Willing to travel nationally at regular intervals for monitoring and evaluation of off-site production trials.
• Good verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• A valid driver’s license.

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Description

• Compiling and executing technical activity plans for the implementation of field trials relating to essential oil production.
• Coordinate activities for the collection of data.
• Capture and process technical data with basic analysis.
• Compile technical reports.
• Manage project facilities, material and equipment and ensure optimal utilization of resources.
• Assist with compiling and managing project budgets.
• Develops technical capacity at an appropriate level.
• Assist in rendering technical or other research services at a national level.

Requirements

• BSc degree or National Diploma (3 years) in Horticulture / Plant Production; or a relevant 2-year qualification at a recognised institution plus 3 years applicable experience.
• Ability to set-up and manage research trials under open-field conditions.
• Good understanding of weed control, soil cultivation methods, fertilization, spraying for disease and pest control, irrigation systems (installation, operation, and maintenance), and sustainable field management.
• Experience in essential oil production, nursery management and postharvest handling.
• Good understanding of the essential oil market will be an added advantage
• Good verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Willing to travel nationally at regular intervals for monitoring and evaluation of off-site production trials

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Description

• Compiling and executing technical activity plans for the implementation of field trials relating to cannabis.
• Plan, conduct and supervise the execution and collection of data.
• Capture and process technical data with basic analysis.
• Compile technical reports.
• Manage trials, project facilities, material and equipment and ensure optimal utilization of resources.
• Assist with compiling and managing project budgets.
• Develops technical capacity at an appropriate level.
• Assist in rendering technical or other research services at a national level.

Requirements

• BSc degree or National Diploma (3 years) in Agronomy / Horticulture / Plant Production; or a relevant 2-year qualification at a recognized institution plus 3 years applicable experience.
• Ability to set-up and manage research trials under open-field conditions.
• Good understanding of weed control, soil cultivation methods, fertilization, spraying for disease and pest control, irrigation systems (installation, operation and maintenance), and sustainable field management.
• Experience and good understanding of cannabis and industrial crops production will be an added advantage.
• Good verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Willing to travel nationally at regular intervals for monitoring and evaluation of off-site production trials.
• A valid driver’s license.

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Description

• Coordinates and executes field and greenhouse trials, by compiling and executing technical activity plans for activities relating to breeding of fruit vegetables.
• Manage project resources (facilities, manpower, material, and equipment) and ensure optimal utilization of resources.
• Compile and manage allocated project budgets.
• Independently conducts research/technical support, diagnostics, and other services within a project.
• Collects, captures, processes, and interprets technical data and makes internal project recommendations.
• Compiles detailed technical reports and submits to project managers and/or relevant managers.
• Develops technical capacity at an appropriate level.
• Assists with identifying new business opportunities.

Requirements

• Master’s degree (NQF 9) in Plant Breeding or related field (Horticulture / Plant Production), plus 3 years applicable experience; or BSc(Hons) degree or Postgraduate Diploma (or equivalent NQF 8), plus 6 years applicable experience.
• Experience in classical plant breeding techniques.
• Ability to set-up and manage research trials under greenhouse and open-field conditions.
• Good understanding of weed control, soil cultivation methods, fertilization, spraying for disease and pest control, irrigation systems (installation, operation and maintenance), and sustainable field management.
• Experience and good understanding of commercial and indigenous vegetable production will be an added advantage.
• Good understanding of irrigation scheduling and use of soil water content monitoring equipment will be an added advantage.
• Good verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Advance computer literacy.
• A valid driver’s license.

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Description

• Study the nutritional value of wild foods and their protective effects against environmental mutagens.
• Conduct genotoxicity assays using bacterial and mammalian cells –based assays.
• Conduct in vitro cytotoxicity testing (primary and continuous cell lines).
• Isolate and identify bioactive compounds.
• Analyze data and compile reports.
• Contribute to scientific output (conferences, scientific publications, popular articles).

Requirements

• A PhD in Genetic Toxicology, Environmental Toxicology, Biochemistry or related fields within five years before appointment.
• Fundamental knowledge of genetic toxicology assays (bacterial and/or mammalian cell-based assays).
• Knowledge of chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques will be an advantage.
• Evidence of peer reviewed publications.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.