Current Openings at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• Laboratory support and sample management — assist with plant or soil samples brought in for testing in the virology laboratory; assist with microbiology and molecular assays according to set protocols, including weighing of chemicals and preparation of solutions, plant or soil sample storage, nucleic acid (DNA/RNA) extraction and various diagnostic assays, including ELISA, RT-PCR or PCR and gel electrophoresis.
• Sample collection — assist researchers with collection of samples on field trips.
• 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 load at times

Requirements

• National Diploma, Btech, BSc degree or equivalent.
• Prior experience in molecular laboratory and glasshouse and tunnel facilities.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite.
• Excellent communication Skills (Written and Verbal).
• Ability to work in diverse teams.
• Ability to be hands-on and excellent problem solving skills.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and work systematically.
   

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Description

• Assist with preparation of growth media for fungi.
• Isolation, purification and preservation of fungal cultures.
• Assist with planting and evaluation of glasshouse and field trials.
• General laboratory and administrative assistance.
• Assistance with organizing scientific events.

Requirements

• Grade 12 or relevant experience.
• Proficiency in MS office suite.
• Previous experience in a Plant Pathology or Microbiology laboratory will be an advantage.
• Ability to work in a team.
• A valid code 08/EB driver’s license.
   

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Description

• Management of campus reporting and research information systems.
• Collation of technical reports for management reporting purposes.
• Archiving of institute project information.
• 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.
• Liaison with ARC Cooperate structures in relation to policy, legal requirements and intellectually property rights.

Requirements

• A relevant Bachelor’s Degree or National Diploma.
• The ideal candidate must have experience in project management as well as experience in coordinating projects and contracts.
• Have sound knowledge plant protection disciplines.
• Excellent computer literacy with proven data management skills, excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
• High self-motivation and an ability to work independently and to multitask.
   

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Description

• 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 a 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.
• Develop 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. 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.

Requirements

• PhD in Veterinary Virology, Molecular Biology, Diagnostic Development, Life Sciences or related disciplines, with at least 3 years research experience post Masters level.
• Knowledge of virology and immunology laboratory techniques.
• A track record of publications (at least 3 peer reviewed publications related to the advertised post), supervising students (MSc and PhD) and obtaining research funding.
• Knowledge and experience in DNA cloning, molecular biology techniques, immunological techniques and cytometry, and registration with a relevant profession council (e.g. SAVC or SACNASP) will be an advantage.
   

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Description

• Preparation of growth media, stock solutions and buffers.
• Isolation of bacteria from plants, soil and water.
• Extraction of DNA and PCR.
• Regularly reports back through verbal/written reports to the supervisor and other project leaders on work activities and results.
• Participate in field trips to collect research samples.
• Adhere to quality standards.
• Assist with glasshouse trials including soil preparation.
• Ability to work under pressure and handling of high workload at times.
• Assist with functions/events.
• Complies with SHE/OHS regulations and procedures. 
• Ability to work independently, in a team, being pro-active and use of initiative.
• Shows good understanding of what the job requires (take accountability and responsibility).

Requirements

• National Diploma in Biotechnology/Microbiology or related field.
• Prior experience in a bacteriology and molecular biology laboratory.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite will be an advantage.
• Great learning capability.
• Ability to prepare soil and conduct glasshouse trials.

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Description

• Contributes to and maintains live culture collection, diagnostic services and research projects within the Bacteriology Unit.
• Perform laboratory tasks pertaining to the diagnostic services and research projects including DNA extraction & PCR; reporting to clients; field trips; databases update.
• Perform and assist with client requests and laboratory procedures involving plant bacterial diseases diagnosis; administration, client requests; contribute to Bacteriology Unit’s technology transfer Events.
• Prepare and conduct glasshouse trials.
• Assisting with informal training of students and other staff members.
• Comply to all OHS protocols .

Requirements

• B Tech /BSc Hons in Microbiology/Plant Pathology/Biotechnology with 2years experience in a microbiology laboratory. MTech/MSc will be added advantage.
• Ability to organize and work systematically and independently and in a team.
• Experience in report writing and compiling presentations.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Knowledge of isolation and identification of bacteria.
• Experience in preparing soil and glasshouse trials.
• Experience in media, stock solutions and buffers preparation.
• Experience in DNA extractions and PCR.
• Proficiency in laboratory calculations (CFU/gram/ml, all kind of solutions, buffers and PCR).
• Experience with culture collection maintenance and analysis of genes’ sequences using a variety of software will be an added benefit.
• A valid driver license.

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Description

• Multiplication of material from collections going to the industry and researchers; in vitro conservation and virus elimination.
• Responsible for submitting requisitions for projects where needed.
• Be an active role player in QMS.
• Cost-effective and timeous planning of experiments.
• Cost-effective and coordinated utilization of resources.
• Execution of research in the lab, field and glasshouse.
• Timeous completion of technical tasks according to set quality standards      
• Manage workflow of services rendered after job number is assigned.
• Capturing of cutting data on a relevant system. This must happen in time including quality assurance.
• Comply with aspect regarding all certification systems in use in line with QMS.
• Manage subordinates and capture timesheets where needed.
• Works closely with researchers; provides support where needed.
• Better own training to add value to the actions linked to research.
• Regular report back during project meetings.
• Compilation of reliable final reports on technical/ diagnostic data according to research objectives

Requirements

• BSc/Diploma in Biological/Agricultural Sciences.
• 1-2 years’ experience in vitro multiplication techniques.
• Proven computer literacy and database management skills.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills to recognize diseased plants.
• Ability to work independently and systematically.
• Valid drivers’ license.