Fresh Jobs at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• Supports the management of research, development and innovation.
• Plan and undertake research on Plant Pathology, with a focus on viral diseases of vegetables, industrial crops and medicinal plants.
• Plan and undertake research and development of conventual and rapid detection techniques and characterisation of viral pathogens.
• Manage research projects and allocated resources.
• Actively sources new national research opportunities and funding.
• Contribute to diagnostic and advisory services.

Requirements

• PhD in Microbiology, Plant Virology, Plant Pathology, or related disciplines.
• At least three years’ experience related to plant virology research.
• Experience in general plant virology, molecular biology and bioinformatic analysis.
• Experience in disease diagnosis and pathogen characterisation will be an added advantage.
• Authored or co-authored a minimum of three peer reviewed publications relevant to the position.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and teamwork skills, with an ability to work within multidisciplinary teams.
• A valid driver’s license.

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Description

• Compiling and executing technical activity plans for the implementation of field and greenhouse trials relating to breeding of leafy, fruit or seed vegetables.
• Plan, conduct and supervise the execution and 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 Advance Diploma (NQF 7) in Plant Breeding / Horticulture / Plant Production; or a National Diploma (NQF 6) plus 2 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 indigenous vegetable production will be an added advantage.
• Experience and good understanding of plant breeding 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.
• A valid driver’s license.

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Description

• Project management coordination: Initiates manage and participates in national and international research projects on plant bacteriology.
• Accountable for project budgets:Exercise quality control over project progress and outputs.
• Service delivery and facilities: Identifies the need for human resources, equipment and consumables and manages them accordingly.
• Research – actively sources new research opportunities: Providing research direction in the division including cross-cutting team proposal writing, adoption of new technologies, establishing collaborative partnerships, leveraging scientific, networks, actively sourcing alternative income stream generation activities.
• Plans and co-ordinates plant bacteriology research: With single or multi-disciplinary teams, conducts and participates in research projects, manages data collection and analysis, interpretations and recommendations for implementation.
• Compiles detailed reports:Publishes popular, semi-scientific and peer reviewed reports articles with high impact and actively seek networking opportunities.
• Technology transfer:Disseminates research results, initiates, builds and maintain relationships with national and international stakeholders and strategic partners to secure funds.
• Scientific status requirements:Member of scientific society, perform research with impact in order to establish status as a plant bacteriology expert.
• Human Resources: Manage and supervise research teams and technicians, co-supervise students, take responsibility for own performance career and development.

Requirements

• PhD in Plant Bacteriology or Plant Pathology.
• Five years’ post-PhD experience in plant bacteriology, diagnostics and applied plant pathology.
• Experience in project management and multi-disciplinary collaborations covering a wide variety of crops.
• Track-record of successful funding applications.
• Experience in staff management and student supervision.
• Proven record of publications in high impact journals.
• Well-established scientific status.
• Proven record of international collaboration.
• A valid driver’s license.

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Description

• Receive and review requisition received and verify specifications for required goods and/or services with attachment/s.
• Verify the commodity used versus the product category (PI code) to ensure correctness.
• Source quotations, enter a response, and issue an order.              
• Process the request for quotation within the allocated turnaround times                  
• Ensure specifications are complete or adequate for suppliers to provide quotation, if not return purchase requisition. 
• Obtain nominations for Bid Specification and bid Evaluation Committee members confirmed by the Senior Manager Research. 
• Issue RFQ and obtain suitable suppliers on the CSD & ARC supplier database.
• Ensure specifications are complete or adequate for suppliers to provide quotations.
• Manage campus supplier database on the CSD to effect project-based procurement and forward suppliers to the Central Office for capturing into SAGE.
• Ensuring rotation in procurement by increasing the supplier database.        
• Report on outstanding requisitions older than 3 weeks not “Closed" and challenges experienced on a weekly basis, the reason for the delay to be provided.
• Report irregular expenditure/s with necessary documentation.
• Progress reports for the procurement of capital items and facility projects monthly.
• SCM SharePoint management, Purchase orders will be scanned with the PO number and filed appropriately.
• Should any invoices be received for processing of a Purchase order that exceeds the 30-day payment required stipulated by the National Treasury, it will be reported.     
• Report on system challenges experienced when they occur, with details of the errors or problems encountered not later than the occurrence date, including communication to the service desk.
• Attend Monthly SCM meetings and Finance meetings.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree/ National Diploma / B Tech in Supply Chain Management / Logistics focussing on Sourcing, Supply Chain Management and Purchasing Management.
• Minimum of 2-3 years’ experience in the Finance / SCM or similar environment.
• Knowledge, experience, and understanding of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA),
• Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA) and related legislation.
• Demonstrate understanding of communication between end users, SCM, Finance, and service providers and the importance of providing feedback on progress.
• Computer literacy and proficiency in the MS Office suite.
• Exposure to the Microsoft Dynamics AX system.
• Good analytical skills, report writing, and organisational skills.

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Description

• Truck driver, Transport of Harvester, Crop sprayer, and Tractor together with a planter.
• Assist in day-to-day activities, ensure timeous and correct deliveries.
• Keep correct kilometer and time records.
• Assist in Calibrating of Combine, Crop sprayer, and Planter.
• Clean well-kept truck/s in working condition.
• Comply with Occupational, Health and Safety regulations.
• Any other tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

• Grade 12 with 3 years relevant experience or Grade 10 with 8 years relevant experience or 20 years relevant experience.
• Valid South African code 10 drivers’ license
• 5 years of Agricultural environment experience would be an added advantage
• Good communication skills (verbal and written)
• Maintain staff confidence by keeping information strictly confidential.
• Good interpersonal relations skills.

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Description

• Maintain laboratory work to ensure it meets specific requirements and expectations.
• Maintain a clean work area by clearing rubbish and litter from the laboratory.
• Ensure a safe environment for staff and clients by adhering to safety and health regulations.
• Assist with soil preparation and analysis
• Perform basic maintenance work in the laboratory.
• Dealing with different soils.

Requirements

• Grade 12/ Senior Certificate.
• Friendly personality with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of OHS Act Regulations.
• Ability to work independently as well as a team member.
• Good communication skills (written and verbal).

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Description

• Laboratory support and sample management: monitoring and maintenance of seed samples,
• Germplasm bank equipment and facilities including lists of equipment’s and details of servicing: keeping detailed logs to ensure adherence to laboratory and field best practices, accession management including recording of all data in an electronic database of planted nurseries/breeding lines/cultivars and germplasm bank accessions, implementing quality control interventions, and producing reports,
• Preparation of seed and seedbed for planting,
• Supervising the planting of nurseries/breeding lines and cultivars,
• Maintenance of the plantings: weeding, pest control, disease control and watering of plants,
• Supervising the harvesting and threshing of nurseries/breeding lines/cultivars,
• Placing of seed in the drying room, monitoring of seed moisture content, and placing of dried seed in aluminium bags for long-term storage,
• Administration and related to germplasm bank including stock control for laboratory and germplasm bank consumables, health and safety compliance,
• Capacity development: training of interns, and students in germplasm bank practice, own capacity development by attending relevant courses and workshops,
• Germplasm bank equipment and facilities, including lists of equipment and details of servicing; keeping detailed logs to ensure adherence to laboratory best practice; sample management including recording of all data in an electronic database, implementing quality control interventions, and producing reports.

Requirements

•  A 3 year National Diploma or Bachelor of Science in Genetics/ Botany /Plant Breeding,
• Knowledge and understanding of germplasm bank operation requirements including the planting of nurseries, maintenance of seeds, standard laboratory practices and procedures,
• Operation of electronic database,
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite,
• Good written and verbal communication skills,
• A valid South African driver's license.

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Description

• Soil preparation, storage, and analysis.
• Designing and maintaining soil data systems and databases.
• Using advanced computerised models (programming and statistical understanding) to extract the data needed.
• Mining data from primary and secondary sources, then reorganizing said data in a format that can be easily read by either humans or machines.
• Assist with the operation of laboratory and soil archiving.

Requirements

• Bachelor's (BSc) Degree in Soil Science or Analytical Chemistry
• Applicants should be highly motivated graduates with a strong academic background.
• Good communication skills (written and verbal).
• Computer literacy

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Description

• Compile and execute technical activity plans.
• Plan, conduct and supervise the execution of trials and collection of data of glasshouse and field trials of various agricultural crops.
• Plan, conduct and supervise the isolation and purification of soilborne pathogens from various agricultural crops.
• Conduct field surveys to collect plant and soil samples.
• Process cultures of soilborne pathogens for morphological and molecular characterization.
• Capture and process technical data.
• Optimize technical activities for research on soilborne pathogens.
• Compile technical reports.
• Manage project facilities, material and equipment and ensure optimal utilization of resources.
• Assist with compiling quotes for services and project budgets.
• Supervise and develop technical capacity of research assistants and technicians.
• Assist with organizing scientific events.

Requirements

• M.Tech degree with 2 years’ experience or B degree, B. Hons degree plus 6 years applicable experience.
• Relevant experience in technical aspects regarding research on soilborne diseases.
• A valid code 08/EB driver’s license.  
• Proficiency in MS Office suite.

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Description

• Analytical and diagnostic services.
• Agricultural research and technology development.
• Maintenance of equipment.
• Keeping the store clean and in good condition.

Requirements

• Grade 12/Senior Certificate.
• Ability to be rapidly trained and mentored.
• Client-focused and customer service disposition.
• Ability to prioritise multiple tasks simultaneously and to take initiative.
• Organisational skills.
• Computer literacy and proficiency in MS Office suite.
• A valid driver’s licence (code 08/EB) will be an added advantage.