Fresh Jobs at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• Initiates and manages research projects on genomics Conducts specific research with clear focus on root and tuber crops (potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava, etc.), while developing
• systems for other crops as well.
• Actively sources and secures new research opportunities and funding related to genomics.
• Captures, analyses and interprets data.
• Provides leadership, supervision and mentoring of postgraduate students, researchers, research technicians and assistants.
• Human resources management to ensure efficient deployment and utilization, setting objective assessment and training.
• Disseminates technology through peer-reviewed scientific articles, popular publications, manual production, radio and TV talks, etc.
• Initiates and collaborates with national and international organizations.
• Trains postgraduate students and technical personnel in the use of specialized analytical instruments and associated software.
• Compliance with human resource policies and procedures.
• Compliance with occupational health and safety policies and procedures.

Requirements

• PhD/DSc in Plant Breeding, Plant Genetics or related field.
• Minimum 5 years relevant experience and 8 relevant peer reviewed publications.
• Experience in potatoes breeding and seed pipeline development are differentiating advantages.
• Demonstrable experience in designing and execution of breeding and genetics research.
• Evidence of substantial publications in ISI-rated scientific journals.
• Evidence of popular article publications will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrable experience in project management
• Postgraduate student mentoring or supervision experience applicable.
• Registration with a relevant scientific registration body, where applicable.
• Management skills including research project management.
• Good communication (verbal & writing) skills.
• Agricultural Research knowledge and skills.
• Extensive knowledge of medicinal plant production systems.
• Advanced computer literacy.
• Ability to render diagnostic, technical and other services at national level.
• Knowledge of intellectual property opportunities.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations and procedures.
• Valid driver’s license.

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Description

• Documenting quality standards and procedures to ensure consistency and adherence to regulatory requirements, industry best practices, and customer expectations.
• Assist with the performance routine quality inspections and audits to assess compliance/conformance and identify areas for improvement.
• Identify and list quality standard breaches.
• Keep accurate records and documentation related to quality processes and practices.
• Participate in quality committees or teams to promote employee involvement.
• Promote a culture of quality management through regular communication and awareness campaigns.
• Identify opportunities to ensure enhance adherence and suggest corrective actions.
• Involved in quality training programs for employees, including new hires and ongoing refresher training.
•  Maintenance of the accreditation status of the laboratory through good laboratory practices in line with South African National Accreditation Systems (SANAS) and the ISO/IEC 17025:2005.
• Uphold the quality management systems to ensure that management and technical requirements are met and to constantly seek to improve the system.
• Be the liaison contact person between the laboratory and SANAS.

Requirements

• National Diploma or B-Tech in Biological Science or related discipline.
• At least 3 years’ experience in Quality Management Systems.
• Knowledge and experience in ISO Standard 17025.
• Knowledge of SANAS documentation and requirements.
• Computer literacy and proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Experience in auditing techniques, management of documents and records.
• A valid SA driver’s license.

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Description

Project Management & Coordination

• The Researcher is responsible for conducting Research Projects across Plant Pathology scope of studies.

These involve the following aspects of the projects:

• Research planning and Initiation.
• Equipment and Research Materials. 
• Project Human Resources.
• Project Finances.
• Risk Management and Mitigation.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, reporting and project close out.

Research, Development, and Innovation

• The Researcher is responsible for conducting Research, development and supporting innovation, These include supporting the following Research aspects:
• Invention.
• Translation.
• Commercialisation.
• Adoption and Use.
•  Research Collaboration

The Researcher is responsible for supporting strategic research collaboration and collaboration opportunities; these include:

• Strategic Research partnerships / networks / collaborators.
• Intra-Inter Institutional Collaboration & Partnerships.
•  Human Capacity Building

The Researcher is responsible for supporting Human Capacity Development that includes support of:

• Project staff and students
• Self.

Requirements

• PhD or Masters Degree (Plant Pathology) with 3 to 5 peer reviewed publications.
• Biotechnology background will be an advantage
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be added advantage.
• Proven track record for generating external income for research projects.
• Experience in mentoring students.
• Valid EB driver's license.

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Description

• Work on a tractor with various implements, including bush cutter, slasher, spraying machine,
• fertilizer spread, planter etc. at a correct speed;
• Ensure proper soil preparation is done accurately, timeously and in a professional manner;
• Safe transportation of workers, farm produce, fertilizers, and other farm equipment;
• Pruning, suckering, canopy management and harvesting of fruit trees / vineyards;
• Basic maintenance of the tractor, implements, irrigation & trellis systems;
• Reporting of any symptoms of defects and breakages on the tractor & implements;
• Time management with execution of individual & team tasks;
• Record keeping of day-to-day work done, diesel usage, spraying programs.
• Assist with general farm work.
• Comply with all requirements of the OHS Act.

Requirements

• Grade 10 plus 3 years’ experience as a tractor operator or Earth Heavy Moving Equipment.
• Grade 12 will be an added advantage.
• Tractor and Earth Heavy Moving Equipment operator certificate will be an added advantage.
• Good reading and writing skills.
• Valid Driver’s Licence.
• Willing to do a competency test during the interview process.

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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.
• Analyse data generated through Sanger and High throughput sequencing (molecular data analysis).
• Manage research projects and allocated resources.
• Actively sources new national research opportunities and funding.
• Contribute to diagnostic and advisory services.

Requirements

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