Job Openings at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• Preparation of buffers and growth media.
• Isolation, purification, preservation of bacterial cultures.
• DNA extraction and PCR from plant pathogenic bacteria.
• Maintaining and expanding the national collection of bacteria.
• Assist with data capturing.
• Provide research support for Diagnostics.
• Assist with soil preparation and glasshouse trials.
• Assist with collection of samples in different provinces.
• Adhere to quality standards.
• Complies with SHE/OHS regulations and procedures.

Requirements

• National Diploma/BSc in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Plant Pathology and related.
• Post graduate Diploma/Hons will be an added advantage.
• One year experience in a plant bacteriology laboratory will be an advantage.
• Experience in preservation of bacteria.
• Assist with soil preparation and glasshouse trials.
• Willing to go to field trips.

CLOSING DATE: 23 JANUARY 2026

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Description

• Strategic planning and positioning of research programme in Plant Breeding, nationally and internationally.
• Providing scientific leadership in research, development and innovation in the field of Plant Breeding of seed, fruit and leafy vegetable crops in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Managing all technology transfer initiatives of the multidisciplinary team across the commodities, leading the generation and commercialization of Intellectual Property.
• Human Capacity Development that includes outputs of mentoring and developing others (internal staff) and developing self. 
• Safety, health, and environment.
• Scientific Status of the Research environment. 

Requirements

• PhD or DSc in Plant Breeding, Biotechnology or related discipline.
• More than 8 years post PhD experience and/or 8 years of relevant experience on a similar level.
• Proven track record of research management in at least one of the Crop Protection related areas, with working knowledge of the other areas in Crop Protection. 
• Minimum 25 peer reviewed publications. Meets peer norm requirements for specific field of expertise, with a minimum (on average) of three peer-reviewed publications per year. Minimum 25 peer reviewed publications at date of appointment.
• Proven track record for generating external income for research programme and projects in programme.
• Proven record of accomplishment of being an invited international speaker or being involved/invited as participant in international events of high importance.
• Proven track record of building national and international partnerships and networks.
• Proven track record of strategic and operational planning skills and expertise.
• Proven track record of mentoring and supervising/supervising MSc and PhD students.
• NRF rating of at least C1 will be an added advantage.
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• Proven recognition as a research leader on a national and international level.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel.

CLOSING DATE FOR THE APPLICATION: 31 JANUARY 2026

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Description

• Initiates and manages research projects on breeding.
• Conducts specific research with clear focus on root and tuber crops.
• Actively sources and secures new research opportunities and funding related to potato breeding and production.
• Compiles quarterly, annual, and ad hoc reports (internal and external).
• 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 organisations.
• 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 Plant Breeding or Plant Genetics or related field plus minimum three years relevant experience in plant breeding or MSc Plant Breeding or Plant Genetics or related field plus minimum 5 years experience in plant breeding
• Minimum 3 relevant peer reviewed scientific publications.
• Experience in hybridization techniques and potato breeding are differentiating advantages.
• Demonstrable experience in designing and execution of breeding and genetics research.
• Knowledge and experience in agronomy and crop performance research is an added advantage.
• Postgraduate student mentoring or supervision experience.
• Proven record of accomplishment for generating external income.
• Registration with a relevant scientific registration body, where applicable.
• Management skills including research project management.
• Good communication skills (verbal and writing).
• Knowledge of intellectual property opportunities.
• Valid driver’s license.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:22 JANUARY 2026

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Description

Project Management & Coordination

• The Research Technician 1 assists with technical projects across the Institute; these include the following aspects of project management.
• Project Finances.
• Project technical risk management.

Research Support, Diagnostics and Other Services

• The Research Technician 1 assists with conducting technical projects.  These activities include the following activities.
• Adoption, management, and use.
• Translation.
• Commercialisation.

Technology Transfer

• The Research Technician 1 assists with technology transfer initiatives in the institution, these are as follows.
• Intellectual Property Assessment.
• Prototype Development.
• Testing and Validation.

Scientific Status Requirements

• assisting with scientific research; these include the following activities.
• Innovation and Commercialisation.
• Project / Programme impact.

Safety, health, and Environment

• The Research Technician 1 is responsible for assisting with safety, health and environment compliance and standards, these include the following activities.
• Regulatory Compliance.
• Lab safety.
• Hazardous material disposal.

Human Capital Development

• The Research Technician 1 is responsible for Human capacity development, which includes.
• Self and continuous learning

Requirements

• National Diploma or BTech/BSc in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Entrepreneurship with minimum 3 years’ experience in technology transfer and agricultural support or similar environment.
• Knowledge and experience with working on biologicals is essential will be an added advantage.
• Sector Education and Training Authority (Facilitation, Assessing and/ or Moderation).
• Public speaking (presentations, facilitation).
• Computer literacy and proficiency in MS Office suit.
• Interpersonal Skills.
• Good Communication skills (Verbal and written).
• Customer relations.
• Advanced organizational skills with the ability to multitask.
• A valid SA driver’s license.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION: 20 JANUARY 2026

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Description

• Contribute to research by rendering desired support to research and technical personnel to ensure successful completion of research projects in compliance with applicable standards.
• Assist with in vitro propagation, monitoring and maintenance of plants.
• Assist with preparation of growth media and consumables according to protocols for tissue culture and glasshouse activities.
• Assist in optimizing research, technical and administrative processes in the laboratory and adheres to quality standards.
• Assist with the utilisation of material and equipment in a cost-effective manner and ensuring that relevant laboratory glassware and equipment is cleaned, maintained, and stored correctly.
• Assist with data collection, recording and providing verbal and written feedback on work activities to supervisor.
• Ensure that own and team deadlines are met.
• Assist with training of junior staff.
• Compliant with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) policies and procedures.
• Perform correct labelling, culturing and tracking of plant materials and conduct checks to limit errors and accidents.
• Pay attention to detail and be precise with repetitive work in order to limit/prevent occurrence of errors in Genebank processes.
• Compile and submission of work reports to supervisor.
• General cleaning and hygiene maintenance of all areas in the Laboratory.

Requirements

• Grade 12 with a minimum of three-year’s related experience or Grade 10 with 08 years related experience or 20 years related experience. 
• Experience in plant tissue culture, aseptic techniques or any other laboratory experience will be advantageous.
• Knowledge of laboratory operations and equipment, quarantine and nursery sanitation.
• Writing, reading skills and the ability to accurately record and label samples.
• Ability to work independently, in a team and being pro-active.
• Good written and oral communication skills;
• Knowledge of computer programs (Microsoft package, databases) would be an advantage.
• Driver's license would be an advantage.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 16 JANUARY 2026

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Description

• Assess the commercial potential of innovations or inventions.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis.
• Perform technical and commercial due diligence.
• Manage the transition from research to development to commercialization.
• Develop commercialization strategies (e.g., licensing, startup creation, partnerships).
• Define business models and go-to-market plans.
• Identify and engage potential industry partners or licensees.
• Negotiate terms for licensing, spinouts, and collaboration agreements.
• Assist in the creation of spinouts, including business plan development and investor engagement.
• Provide input on governance, funding, and operational models.
• Work with IP/legal teams to manage patents, trademarks, and other intellectual property assets.
• Support patent filing decisions based on commercial relevance.
• Liaise with researchers, investors, legal teams, and business development units.
• Build and manage industry and investor relationships.
• Write reports, pitch decks, and funding proposals.

Requirements

• Relevant PhD or DSc in Agricultural Economics/ Business Administration or Management or related field or a Masters's degree with MBA/MBL 10 years relevant experience. 
• Additional qualification in Business Development, IP Law, or Commercial Law is advantageous.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in Agribusiness development, commercialization of agricultural products or technologies, value chain development and market research and entry strategies.
• Understanding of R&D processes and product development cycles.
• At least 8 years of experience in agribusiness development, commercialization projects.
• Income generation to a level of at least r10 million or more.
• Proven record of accomplishment of being an invited international speaker or being involved/ invited as participant in international events of high importance.
• Proven track record of accomplishment for generating external income for programme and project in programme.
• Proven track record of development of new varieties and registration of BPR.
• Proven track record of strategic and operational planning skills and expertise registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• Management qualification will be added advantage.
• Minimum 25 peer reviewed publications. Meets peer norm requirements for specific field of expertise, with a minimum (on average) of three peer-reviewed publications per year. Minimum 25 peer reviewed publications at date of appointment. 
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• Experience in commercial strategy development and go to market planning.
• Awareness of market trends and competitor analysis.
• Ability to assess market viability, commercial potential, and business model.
• Strong communication and researchers, legal teams, investors, and business partners.
• Ability to work with legal teams on licensing agreements, contracts, MTAs and NDAs.
• Proven ability to negotiate, influence, and build strategic partnership.
• Excellence project planning, budgeting, and timeline management skills.
• Experience working with agribusiness will be added as advantage.
• Good ability to write proposals and investors communication.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and self-motivated.
• Familiar with local, regional, and international agricultural markets.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks affecting agricultural trade.
• Proficiency in Microsoft office, customer relationship management (CRM), or project management tools.
• Experience with startup ecosystems, venture capital, or spinouts is highly valuable.
• Valid driver's license.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION: 31 JANUARY 2026