Job Openings at Agricultural Research Council

Job Description

• Undertake PhD studies for three years in Agronomy, Agrometeorology, Plant Science.
• Provides research support to Agronomy research projects as the affiliated postgraduate student.
• Engages with relevant stakeholders within affiliated research projects.
• Disseminate project results through scientific or popular publications, conferences and peer reviewed publications.
• Ensures compliance with SHE/OHS policies and procedures.

Job Requirements

• MSc in Agronomy, Agrometeorology, Soil sciences, Plant Sciences or related field.
• University academic transcripts (bachelor’s and master’s degree)
• Demonstrated capacity to conduct research at postgraduate level.
• Valid driver’s license
• Knowledge of crop modelling and crop physiology will be an added advantage.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:13 MARCH 2026

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Job Description

• Consistently deliver high quality, relevant research.
• Contributes to high quality research outputs and achievement of projects milestones.
• Prepares and coordinates field experiments, including data collection and analysis.
• Data processing and analysis and literature searching.
• Contributes to the preparation of written outputs such as papers in refereed journals.
• Engages with relevant stakeholders within affiliated research projects.
• Disseminate project results through, scientific or popular publications, conferences and peer reviewed publications.
• Ensures compliance with SHE/OHS policies and procedures.

Job Requirements

• PhD in Agronomy, Crop science, Plant Production, Agrometeorology, Plant Sciences or related field.
• Graduated not more than five years ago.
• Proven track records of research outputs in relevant high impact factor journals.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Excellent English language (Spoken and written).
• Ability to work independently as well as a team.
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and good professional conduct.
• Proactively involved in your own career development.
• Completely dedicated to the mentorship process.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 12 MARCH 2026

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Key Performance Areas:  

• Provide research support to Plant Breeding research projects as an affiliated post-graduate student.
• Engage with fellow students, technical staff, researchers, and outside collaborators involved in the projects.
• Engage with relevant stakeholders within affiliated research projects.
• Disseminate project results through scientific or popular publications, conferences, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Ensures compliance with SHE/OHS policies and procedures

Job Requirements

 Requirements:

• BSc (Hons) in Agriculture/Crop Science/Plant Production with Modules in Genetics and Plant Breeding.
• Demonstrated capacity to conduct research at Honours level.
• Must be a South African Citizen.
• Valid driver’s licence will be an added advantage.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION: 03 MARCH 2026

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Key Performance Areas:  

• Provide research support to Plant Breeding research projects as an affiliated post-graduate student.
• Engage with fellow students, technical staff, researchers, and outside collaborators involved in the projects.
• Engage with relevant stakeholders within affiliated research projects.
• Disseminate project results through scientific or popular publications, conferences, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Ensure compliance with SHE/OHS policies and procedures.

Job Requirements

Requirements:

• MSc in Plant Breeding/Molecular Breeding/Plant Biotechnology.
• Demonstrate capacity to conduct research.
• Must be a South African Citizen.
• Valid driver’s licence will be an added advantage.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 03 MARCH 2026

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Job Description

 Administrative (secretariat) office services

• Ensure various administrative tasks for the nutrition team at API. 
• Meetings: arrangements, agendas, attendance registers, minutes, relevant documents, venues, and refreshments when needed.               
• Copier/Printer: Monitor responsible usage, Stationery controlled with project numbers. 
• Procurement 
• Ensure travel arrangements, SAGE requisitions, quotations, bookings, orders, tickets, GRNs and invoices. 
• Stationery: manage, orders, monthly stock count, and issue on SAGE. 
• Petty Cash: withdrawals, approvals for purchases, summaries, budget sheets, requisitions, slips, control, purchases. 
• Procurement: all requisitions on SAGE, queries, quotations, orders, invoices and GRNs. Liaise with suppliers.
• Compile submissions as needed.
• Supervision 
• Supervise responsible persons for various stores, monthly stock-count, equipment, and quarterly asset checks.
• Supervision of cleaner appointed by contractor. 

Ad hoc

• Stores: Updating of monthly stock lists and quarterly asset check lists. 
• Electronic equipment: supervising usage, signing out system and maintenance, make sure it's in working order on return.           
• ITC: replacing toners, assisting with printer problems, server room log,
• Server problems, liaising with ITC department.            
• Assist with maintenance of office building.                
• Assist in preparations for exhibitions, model-building, and manning of exhibitions.
• Other tasks. Use own initiative in terms of activities and tasks that can be performed in and around the offices and buildings as well as with other work.

Liaison

• Liaise with the department regarding maintenance of building, transport matters and various others.
• Liaise with suppliers, contractors (e.g., cleaning), stakeholders and project co-workers.
• Protect and support ARC IP and ITC policies.
• First aid kits, fire-extinguisher services, raising awareness, cooperating with Glen wellness group.

Job Requirements

• National Senior Certificate (Grade 12) with 5 years administrative experience.
• Administration/Secretarial Diploma will be an added advantage. 
• Experience in working on ESS and/or SAGE will be an added advantage.
• Prior experience in project administration will be beneficial.
• Prior experience in petty cash management will be an advantage.
• Good Interpersonal skills.
• Telephone etiquette.
• Proficiency in MS Office,      
• Excellent Communication skills (verbal and written).
• Interpersonal skills.  
• Ability to deliver excellent customer service, externally and internally as well as maintaining confidentiality.
• Experience in handling multiple tasks.
• Ability to make informed decisions quickly and execute those decisions with confidence.
• Proven experience in working with large teams. 
• The ability to respect and maintain confidentiality.
• Skilled to work as part of the team as well as independently.
• In possession of a valid SA driver’s license.
• Experience in ISO 17025 and working in an accredited laboratory, will be an advantage

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 09 MARCH 2026

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Job Description

• Strong knowledge of plant anatomy, morphology, and taxonomy.
• Familiarity with Southern African flora.
• Experience in herbarium practices and specimen curation.
• Ability to use dichotomous keys and identification tools.
• Proficiency in botanical nomenclature and the ICN (International Code of Nomenclature).
• Fieldwork experience in diverse South African ecosystems.
• Report writing and scientific publication skills (publishes semi-scientific and peer reviewed articles and publishes in journals with a high impact factor).
• Use of taxonomic databases (e.g., BRAHMS platforms).
• Mentor and supervise postgraduate students (MSc/PhD) in Plant Taxonomy, Botany, Systematics or related fields.
• Initiate and manage national and international research collaborations and partnerships.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Manages data, captures and shows advanced analysis, interpretation, and recommendations.
• Complies with all occupational health and safety regulations.

Job Requirements

• PhD or MSc with a minimum of 3 years’ post MSc relevant work experience in Plant Taxonomy, Botany, Systematics or related fields.
• A publication record with a minimum of 2 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.
• Experience with proposal writing, field-based research, and stakeholder coordination.
• Proven record of generating research funding and collaborations.
• 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.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 06 MARCH 2026

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Job Description

• Cleaning of cattle pens and of bulls in the Grow Safe system.
• Feeding and weighing of bulls.

Job Requirements

• Grade 10. Grade 12 will be an added advantage
• 6-12 Months experience in working with cattle.
• Good communication.
• Prepared to work on weekends and public holidays.
• Ability to do routine and physically demanding work, in adverse weather.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 02 MARCH 2026

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Job Description

• Provide logistical support on recruitment and selection procedures to the line and departmental managers.
• Assist with the HCM administration such as on boarding and with the recruitment of students who will be linked to the DALRRD project.
• Adherence to HR policies and procedures in line with relevant legislature.
• Providing support to HCM Payroll Administrator on inputs to Payroll office.
• Render and maintain a quality human resources administrative service that conforms to personnel needs and those of the organization.
• Filing and keeping records of all personnel documents.
• Administration of the application processes relating to all training.
• Task related to relieving the Switchboard/Receptionist.
• Compiling the gross list for the various positions.
• Preparing interview packs as well as other logistics and drafting regret letters.
• Assist with the HCM administration such as onboarding and with the recruitment of students who will be linked to the DALRRD project and other HCM related activities.

Job Requirements

• National Diploma/ Degree in Human Resource Management or related.
• 2 years’ experience in HR related environment.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• A Team Player with a positive attitude and the ability to work independently, accurately, and reliably.
• A high degree of integrity and confidentiality as well as flexible approach to a busy workload.
• Strong organizational skills with an ability to multitask without losing the overview.
• Knowledge of the VIP system will be an added advantage.
• A valid driver’s license will be an added advantage.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 06 MARCH 2026

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Job Description

• Conduct research on agricultural mechanisation, agro-processing and precision agriculture.
• Provide research support to agricultural mechanisation, agro-processing and precision agriculture research projects as the affiliated postgraduate student.
• Engage with relevant stakeholders within affiliated research projects.
• Collect, process, and interpret data, and make internal project recommendations.
• Write reports, policy briefs, and scientific articles based on research findings.

Job Requirements

• BSc degree in Agricultural Engineering or equivalent.
• Applicants should be highly motivated graduates with a strong academic background
• Good communication skills (written and verbal).
• Must be willing to travel to farming communities and remote areas for intermediate periods.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 04 MARCH 2026

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Job Description

• Collect, capture and process data with basic analysis.
• Provide verbal and written reports on work activities and results.
• Render diagnostic services.
• Perform laboratory tasks pertaining to research projects.
• Participates in field surveys.
• Contribute technical support for the production of scientific publications and presentations.
• Adhere to financial administrative controls.
• Assist in optimizing equipment and/or processes and/or systems.
• Identify and participate in own learning opportunities.
• Assists in coordinating of work activities and supervises allocated resources.
• Administration with client requests.

Job Requirements

• BTech / BSc/ BSc Hons in Microbiology/ Biotechnology with two years (2) experience in a microbiology laboratory.
• Ability to organise and work systematically and independently.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Knowledge on Bacterial disease of honeybees an added advantage.
• Knowledge of isolation and identification of bacteria.
• Experience in media, stock solutions and buffers preparation.
• Experience in molecular techniques.
• Proficiency in laboratory calculations (CFU/gram/ml, all kind of solutions, buffers).
• Experience with sequences analysis using a variety of software will be an added advantage.
• Valid SA driver's license.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 02 March 2026 

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Job Purpose:

• The Senior Manager: Office of the CEO provides high-level strategic, operational, and advisory support to the CEO, ensuring organisational alignment, effective governance, and delivery of key initiatives. Acting as a trusted partner to the CEO, this role drives strategic planning, performance oversight, stakeholder engagement, and cross-divisional coordination to achieve ARC’s mission and growth objectives.

Key Performance Areas

Strategic Planning and Monitoring

• Collaborate with executive leadership to define and refine the organisation’s strategic direction.
• Analyse internal and external factors impacting the business landscape, identifying emerging opportunities and risks.
• Develop strategic plans, roadmaps, and frameworks to guide organisational growth and long-term success.
• Develop, implement and maintain policies for performance management that incorporate aspects of monitoring and evaluation.
• Ensure alignment of the ARC monitoring and evaluation objectives to that of various government policy frameworks and acceptable best practice standards/codes.
• Monitor and evaluate organisational performance, oversee performance reporting, and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
• Lead and manage the strategy and planning team, providing guidance, support, and mentoring.

Market and Internal Performance Analysis

• Conduct comprehensive market, industry, customer, and competitor analyses to inform strategic decision-making.
• Evaluate organisational performance, identifying areas for improvement and optimisation.
• Recommend strategic initiatives to drive revenue growth and enhance operational efficiency.
• Develop and utilise key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress towards strategic outcomes. 

Strategy Implementation and Leadership

• Support the CEO in implementing strategic plans and initiatives in line with the organisation’s mission and goals.
• Oversee the execution of activities outlined in the organisational strategic plan, ensuring effective implementation.

Executive Support

• Provide high-level support to the CEO in managing daily operations.
• Ensure seamless functioning of the Office of the CEO, facilitating organisational performance management and reporting.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with external research organisations to position the organisation as a leader in South Africa’s national agricultural research system.
• Provide administrative leadership for partnerships and collaborations with external stakeholders. 

Communication and Reporting

• Act as a key point of contact for communication between the CEO and various stakeholders.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and correspondence on behalf of the CEO.

Financial Management

• Assist the CEO in financial planning, budgeting, and monitoring of financial performance.
• Ensure financial sustainability and efficiency through effective financial oversight.

Operational Oversight

• Work with divisional heads to ensure alignment with organisational outcomes.
• Monitor performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement operational strategies.

Reporting and Presentation

• Prepare and present reports, findings, and recommendations to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• Develop performance dashboards and reports to track key metrics and inform decision-making.

Project Management

• Manage and oversee key projects and initiatives, ensuring timely delivery within budget and scope.

Strategic Support to the CEO

• Provide direct support to the CEO in achieving key organisational strategic objectives.
• Identify and drive continuous business improvement initiatives aligned with strategic goals.

Job Requirements

Requirement:

• NQF Level 8 qualification (Honours Degree/Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, Economics, Public Administration, Agriculture or Science).
• Minimum 8 years’ management experience.
• Experience in interacting with Boards and Committees.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, governance, and stakeholder management.
• Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to influence at the highest levels.
• NQF 9 qualification (MBA/MBL, or equivalent) would be an added advantage.
• Experience working in science/research environment would be an added advantage.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:27 FEBRUARY 2026

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Job Description

• Providing regular verbal and written feedback on field activities.
• Working closely with research personnel and assisting in achieving project deliverables.
• Ensuring accurate and timeous completion of assigned tasks.
• Maintaining data-collection equipment and ensuring cost-effective use of materials.
• Ensuring visible compliance with Occupational Health and Safety policies and procedures.

Job Requirements

• Grade 12 .
• Good communication (written and verbal).
• Ability to do work routing and physically demanding work in adverse weather conditions.
• Experience working in a research project/environment will be an added advantage.
• Strong sense of responsibility, accuracy, and independence.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 27 FEBRUARY 2026

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Job Description

Administrative Support

• Provide comprehensive secretarial services, including managing schedules, correspondence, and meeting arrangements for the Senior Researcher, Researcher, and Research Team Manager.
• Maintain effective document management systems for reports, research data, and financial records.
• Ensure compliance with ARC’s administrative policies and procedures.
• Take minutes at all meetings and distribute them timeously.

Project Support

• Assist in the preparation, coordination, and monitoring of project timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to ensure efficient communication and project progress.

Procurement and Financial Administration

• Facilitate procurement processes, ensuring adherence to South African government policies and regulations.
• Prepare and track purchase orders, invoices, and payments using Sage accounting software.
• Support the preparation of project financial reports and audits.

 Communication and Stakeholder Management

• Manage a centralized stakeholder database, ensuring contact details, correspondence, and engagement histories are up to date.
• Act as the primary point of contact for internal and external communications, ensuring timely and professional responses.
• Coordinate communication with stakeholders, partners, and collaborators on behalf of the team, including drafting and distributing newsletters, invitations, and updates.
• Support the organization of stakeholder meetings, events, and workshops.

General Office Management

• Maintain office supplies and ensure the smooth operation of office equipment.
• Act as the primary point of contact for administrative inquiries and troubleshoot routine issues.
• Handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Personal Assistant Duties

• Manage travel arrangements, including booking accommodations and transport.
• Assist with event planning, including workshops, conferences, and team-building activities.
• Provide ad-hoc personal assistance to the Senior Researcher, Researcher, and Research Team Manager, including managing email and task prioritization.

Job Requirements

• Secretarial/Administration Diploma or Degree.
• Minimum of three (3) years of secretarial or administrative experience.
• Proven experience in bookkeeping and financial administration, including proficiency in Sage accounting systems.
• Knowledge of South African government procurement regulations and processes.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Ability to use initiative, be proactive and work independently and /or with the team.
• Familiarity with research environments or scientific organizations is an added advantage.
• Valid driver's licence (Code 8/EB).

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 26 FEBRUARY 2026