Jobs at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• Contributes towards projects, by compiling and executing technical project activity plans particularly in relation to postharvest management, agro-processing and product development of medicinal and industrial plants as well vegetables.
• Plans and co-ordinates own and technical project work activities.
• Conducts technical support within projects.
• Collects, captures, processes and interprets technical data and makes internal project recommendations.
• Compiles technical reports and submits for approval.
• Provides services on postharvest management and agro-processing of medicinal plants and industrial crops.
• Develops technical capacity at an appropriate level.
• Identifies and participates in own learning opportunities.
• Participates in projects and supervises as delegated.
• Manages project facilities, material and equipment.
• Ensures optimal utilisation of resources.
• Compliance with human resource policies and procedures.
• Compliance with occupational health and safety policies and procedures.

Requirements

• National Diploma or BSc in Food Science, Food Technology, Biochemistry or closely related field.
• Demonstrable experience on postharvest management.
• Knowledge of, and/or experience in postharvest management and agro-processing systems.
• Knowledge of, and/or experience in food processing, food analysis, food packaging, food quality and safety systems.
• Demonstrable experience in product development (e.g. nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals) will be an added advantage.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written).
• Computer literacy.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION: 03 OCTOBER 2025 

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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

• PhD in Biotechnology, Agronomy, Plant Production, or closely- related field with knowledge on-omics.
• At least 3 years’ experience on in chemical profiling of plant extracts, identification of chemical compounds (qualitative and quantitative analysis using LC-MS, GC-MS, etc.), post MSc with a national record of accomplishment on the level of a researcher.
• Proven record of peer reviewed scientific publications 3 - 5, relevant to chemical analysis of plant samples and identification of compounds.
• Proven record of writing proposals.
• Proven record for generating external income.
• Proven record of participating as a speaker at conferences.
• Proven record for initiation, planning and execution of research projects, personnel management and financial management of projects.
• Proven track record of mentoring and/or supervising/co-supervising students.
• Record of national and/or international partnerships and/or networks.
• Knowledge and experience with working on biologicals is essential.
• Demonstrable experience in cultivation R&D is an added advantage.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written).
• Proficiency in Ms. Office Suite.
• Facilitator and Assessor Certificates.
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• Valid driver’s license.

CLOSING DATE OF THE APPLICATIONS: 08 OCTOBER 2025

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Description

• Support the management of research by compiling and executing technical activity plans.
• Plan, conduct and supervise the execution and collection of data of laboratory, glasshouse and field trials.
• Plan, conduct and supervise the isolation/extraction of plant pathogen (viruses) samples from various agricultural crops and seeds.
• Process samples for pathogen/s (viruses) identification and characterization from leaf samples and seeds.
• Capture and process technical data for analysis with different computer programs.
• Compile technical reports.
• Manage laboratory facilities, material and equipment and ensure the optimal utilization of resources.
• Assist with buying of consumables using Sage X3.
• Assist with compiling and managing project budgets.
• Stock taking of consumables and other laboratory reagents.
• Supervise and develop technical capacity of Research Assistants.
• Participation in scientific marketing events of the organization.
• Participate in technology transfer and promotion of research activities in the form of presentations, posters, workshops, training, products, services, literature, information days, courses and other events.

Requirements

• Qualification: MSc, MTech, BSc degree, BSc honours, BTech, postgraduate diploma (or equivalent), advanced diploma or National Diploma (3 years) in microbiology, plant pathology, crop protection, biotechnology, or related field. 
• Relevant experience (2 to 3 years) in technical aspects of plant pathology/plant virology and plant microbial-related molecular biology techniques. 
• Experience and good understanding of quality assurance systems and seed testing will be an added advantage.  
• Good verbal and written communication and presentation skills. 
• Advanced computer literacy. 
• Compliance to safety standards as prescribed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act.  
• A valid driver’s license will be an advantage. 

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 09 OCTOBER 2025