Jobs at Agricultural Research Council

Job Description

• Contributes towards projects.
• Coordinating of work activities and supervises allocated HR resources.
• Adheres to financial administrative controls. Assists with compiling project budgets and purchases.
• Plans own work activities according to project plans.
• Utilizes and maintains own facilities, material, and equipment.
• Conducts research support, diagnostics, and other services.
• Collects, captures, and processes data with basic analysis.
• Provides verbal/written reports on work activities and results.
• Adheres to quality standards.
• Optimizes equipment and/or processes and/or systems.
• Assisting in the preparation for presentations.
• Renders diagnostic, technical and other services under supervision.
• Complies with SHE/OHS policies and procedure.

Job Requirements

• National Diploma or BSc in Plant Breeding/Agronomy/Plant Production or closely related field.
• Minimum of (2) two to (3) Three years Applicable experience in field trial management, research methods and data handling (added advantage to have this in potato and any tuber or root crop production).
• Agricultural knowledge and skills.
• Planning/Organising skills.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written)
• Computer literacy.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Willing to work in adverse conditions.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:23 MARCH 2026

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Job Description

• Conservation of plant genetic resources (in vitro, ex situ and seed collections).
• Utilisation of in vitro propagation techniques for mass production and conservation of vegetables, industrial, medicinal and ornamental plants for multi-stakeholder clients.
• Familiar with plant cryopreservation techniques (osmotic dehydration, vitrification and cooling rates).
• Knowledgeable in seed storage techniques, viability assessment and monitoring plant growth.
• Responsible for submitting requisitions for research projects.
• Active role player in Laboratory Quality Management Systems (QMS).      
• Capturing data on relevant databases.
• Compliance with aspects regarding all laboratory certification systems used in line with QMS and Good Laboratory Practices.
• Manage workflow for subordinates and capture timesheets where needed.
• Assist in training of junior and new staff.
• Provides technical support where required.
• Better own training to add value to the actions linked to research projects.
• Compliance with SHE/OHS regulations and procedures.

Job Requirements

• Diploma in Biological Sciences /Biotechnology/ Agricultural Sciences.
• BSc/Hons will be added advantage.
• Minimum of(2) Two to three (3) years relevant experience.
• Proven computer literacy and database management skills.
• Experience using plant tissue culture techniques.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills to recognise diseased plants.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.
• Valid drivers’ license.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:23 MARCH 2026

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Job Description

Project Management & Coordination

The Research Technician 2 is responsible conducting technical projects across the Institute; these include the following aspects of project management.

• Project Human Resources.
• Project Finances.
• Project technical risk management.

Research Support, Diagnostics and Other Services

The Research Technician 2 is responsible for conducting technical projects.  These activities include the following activities

• Adoption, management, and use.
• Translation.
• Commercialization.

Technology Transfer

The Research Technician is responsible for conducting technology transfer initiatives in the institution, these are as follows

• Intellectual Property Assessment.
• Prototype Development.
• Testing and Validation.

Scientific Status Requirements

The Research Technician is responsible for assisting with scientific research endeavors; these include the following activities.

• Innovation and Commercialization.
• Project / Programme impact.

Safety, health, and Environment

The Research Technician 2 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 2 is responsible for Human capacity development, which includes.

• Project staff.
• Self.

Job Requirements

• National Diploma (NQF 6) in Microbiology, Plant Pathology, Crop Protection, Biotechnology, or related field.
• Two (2) to three (3) years relevant experience in technical aspects of plant pathology and plant microbial-related molecular biology techniques. 
• Good verbal and written communication and presentation skills. 
• Advanced computer literacy. 
• Compliance to safety standards as prescribed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act.  
• Bachelor’s degree or Advanced diploma will be an added advantage.
• Experience in disease scouting and disease diagnostics of vegetable crops will be an added advantage.
• A valid driver’s license will be an advantage. 

CLOSING DATE FOR THE APPLICATIONS: 25 MARCH 2026