Jobs at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• Provide Health and Safety Support and Services by ensuring compliance with OHS regulations and standards by offering health and safety support and services.
• Ensure that employees and contractors comply with safety regulations and policies.
• Identify and facilitate employee and organizational health and safety training needs, interventions and ongoing refresher trainings
• Conduct and record an updated occupational health risk register
• Implement and continuously monitor operational controls to reduce workplace risks.
• Monitor, record and report relevant data on occupational incidents, workplace health statistical data and trends
• Develop and implement emergency response plans and coordinate drills.
• Ensure the availability and proper use of PPE by employees.
• Minimise the organisation's environmental impact through sustainable waste management and pollution control strategies and programmes.
• Ensure safe keeping of mandatory records, files, registers and technical reports related to safety, health, and environmental activities
• Establish and manage sustainable and functional Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) committees
• Develop and co-ordinate OHS induction, awareness and training programs to educate managers, employees, operators and contractors about safety policies, protocols, licensing, practices and systems.
• Ensure organizational adaptability to change, evolving medical protocols and develop mechanisms to redress non-conformances and implement corrective actions.

Requirements

• A 3-year National Diploma, B-Tech or Bachelor's degree in Health and Safety, Environment, or similar related fields. 
• Postgraduate Qualification will be advantageous
• 2-3 years of experience in safety, health, and environmental management.
• Implementation experience in OHSAS 18001, and ISO 14001.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written),
• Environmental Compliance (strong recommendation),
• Optional:  Professional Membership with the South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (SAIOSH) at a graduate member level or higher.
• Completed courses with SAMTRAC and/or NOSA,
• Proficiency in MS Suite,
• Valid South African driver’s license.

go to method of application »

Description

• Study the nutritional value of wild foods and their protective effects against environmental mutagens.
• Conduct genotoxicity assays using bacterial and mammalian cells –based assays.
• Conduct in vitro cytotoxicity testing (primary and continuous cell lines).
• Isolate and identify bioactive compounds.
• Analyze data and compile reports.
• Contribute to scientific output (conferences, scientific publications, popular articles).

Requirements

• PhD in Genetic Toxicology, Environmental Toxicology, Biochemistry or related fields.
• Fundamental knowledge of genetic toxicology assays (bacterial and/or mammalian cell-based assays).
• Knowledge of chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques will be an advantage.
• Evidence of peer reviewed publications.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

go to method of application »

Description
Research development and innovation

• Research planning, initiation and execution.
• Conduct research and dissemination - publish popular, semi-scientific and peer-reviewed papers.
• Conduct field research on tsetse flies and other insects of veterinary importance.
• Writes and submits research proposals, source new research opportunities.
• Liaise with stakeholders.

Project management and coordination

• Project monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
• Manage field station, equipment and research materials.
• Manage project human resources and finances.
• Risk management and mitigation.
• Adhering to all Safety and GLP rules and regulations.

Research collaboration

• Support research collaboration and partnerships.
• Facilitate and support field collection visits from visiting researchers.
• Supports senior research team in special research projects.

Human capacity building

• Develops own capacity at an appropriate level.
• Identifies and participates in own learning opportunities and for project staff and students.
• Supervise or co-supervise students.

Requirements

• PhD OR MSc with at least 5 years’ experience in Entomological Research or related fields.
• Evidence of peer-reviewed publications (minimum of 3-5).
• A track record of supervising students and obtaining research funding would be an added advantage. 
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

go to method of application »

Description

• Plant, fertilize, cultivate, spray, irrigate and harvest crops.
• Function independently in the orchards & vineyards and able to solve problems encountered.
• Engage in all farming operations e.g. pruning, suckering, canopy management, harvesting and irrigation.
• Report any problems, discrepancies and neglect immediately to Farm Manager.
• Assist with general farm work, e.g. managing the tool room, cultivation of fruit rows, cleaning the farm, taking soil & leaf samples, making firebreaks, etc.
• Ensure correct use of relevant safety equipment.
• Monitor pests and diseases, security fences and irrigation probes.
• Must be willing to work overtime to optimize work.
• Comply with Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
• Responsible for the supervision of casual workers on the farm.
• Aid Researchers in their daily tasks, collect soil, leaves, fruit, cover crops and prune cuttings, etc. 
• Assist with maintenance of farm structures, equipment and security fences.

Requirements

• Grade 10.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• 3 years relevant experience.

go to method of application »

Description

• Assist artisans with maintenance of asset and infrastructure to extend their lifespan.
• Replacement of leaking water pipes, geysers and taps. 
• Cleaning of all building gutters and down pipes. 
• Fixing of leaking roofs and general maintenance. 
• Cleaning of sewerage pumps.
• Cleaning of all storm water drainage systems.
• General maintenance on infrastructure.
• Brick lying and concrete work. 
• Adhoc work activities within the organization
• Maintenance on irrigation system.

Requirements

• Matric or Senior Certificate.
• Two years’ experience in general maintenance of buildings, laboratory furniture and infrastructure.
• Driver's license will be an added advantage. 

go to method of application »

Description

• Responsible for molecular assays including sample storing, nucleic acid extraction (DNA) from nematodes and PCR according to set protocols and procurement of all material.
• Responsible for molecular characterization of nematodes.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in rural areas.
• Diagnostic service in identification and enumeration of nematodes.
• Capturing of data and management of the collection and diagnostic service-based information.
• Assistance with technology transfer initiatives such as training courses.
• Assist with the reporting and compiling of budgets of research projects.
• Actively sources new research opportunities and assist with writing of proposals for funding.
• Disseminate research results as scientific publications, congress presentations and popular articles.
• Contributes to training of students.
• Assist with processing of samples brought for testing in the nematology laboratory.
• Laboratory support and sample management.
• Assist researchers on projects.
• Compliance with general health and safety regulations (demonstrate visible use of safety equipment).
• Ability to work under pressure and handling of high workload at times.
• Be able to handle large volumes of samples, be organized, have time management skills and the ability to work at a steady pace according to seasonal peaks.
• Demonstrate a strong ability to collaborate easily within the team.
• Any other ad hoc tasks that may be reasonable to be assigned to the job incumbents.
• Computer skills for record keeping and databasing.

Requirements

• An MSc in Nematology, Environmental Sciences, Zoology or equivalent professional degree.
• Experience in molecular assays including sample storing, nucleic acid extraction (DNA) from nematodes and PCR according to set protocols and molecular characterization of nematodes.
• Experience in nematode diagnostics will be an advantage
• Relevant scientific record.
• Valid B & EB driver’s license.
• Experience of working in a research team will be an advantage.
• Good Communication Skills (Written and Verbal).
• Ability to organize, prioritize and work systematically.

go to method of application »

Description

• Initiates, manages and contributes towards national projects.
• Identifies the need for human resources in project(s) and manages the allocated resources.
• Accountable for compiling and managing the project budget.
• Actively sources new national/ international research opportunities and writes proposals.
• Plans and coordinates research with single or multi-disciplinary team.
• Identifies the need for resources (equipment and material) in project(s) and manages them accordingly.
• Conducts research.
• Manages data capture, analysis, interpretations and recommendations.
• Disseminates research results by presenting oral and poster contributions.
• Publishes semi scientific and peer reviewed reports / articles.
• Actively seeks networking opportunities (e.g. attends scientific gatherings, works with farmer communities etc.).

Requirements

• PhD in Aquaculture, Animal Science or relevant disciplines or MSc with 5 years minimum work experience with extensive publications and supervision of students.
• Practical experience and technical knowledge of appropriate management of research projects, financial and human resource management.
• Experience supervision of subordinates and students.
• Knowledge, experience of raising funds.
• Publishes semi-scientific and peer reviewed reports / articles.