Latest Job Openings at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• Along with gene bank manager, manage field and nursery gene bank blocks at TSC research farms.
• Maintain existing gene bank database and upgrade to meet international norms in the field.
• Expand scope of existing field gene banks to include laboratory-based storage solutions using in vitro technologies.
• Ability to work in the field and laboratory.
• Compile monthly and quarterly progress reports in the form of written reports and presentations.
• Identify research opportunities and implement improved gene bank management technologies.
• Collects, captures and processes data.
• Provide leadership to Research Technicians, Assistants and Students.
• Good communication skills to liaise with Researchers, Research Support Assistants and Farm Managers for daily activities.
• Write popular/scientific publications and present research outcomes.

Requirements

• PhD in Horticulture/Biological/Natural Sciences/Plant Production/Agronomy/Agriculture.
• Minimum of 3 years applicable experience in research.
• Proven record of at least 3 scientific publications.
• Knowledge on Occupational Health and Safety compliance.
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• Advanced Computer Literacy.
• Code EB driver’s licence and ability to drive.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 31 OCTOBER 2025.

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Description

• Project Management & Coordination - conduct entomological projects across the Small Grain production regions of South Africa, including planning, coordination and technical risk management.
• Research Support, Diagnostics and Other Services - conduct technical project aspects including Monitoring pests, Field trial management, Data collection, Translation and Commercialisation.
• Technology Transfer – conduct technology transfer initiatives with respect to Small Grain insects.
• Scientific Status – ensure quality scientific standards are maintained.
• Safety, health, and Environment- assist with safety, health and environment compliance and standards, these include Regulatory Compliance, Lab safety and Hazardous material disposal activities.
• Human Capital Development- responsible for human capacity development, self-development.

Requirements

• A 3 Year National Diploma in entomology or equivalent.
• A BSc degree will be an added advantage.
• 3-5 Years’ experience.
• A valid South African Driver’s license.
• Communication skills (Verbal and Written).
• Sound understanding of the subject fields: entomology and plant production.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 30 OCTOBER 2025 

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Description

Project Management & Coordination

The Researcher is responsible for management, coordination and delivery of research projects; these include aspects of:

• Planning, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation, reporting.
• Equipment and Consumables.
• Human Resources.
• Finances. 
• Risk Management and Mitigation.  

Research, Development, and Innovation

The Researcher is responsible for conducting research, development and supporting innovation, these include:

• Invention.
• Translation.
• Commercialization.
• Adoption and Use.

Research Collaboration

The Researcher is responsible for supporting and establishing strategic research collaboration and identifying collaboration opportunities; these include:

• Strategic Research partnerships / networks.
• Intra-Inter Institutional Collaboration.
• National Collaboration

Human Capacity Development

The Researcher is responsible for supporting Human Capacity Development that includes:

• Supervision/ co-supervision of students.
• Mentoring staff and students.
• Training staff and students to develop skills in analytical chemistry
• Self-development.

Income generation

The Researcher is responsible for generating income by:

• Writing research proposals and securing funding.
• Developing and validating new methods for providing additional services.
• Offering analytical services to clients (internal and external) through analysis of samples using advanced analytical equipment.

Requirements

• PhD in Chemistry (Analytical Chemistry/ Natural Products Chemistry or related).
• At least 3 years’ experience in chemical profiling of plant extracts, identification of chemical compounds (qualitative and quantitative analysis using LC-MS, GC-MS, etc.).
• Minimum of 3–5 peer-reviewed publications, 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.
• Registration with a scientific and/or professional body will be an added advantage.
• NRF rating is also considered an added advantage.
• Valid driver’s license.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION: 30 OCTOBER 2025 

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Description

• Planting of seeds and seedlings; harvesting of fruits and vegetables; irrigation and fertilizer application; weed, pest and disease control in all aspects and sampling plants for evaluation.
• Carrying out farm practices as directed by the Supervisor.
• Ensure effective protection of field trials from animal interference.
• Use and maintenance of tools and equipment that are made available.
• Observance of Occupational Health and Safety instructions on the use of appropriate protective clothing.

Requirements

• Grade 10 and understanding of basic agricultural practices.
• Basic knowledge on manual operation of farm equipment and machinery.
• Good communication skills written and verbal.
• Good understanding of health and safety procedures.  
• Willing to work under adverse weather conditions.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 24 OCTOBER 2025

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Description

• Work on a tractor with various implements such as bush cutter, slasher, spraying machine etc.
• Ensure that soil cultivation is done accurately, timeously and in a professional manner.
• Safe transportation of farm produce, fertilizers and other farm equipment.
• Basic maintenance of the tractor and implements.
• Time management with execution of individual & team tasks.
• Record keeping of day-to-day work done, diesel usage and spraying programs.
• Assist with general farm work as instructed by the line manager.
• Comply with all requirements of the OHSE Act.

Requirements

• Grade 10 with at least 1-3 years’ experience as a tractor driver.
• Grade 12 with tractor driving experience will be an added advantage.
• Good reading and writing skills.
• Valid code 10 (C1) driver’s license.
• Willing to do a tractor driving competency test during the interview process.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 31 OCTOBER 2025

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Description

• Installs, calibrates, maintains, inspects and services/repairs instrumentation used in agricultural production measurement in the lab, field and glasshouses.
• Conduct field/lab/glasshouse tests and experiments to evaluate crop performance, soil conditions, and equipment efficiency.
• Plans and coordinates own work activities aligned with project plans.
• Supervises allocated HR resources.
• Assists in managing project budgets and adheres to financial controls.
• Conducts research support, diagnostics, and other services under supervision. 
• Renders technical services and optimizes equipment/processes/systems. 
• Provides input into the optimization of new technologies. 
• Collects, captures, and processes data with basic analysis. 
• Provides verbal and written reports on activities and results. 
• Presents findings to stakeholders (including training/advisory roles). 
• Adheres to quality standards. 
• Complies with SHE/OHS regulations and procedures.
• Evidence of contributions to publications or presentations (e.g., farmers' days).
• Demonstrates measurable outcomes and project impact.
• Support capacity development and training of junior staff.

Requirements

• National Diploma in Agriculture, Bioresources Engineering, Instrumentation or a closely related field.
• BTech or BSc Degree will be an added advantage.
• Experience in instrumentation installation, operation, calibration, use and maintenance for equipment used in agricultural data collection e.g. plant growth parameters, irrigation and soil. 
• Background in crop production and management will be an added advantage.
• Ability to work under pressure while ensuring timely and high-quality analysis. 
• Knowledge of laboratory quality management systems. 
• Good communication skills (verbal and written). 
• A valid driver’s license and able to drive long distance.
• Registration with a relevant scientific or professional body will be an added advantage. 

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION: 31 OCTOBER 2025 

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Description

• Contribute to existing research projects on DNA marker technologies including molecular breeding to support breeding programmes.
• Together with breeders, designs and implements molecular breeding research experiments in support of the various breeding programmes.
• Keeps the division abreast with new developments on DNA marker technologies by reviewing new publications & research reports.
• Compiles own, and contributes to other progress reports (internal and external).
• Captures, analyses and interprets data.
• Contributes towards the creation of IP and PBR.
• Provides supervision and mentors postgraduate students, research technicians and assistants. Understands management of co-workers and mentees.
• Disseminates technology through peer-reviewed scientific articles, popular publications, etc.
• Compliance with human resource policies and procedures.
• Ensures compliance with SHE/OHS policies and procedures.

Requirements

• MSc in Plant Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Plant breeding or Genetics.
• Strong background and experience in molecular biology and plant molecular markers.
• Experience in the use of applicable genetic data analysis tools.
• Accurate data collection skills and attention to detail.
• Management skills including research project planning and time management.
• Good communication (verbal & writing) skills and liaison with clients, fellow scientists and support staff.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite especially Excel.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations and procedures.

CLOSING DATE FOR THE APPLICATIONS: 04 NOVEMBER 2025

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Description

• Initiate, conduct, coordinate and manage research projects in compliance with set standards, client needs and specifications within budget and on time.
• Successful initiation/proposal and completion of research programmes/projects contained in the business plan of the Institute in line with the overall Corporate Program and Strategy of the ARC.
• Contribute to the image of the ARC through high quality research findings/products in compliance with expected scientific standards.
• Ensure well-customised technology transfer/training programs and effective transfer of technology and promotion in the form of products, services, literature, information days, courses and other events according to client needs.
• Ensure cost-effective maintenance and utilisation of infrastructure through optimal application, maintenance, and effective stock control for execution of research projects.
• Ensure that allocated budgets are managed in cost effective and proactive manner including timeous execution of financial administrative activities/tasks in compliance with the prescribed financial procedures and policies of the ARC.
• Actively source new research opportunities and write research proposals for funding.
• Disseminate research results as scientific peer reviewed publications, congress presentations, popular articles, presentations at industry information days and client reports.
• Mentorship of post graduate students.

Requirements

• PhD in Nematology.
• At least 3 years experience in Plant Nematology in line with the division’s strategic focus on pest identification and integrated pest management of nematode pests of grapevine and deciduous fruit.
• Proven record of peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an advantage.
• Proven record of accomplishment for generating external income for programme and projects in programme.
• Valid SA driver’s license.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 04 NOVEMBER 2025

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Description

• Assist with mass-rearing of host insects in the Insectary.
• Assist with field surveys, data collection, including multi-day trips to the field.
• Assist with bioassay screening trials in the laboratory.
• Assist with technology transfer initiatives with farmers.
• Planting and maintenance of test plants in the glasshouse and growth rooms.
• Cleaning and basic maintenance of laboratory and field equipment and facilities.
• Record keeping for plant and insect production.

Requirements

• Grade 12 (or equivalent /RPL with 2 years’ experience).
• Diploma in Plant Protection/Plant Production.
• Experience in insect rearing will be an advantage.
• A basic level of computer literacy (email; data entry onto spreadsheet)
• Ability to work as part of a team, under instruction.
• Able to travel and work in the field with occasional extended hours if required.
• Driver’s license 08/EB driver.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 03 NOVERMBER 2025

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Description

• Contribute knowledge towards the research project objectives.
• Disseminate technology through peer-reviewed scientific articles.
• Provide research support, diagnostics, and other project services.
• Provide verbal/written reports on work activities and results to supervisor(s).
• Optimize laboratory equipment and processing systems.
• Maintain genetic material for conservation purposes (seed collection and maintenance).
•  Assist in sample/data collection (soil, plants and seeds), preparation and data analysis.
• Liaise with growers, industry technical officers, national and provincial government.
• Conducts regular crop cultivation and management in the field and in the controlled environments.

Requirements

• BSc Hons in Plant Biotechnology or Biological/Plant Sciences.
• Understanding of basic principles of research.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written).
• Proficiency in MS Office suite.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 04 NOVEMBER 2025