Latest Job Vacancies at Agricultural Research Council

Description

Advertising:

• Advertise ARC products and services in select media platforms that relate to participation at events publications and relevant platforms.
• Comply with marketing strategy.
• Comply with corporate identity and messaging.

Physical/Virtual Events:

• Showcase ARC products and services at relevant stakeholder, agricultural shows /events, and platforms.

Stakeholder Management and admin:

• Ongoing engagement with key stakeholders regarding scheduled and ad hoc events and advertising.

Communication including admin:

• Responding to enquiries both telephonic and on e-mail.
• Communication with relevant stakeholders as per the events and advertising.
• Sharing the enquiries desk.

Images library of engagements:

• Download images of events.

Requirements

• National Diploma or bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations and Communications or related field.  
• 5 years’ experience in a similar role.
• Professional membership: Marketing Association of South Africa (MASA) registration at Associate Marketeer level will be an added advantage.
• Track record in communication, public relations, and marketing.
• Knowledge with online marketing and social media strategies.
• Experience in a Research environment will be an added advantage.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to write captivating content.
• Understanding of multi-media and social media platforms.
• Creativity and ability to undertake marketing research.
• Global mind-set and relationship building expertise and skills.
•  Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
•  Proficiency in the MS Office suite.
• Valid driver’s license.

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Description

• Assist in Development and validation of analytical methods, specifically in the fields of LC-MS-MS and GC (MS).
• Plan and execute routine analytical testing of biological samples.
• Evaluation and interpretation of technical data generated.
• Troubleshooting of technical problems.
• Assist with research projects.
• Contribute to scientific output (conferences, scientific Publications, popular articles).
• Improving/Implementing ISO 17025 quality requirements within the laboratory.

Requirements

• National Diploma/ BTech or equivalent in Chemistry or related field.
• Bachelor of Science in chemistry will be an added advantage.
• 3 years’ experience in a chromatography laboratory.
• Fundamental knowledge of chromatography (LC and GC) as well as Mass Spectroscopy is essential.
• Experience in an accredited laboratory will be an advantage.
• Ability to work under pressure to ensure that samples are processed as required.
• Ability to interpret analytical data and do troubleshooting.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.

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Description

• Conduct genomics services as part of the Biotechnology Platform Core team. The position will entail next generation sequencing (NGS), long read sequencing, genotyping, and high-throughput DNA extraction services.
• Receive, track and quality control of samples, library preparation, NGS sequencing and data delivery to clients.
• Operating and maintaining laboratory equipment and their servicing records.
• Develop and implement a program to optimise workflows with focus on quality, efficiency, and cost.
• Optimise and establish new high throughput technologies in line with developments for the BTP.
• Develop and implement the use of Standard Operating Procedures.
• Conduct training of genomics technologies to students and external clients.
• Coordinate client workflows to ensure short turnaround times, efficient data dissemination and client invoicing.
• Generate and manage client quotations, purchase orders, invoices and certificates of conformance and ensure they are properly catalogued for monthly and quarterly reporting.
• Monthly inventory and purchasing of consumables and reagents according to procurement procedures.

Requirements

• MSc in Genomics, Genetics, Molecular Biology, or related field.
• At least 1 - 2 years’ hands-on experience with genomics technologies, especially next generation sequencing, is a requirement.
• Experience operating and programming automated liquid handlers and/or performing long read sequencing, will be highly advantageous.
• Demonstration of skills in project management will be advantageous.
• Ability to interact with clients in a collaborative and consultative role and working as part of a team will be an advantage.
• Knowledge and experience in laboratory information management systems (LIMS) will be an advantage.

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Coordinate ERM processes.

• Effective functioning of ARC Corporate Enterprise Risk Management Committee (CERMC).
• Risk assessments/reviews to minimise the impact of risk events and to identify opportunities.
• Co-ordinate all Risk Management activities strategic, operational and project level across ARC.
• Assist with undertaking business risk assessments at all levels of the ARC, i.e., strategic, operational, and programme, and periodically monitor the progress made on risk minimisation.
• Review and Analyse risk reports monthly, quarterly, etc. as submitted by ARC risk owners, to identify and timeously respond to any non-compliances to the ARC Enterprise Risk Management Reporting Framework.
• Assist with the phased review of the ARC internal control measures, across all its business processes, against “best practice” and where weaknesses are identified, monitor the implementation of recommendations and its compliance.
• Monitor, evaluate and periodically communicate the status of Risk Management practices in the ARC.
• Analyse and report on the management of risk exposures to the CERMC and other similar ARC Governance Structures.
• Manage business risks by identifying and developing/ reviewing appropriate risk management strategies and policies.
• Provide inputs into the ARC requisite assurance plan and be involved in coordinating outputs to assurance providers.
• Facilitate activities linked to the ARC Combined Assurance Process.
• Co-ordinate the ARC acquisition and maintenance of a comprehensive insurance portfolio.
• In consultation with the supervisor to ensure for effective functioning of the CERMC.
• Provide inputs and be an integral part of the ARC strategy development and organisational performance management process and systems, i.e. Monitoring and Evaluation.

ERM Reporting

• Quarterly ERM reports to governance committees to provide an overview regarding the management of risks within the ARC.

Combined Assurance

• Combined assurance to identify assurance gaps and minimise duplication.

Insurance Risk Management

• Insurance risk analysis.
• Co-ordinate and manage insurance broker.
• Expand insurance capacity across ARC.
• Insurance placement.

BCM

• Scenario analysis to prepare and plan for major events.
• Review the BCM framework to understand the organisational process.

Internal Control

• Develop a proposal to establish the internal control function
• Submit a proposal for establishment of internal control function to EMC & CERM.

Requirements

• A B Degree, with specialization in Risk Management.
• A Postgraduate Diploma/Degree (Honours /Masters) will be an added advantage. 
• 5 years working experience in risk and insurance management, at a managerial level, business, and operational management experience.
• Exposure within strategy, planning, and organisational performance management environments.
• Budget and Financial Management skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite.
• Attention to detail.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.

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Description

• Preparation of chemical solutions and growth media.
• Collecting, storing, and stocktaking of research materials.

Assist with tasks related to point of care DALRRD project including:

• Sample receipt and documentation.
• DNA extractions from soil samples.
• Logging soil and DNA samples in biobank.
• Purification and preservation of fungal strains obtained as part of POC DALLRD project.

Provide support in the mycology NPGA collections by:

• Perform pest checks in the fungorium (dried collection) and the cold rooms (living collections).
• Assist with the preparation of collection halls and offices for fogging conducted biannually.
• Record keeping in laboratory book

Ad hoc tasks including:

• General support during open/farmer days.

Requirements

• A National Diploma (3 years) or equivalent NQF6; or a relevant 2-year qualification at a recognized institution with 2 years applicable experience.
• Good verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in MS office suite.
• Compliance to safety standards as prescribed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• A valid code 08/B driver’s license.

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Description

• Initiates and manages existing research projects on plant tissue culture technologies to support breeding programmes and general client services.
• Closely works with all researchers, identifies tissue culture needs and resources requirements.
• Together with researchers, designs and implements in vitro research experiments in support of the various tissue culture services.
• Keeps the division abreast with new developments in the field by reviewing new publications & research reports.
• Actively sources and secures new research opportunities and contributes to proposals for own research and towards the proposals of others.
• 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.
• Human resources management to ensure efficient deployment and utilization, setting objective assessment and training for subordinates.
• Disseminates technology through peer-reviewed scientific articles, popular publications, manual production, radio and TV talks, etc.
• Actively seeks networking opportunities (e.g. attends scientific gatherings, working with farmer communities, etc.). 
• Compliance with human resource policies and procedures.
• Compliance with occupational health and safety policies and procedures.
• Identifies and participates in own learning opportunity.
• Ensures compliance with SHE/OHS policies and procedures.

Requirements

• PhD in Plant Biotechnology, tissue culture, plant physiology, horticulture, OR MSc in one or more of these qualifications with five years of relevant work.
• Strong background and experience in plant tissue culture.
• Experience in the development of plant tissue culture protocols.
• Experience and good understanding of quality assurance systems and seed testing (both vegetative and botanical seeds) will be an added advantage.
• Authored or co-authored a minimum of two peer-review scientific publications in a related field.
• Evidence of popular article publications will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrable experience in project management.
• Registration with a relevant scientific registration body, where applicable.
• Management skills including research projects, time, and personnel management.
• Good communication (verbal & writing) skills and liaison with clients, fellow scientists and support staff.
• Advanced computer literacy in MS Office suite.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations and procedures.
• Valid code 08 driver’s license.

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Description

• Oversees the management of (supervision of lab managers) for the various in vitro/tissue culture labs (Conservation tissue culture labs, commercial tissue culture lab, quarantine tissue culture lab and mutation breeding tissue culture lab) and associated green/glasshouse infrastructure.
• Initiates and manages research projects on plant tissue culture, method development and optimization of existing protocols.
• Conducts specific research with focus on developing supporting technologies (somatic embryogenesis, cryopreservation, meristem culture etc.) for mass propagation, virus elimination and in vitro breeding.
• Actively sources and secures new research opportunities and funding related to plant tissue culture.
• Compiles quarterly, annual, and ad hoc reports (internal and external).
• Captures, analyses, and interprets data.
• Provides leadership, supervision and mentoring of postgraduate students, researchers, research technicians and assistants.
• Contributes towards the seed systems development by optimizing the functions of the commercial tissue culture lab.
• Human resources management to ensure efficient deployment and utilisation, setting objective assessment and training.
• Disseminates technology through peer-reviewed scientific articles, popular publications, manual production, radio, and TV talks, etc.
• Initiates links and collaborates with national and international organisations.
• Trains postgraduate students and technical personnel in the use of specialised analytical instruments and associated software.
• Compliance with human resource policies and procedures.
• Compliance with occupational health and safety policies and procedures

Requirements

• PhD in Plant Biotechnology, Plant physiology, Horticulture and/or related fields.
• Minimum 5 years relevant experience in plant tissue culture systems and 8 relevant peer reviewed publications.
• Experience in plant tissue culture method development and validation.
• Demonstrable experience in designing and execution of biotech method development research.
• Knowledge and experience in genetic resources management is an added advantage.
• Evidence of substantial publications in ISI-rated scientific journals.
• Evidence of popular article publications will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrable experience in project management.
• Postgraduate student mentoring or supervision experience.
• Registration with a relevant scientific registration body, where applicable.
• Management skills including personnel and research project management.
• Good communication (verbal & writing) skills.
• Agricultural Research knowledge and skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Knowledge of intellectual property opportunities.
• Knowledge of work-place health and safety regulations and procedures.
• Valid driver’s license.