Latest Jobs at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• Execute tasks in collaboration with researchers on breeding and evaluation of grapevine.
• Assist with flower emasculation and pollination.
• Embryo rescue procedures (tissue culture of seedless grape crosses). This includes Aseptic removal of rudimentary seeds from surface sterilized berries (crosses), culture & dissection of rudimentary seeds to remove embryos for further culture & development and transferring germinating embryos to glass jars. 
• Plant seedlings from glass jars to seed trays to harden-off plants from tissue culture.
• Plant seedlings from seed trays to plastic plant bags.
• Assist with tending to plants in greenhouses and tunnels (watering, weeding, fertigation).  
• Assist with monitoring of pests and diseases in tunnels and greenhouses.
• Washing glassware and general cleaning of laboratory.
• Correct use of equipment according to specification (autoclaves, stereo microscopes, laminar flow benches, etc.)
• Keep equipment neat and clean.
• Any other ad hoc tasks that may be reasonable to be assigned to the job incumbent.

Requirements

• Grade 10 with experience working in an environment where good hand-eye coordination skills are required.
• Attention to detail and work accuracy is extremely important (rudimentary seeds and especially embryos are very small & very steady hands are needed to not damage embryos when dissecting rudimentary seeds).
• Previous experience working in a tissue culture or other laboratory will be a recommendation.
• Experience working in nurseries and with young plants (especially with grape plants) will be a recommendation.
• Experience in a work environment where tasks are repetitive.
• Excellent communication skills (mostly verbal but also written).
• Valid driver’s licence recommended, but not excluding applicants.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 18 SEPTEMBER 2025

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Description

• Agricultural Research and Technological Development
• Agricultural research and technology development,
• Evaluate research needs, develop, plan, and conduct research projects, which includes proper implementation and financial control,
• Submit project proposals and seek new clients in collaboration with other researchers and technicians,
• Optimally use and supervise human resources allocated to relevant projects,
• Technology transfer,
• Mentoring young scientists/technicians / postgraduate students and discharging duties in a multidisciplinary research team.
• Acquisition and maintenance of research equipment, computers, peripherals, and specialized software.
• Publish articles in peer-reviewed journals, newsletters, conference proceedings and other media.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, including government departments, industry partners, and academic institutions.

Requirements

• PhD in Geographical Information System/Remote Sensing or PhD in Natural Sciences.
• The candidate should have previous experience on GIS/Remote Sensing modelling, external income generation and discharging duties in a multi-disciplinary research team and conservation techniques.
• The candidate must have a proven research background on modelling, GIS/ Remote Sensing. Statistical Analyses would be an added advantage.
• Ability to work with communities and conduct fieldwork.
• Willingness to travel away from home for intermediate periods.
• Good communication skills (written and verbal).
• The successful applicant needs to have a valid driver’s license (Code 8/EB) as the position requires extensive travelling.
• Minimum of three relevant peer-reviewed publications.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 18 SEPTEMBER 2025

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Description

• To render research in a team context or individually under guidance
• Effective handling of personnel regarding utilization, training and evaluation as well as maintaining good working relations within the team.
• To successfully market and promote the institute's services/products to relevant role-players.
• Good planning and management of research activities. Aspects such as effective use of facilities and resources, problem solving and liaisons with experts - Continuous
• Proper management of budget in compliance with financial policies/procedures always to ensure that the budget is managed in a cost effective and pro-active manner — Continuous.
• To ensure successful completion of research projects /programmes in compliance with set standards.
• To comply with the Occupational Health and Safety regulations/ procedures.
• Involvement in the activities of the institute such as research committee and section meetings, and seminars.

Requirements

• MSc in Agricultural Engineering or equivalent with emphasis on Agricultural Mechanization.
• Registration as Profession Engineer with ECSA will be an added advantage.
• Communication and planning skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Valid driver’s licence (code 08/EB).

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 19 SEPTEMBER 2025.

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Description

• Initiates, coordinates and manages projects. Coordinate project plan with the Senior Manager Research.
• Manages people within projects, ensures optimal utilisation of corporate resources.
• Compiles and manages project budgets.
• Ensure all projects within the Division are properly managed and to the accepted scientific ad client standards.
• Provide leadership with regard to research within the Institute.
• Actively sources new national/ international research opportunities and assisting with proposal writing.
• Plans and coordinates research with single or multidisciplinary teams.
• Identifies and prioritise the need for resources (equipment and material) in project (s) and manages them accordingly.

Requirements

• PhD in Biochemistry, Food Sciences, Chemistry, Veterinary Public Health or related fields.
• At least 8-10 years' experience post PhD in a relevant research environment, academic or private.
• Evidence of a track record of peer reviewed publications.
• Evidence of a track record of obtaining research funding (national and international).
• Registered with a professional body in the appropriate discipline (SACNASP, SACI, etc) will be an added advantage.
• Evidence of financial and personnel management, networking with national and international clients and stakeholders.
• Evidence of good communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Valid driver's license.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 19 SEPTEMBER 2025

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Description

• Resource Allocation: Managing budgetary and resource allocation decisions to support the institution's mission and goals.
• Process Improvement: Identifying and implementing process improvements and operational efficiencies to enhance service delivery and reduce costs.
• Strategic Planning: Collaborating with Executive Manager: Animals and Biotechnology to develop and execute strategic plans that align with the institution's mission and vision.
• Lead and Direct: Lead and Direct the BTP's Research and Management Agenda.
• Shared Services Management: Collaborating with the Executive Manager: Shared Services/ Corporate Support, in overseeing the shared services functions within the institution, ensuring they operate cohesively and meet their respective objectives.
• Policy Implementation: Ensuring that policies, procedures, and regulations are effectively communicated and adhered to throughout the Institute.
• Performance Evaluation: Monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to assess the institution's performance and make data-driven decisions.
• Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating operational risks and challenges that could impact the institution's mission or reputation.
• Stakeholder Relations: Building and maintaining positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Innovation and Technology: Promoting the adoption of innovative technologies and practices to enhance service delivery and operational effectiveness.
• Emergency Response and Continuity Planning: Implementing plans for emergency response, business continuity, and disaster recovery.
  Compliance and Legal Affairs: Ensuring that the institution complies with all relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
• Human Resources Management: Collaborating with Human Capital Business Partner, oversee personnel, including hiring, training, and performance management, to maintain a skilled and motivated workforce.
• Financial Management: Collaborating with Finance Business Partner, oversee Institute’s finances and financial health, budget and cost management and financial reporting.
• Communication and Reporting: Providing regular updates to Executive leadership, governing boards, and other stakeholders on operational performance and progress toward goals.
  Conflict Resolution: Handling internal conflicts and disputes within the Institute in a fair and constructive manner.
• Crisis Management: Leading the institution's response to crises or emergencies, coordinating efforts to mitigate negative impacts.
• Ethical Leadership: Upholding and promoting ethical standards and values within the organisation, setting a positive example for all employees.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with Stakeholders to understand their needs and concerns and ensuring the institution's services are responsive to those needs.

Requirements

• PhD in Biotechnology/ Crop Science/ Agronomy/ Plant Breeding/ Plant Pathology/ Animal Breeding/ Bioinformatics, or related field. 
• Ten (10) years relevant experience in research and development in the biotechnology platform, with at least eight (8) years’ experience at middle management level or two (2) years at senior management level.
• A good record in research and development, service delivery, project management, partnership development and collaboration.
• Good communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Experience in budget formulation and financial management.
• Experience in management of human resources.
• Good negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver’s license.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 22 SEPTEMBER 2025

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Description

• Initiating research, including conducting taxonomic and systematics research.
• Identifying, describing, and classifying medicinal plants using established taxonomic criteria.
• Developing and maintaining databases of medicinal plant specimens and associated taxonomic information.
• Developing and maintaining taxonomic keys for species identification.
• Writing and publishing scientific papers, reports, and other scholarly outputs.
• Managing resources including equipment and research materials, human resources and finances.
• Supporting strategic research collaboration and collaboration opportunities; these include.
• Presenting at national and international conferences, workshops.

Requirements

• PhD in Botany, Plant Taxonomy, or related discipline with at least 3 years relevant experience on Masters level.
• At least 3 years’ experience in a relevant scientific research environment, post MSc with a national record of accomplishment on the level of a researcher.
• Minimum 3-5 peer reviewed publications or number of publications should be equivalent to what was required from Masters and PhD level for their field respectively. 
• Familiarity with taxonomic tools, databases (e.g., BRAHMS, GBIF), and botanical nomenclature rules (ICN).
• Proven record of accomplishment for generating external income for projects in line with requirements on Masters and PhD level.
• Good communication skills verbal and written,
• Proficiency in MS Office suite,
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage,
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 10 SEPTEMBER 2025