Trending Roles at Agricultural Research Council

Description

Analytical and Diagnostic Services

• Receive, register, final review of results and report on analyses,
• Invoicing on lab management systems,
• Client liaison,
• Develop, evaluate, validate, and implement test methods,
• Implement and update technical SOP’s,
• Validate test methods in the laboratory,
• Perform routine water and soil analyses on ICP-OES/ICP-MS instrument and other laboratory instruments,
• Calibrate and maintain equipment,
• Maintain and update lab book and filling of raw data, all reports, and Invoices for the project,
• Plan work activities as directed by work schedule,
• Do trouble shooting on equipment and procedures used,
• Train personnel and interns on different techniques,
• Maintain work area and facilities clean,

Quality Control

• Maintain the quality control system; therefore, follow all procedures and SOPs in the quality control system,
• Write and update methods and validation documents,
• Monitor analytical standards,
• Verify or calibrate equipment as required,

Laboratory Safety and compliance

• Adhere to the Health and Safety regulations,
• Supervise health and safety regulations in the lab,
• Adhere to good housekeeping and GLP in the laboratory,

Requirements

• National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry.
• Bachelor's Degree or BTech in Analytical Chemistry. 
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in water and soil analysis methods performing routing analysis on ICP-OES & ICP-MS instruments. Knowledge on how to process data and interpret data from the instrument is important.
• Oversee and maintain the operations of the ICP-OES & ICP-MS instruments,
• Troubleshooting, conducting preventative maintenance, calibration and doing minor repairs,
• Organizing workflow and ensuring that samples are tested in accordance with customer requests,
• Coordinate proficiency testing
• Registration with relevant scientific registration body is an advantage.
• Computer literacy.
• Communication and planning skills.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 19 MAY 2026

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Description

• Undertake MSc studies in Plant Molecular Biology/Plant Biotechnology research on root, tuberous and bulbous crops
• Contribute to research by rendering desired support to research staff including planning, implementation and coordination of research activities in the laboratory, glasshouse and field.
• Research progress updates through monthly, quarterly reports or as needed.
• Disseminate project results through, scientific or popular publications, conferences (oral and poster presentations) and peer reviewed publications

Requirements

• BSc Honours, BTech or NQF-Level 8 qualification in Plant Biotechnology, Genetics, Plant Breeding, Biological Sciences or relevant qualification.
• Willing to register for Master's studies in Plant Biotechnology, Genetics, Plant Breeding, or Biological Sciences
• Demonstrate capacity to conduct research 
• Must be a South African Citizen
• Demonstration of sound Interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to plan and organise tasks according to schedule and in a timely manner

Terms

• After signing a contract; students will be expected to settle their studies fees, accommodation, transport, food, and/or any other expenses.
• Students will be allocated a mentor from the ARC to assist them with real-life research projects for their studies.
• Students will be expected to attend workplace training during academic holidays and times discusses with the mentor.
• Payment of the bursary award will be dependent on the submission of a valid proof of registration.
• Please attach qualification certificates and academic transcripts

VALUE OF BURSARY PER ANNUM

Value: R140,000 per annum (non-taxable), payable in 12 monthly instalments.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 20 MAY 2026

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Description

• Provide support to Researchers and Senior Technicians in research projects and diagnostic services related activities.
• The Research Technician is responsible for conducting technical project activities. These activities include the following:
• Maintain cell culture Laboratory.
• Oversee small animal Laboratory.
• Maintain stocks of reagents and consumables.
• Evaluation and interpretation of technical data generated.
• Calibration and verification of equipment.
• Improving/Implementing ISO 17025 quality requirements within the laboratory.
• Performing any other duties assigned by the Head of Laboratory or Project Manager.
• Contribute to knowledge dissemination through peer-reviewed oral and poster. presentations.
• Scientific Status Requirements.
• Support Toxicology and Ethnoveterinary Medicine services to clients.
• Ensure compliance with OHS/SHE policies and procedures.
• Comply with human capital management policies and procedures.

Requirements

• National Diploma in Veterinary Science or equivalent qualification.
• BTech Degree in Veterinary Science or equivalent will be an added advantage.
• SAVC registration is compulsory.
• Three (3) years’ experience in mammalian cell culture will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of ELISA will be an advantage.
• Knowledge of and experience in chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques will be an advantage.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent knowledge of Quality Management (ISO 17025).

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 22 MAY 2026

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Description

• Coordinate and assist the Project Manager to execute the Beef Genomics Programme, in the context of the Beef Genomics Program Consortium and in line with the contractual obligations of the Agricultural Research Council and programme.
• Assist with coordinating the internal resources with third parties and vendors for execution of the project.
• Facilitate communication among project stakeholders, including researchers, collaborators, and funding agencies.
• Assist with coordinating and compiling project and externalreports to the different stakeholders.
• Maintaining all project information and documentation.
• Deal with incoming and outgoing correspondence (letters,memos, etc.) and taking minutes.
• Assist with Supply Chain Management processes as required.
• Assist with facilitating payments, invoicing, budgets, etc.
• Assist with capturing project deliverables and monitoring/tracking these against the project’s execution plan.
• Assist with managing the project’s schedule.
• Assist with tracking the project performance in relation to milestones with the appropriate tools and techniques.
• Assist with maintaining the relationships among all project stakeholders, third parties and vendors.
• Assist with maintaining comprehensive project documentation for project reporting, auditing, operations, etc.
• Attend all Consortium and relevant Stakeholder meetings.
• Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimize project disruptions.
• Perform other project related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business / Public Administration, or related field.
• 3 to 5 years’ proven working experience in project coordination or management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Solid organizational skills, including attention to detail and multitasking.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Certificate in Project Management will be an added advantage.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) membership will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of contractual reporting requirements, SLAs/MoUs, and IP/data sharing considerations will be an added advantage.
• Familiarity with Supply Chain Management processes (requisitions, quotations, purchase orders, tenders) within a PFMA/Treasury framework will be an added advantage.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 27 MAY 2026

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Description

Project Management & Coordination

The Senior Researcher is responsible for the coordination and supports the management of Research Projects across the Institute; these include supporting and coordination of the following aspects of the projects

• Project planning and Initiation.
• Equipment and Research Materials.
• Project Human Resources.
• Project Finances.
• Risk Management and Mitigation.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, reporting and project close out.

Research, Development, and Innovation

The Senior Researcher is responsible for the coordination and supports the management of Research, development, and innovation, these include the supporting and coordination of the following Research aspects

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

Research Collaboration

The Senior Researcher is responsible for the coordination and supports the management of strategic research collaboration and collaboration opportunities; these include the supporting and coordination of

• Strategic Research partnerships / networks / collaborators.
• Intra-Inter Institutional Collaboration & Partnerships.

Human Capacity Building

The Senior Researcher is responsible for coordination and supports the management of Human Capacity Development that includes support of

• Project staff and students.
• Self.

Requirements

• PhD in Entomology or related disciplines (Crop Protection, Biotechnology, etc.).
• Five (5) years of relevant post PhD experience in pest control of crops. 
• Authored or co-authored a minimum of twelve (12) peer review publications relevant to the position.
• Proven record of project management and participation in national and international projects.
• Proven record of building national and international partnerships and networks.
• Proven record for generating external income.
• Proven record of mentoring and supervising/co-supervising MSc and PhD students.
• A valid driver’s licence.
• Experience in vegetable pests will be an added advantage.
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• NRF rating of at least C1 or higher will be an added advantage

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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 and experience of research on master's level of at least 3 years, in Botany, Plant Taxonomy, or related discipline,
• At least 3 years’ experience in a relevant scientific research environment, post MSc with a national record of accomplishment at the level of a researcher focused on plant identification, herbarium work, and botanical fieldwork.
• Minimum 3-5 peer reviewed publications.
• Knowledge of regional flora.
• Familiarity with taxonomic tools, databases (e.g., BRAHMS, GBIF), and botanical nomenclature rules (ICN).
• Good communication skills, verbal and written.
• Proficiency in the MS Office suite.
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel.