Vacant Openings at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• Manages projects on breeding and evaluation of tropical and subtropical crops at Addo.
• Manages daily activities in research blocks in the field with assistance of support staff.
• Manages project budgets to ensure effective resource allocation (funds and labour) within and across projects.
• Compiles monthly progress reports (internal) and quarterly reports (external for funders) in the form of written reports and presentations.
• Identifies research opportunities and implements advanced technologies in breeding.
• Supervision and management of Research Technicians and Research Support Assistants.
• Contributes towards technology transfer and training efforts.
• Liaise with growers, industry technical officers and national and provincial government.
• Write popular/scientific publications and present research outcomes of relevance to subtropical fruit growers, industries and the scientific community.

Requirements

• MSc/MTech in Plant Breeding/Genetics/Horticulture/Plant Production with proven ability to manage farm/research blocks in the field with 8 years relevant experience.
• BSc Honours in Plant Breeding/Genetics/Horticulture/Plant Production with proven ability to manage farm/research blocks in the field with 10 years relevant experience.
• Knowledge of plant breeding, horticultural production and management of field blocks essential.
• Basic project and financial management skills.
• History of collaboration at national level.
• History of strategic and operational planning skills and expertise.
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• Advanced Computer Literacy.
• Code EB driver’s licence and proven ability to drive.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 12 SEPTEMBER 2025

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Description

• Co-ordinates and executes field trials, by compiling and executing technical activity plans.
• Technical support for project management and coordination.
• Manages allocated resources (human capital, equipment and materials).
• Provide technical research support, diagnostics and other technical services.
• Participate in technology transfer.
• Assisting with scientific status outputs, including innovation, commercialization and impact.
• Assisting with safety, health and environment compliance and standards.
• Human Capacity Development that includes technical development of others (internal staff) and developing self.

Requirements

• National Diploma in Horticulture / Plant Production or related field, plus 2 years applicable experience.
• BSc or Advance Diploma in Horticulture / Plant Production will be an added advantage.
• Experience in the set-up and management of research trials under open-field conditions.
• Experience and good understanding of weed control, soil cultivation methods, fertilization, spraying for disease and pest control, irrigation systems, soil health and sustainable field management.
• Experience in vegetable production.
• Experience and good understanding of potato, sweet potato, cotton, hemp and medicinal plant production will be an added advantage.
• Practical skills such as small repairs on irrigation system, tools and implements will be an added advantage.
• Experience in managing teams (15 or more workers) will be an added advantage.
• Good verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Advanced Computer literacy.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Physical requirements include the ability to work outdoors and in varying weather conditions; the ability to lift and carry heavy objects and operate machinery; and the ability to stand, walk and move for extended periods.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 15 SEPTEMBER 2025

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Description

• Plan, undertake and participate in research projects in mycology.
• Knowledge of phylogenetic analysis software and DNA data analysis.
• Perform fieldwork in relevant research areas.
• Experience in fungal plant pathology and taxonomy.
• Experience in collections management.
• Compile and manage research budgets.
• Proactively identify new research opportunities and write funding proposals. 
• Disseminate research results as scientific peer reviewed publications, congress presentations, popular articles and client reports.
•  Mentorship of post graduate students.

Requirements

• A PhD in mycology or plant pathology.
• Five years’ post-PhD experience in plant pathology, mycology, Oomycetes, and applied plant pathology.
• SACNASP registration and/or NRF rating
• Substantial record of relevant scientific publications
• Track record of obtaining research funding
• Valid driver’s license

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 15 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 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.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 15 September 2025

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Description

• Design, implement, and maintain scalable, secure, and high-performing enterprise network infrastructures (LAN, WAN, WLAN, SD-WAN, data centre networks).
• Develop network topology diagrams and documentation for current and future network architecture.
• Ensure continuous network availability, performance monitoring, and system health checks.
• Perform regular maintenance, updates, and patches on all network devices (routers, switches, firewalls, wireless access points).
• Diagnose and resolve complex network issues, under time constraints.
• Provide Level 3 support and serve as the escalation point for network-related incidents.
• Implement and manage network security measures including firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, and access controls.
• Ensure network compliance with organizational policies and external regulations
• Lead or support the implementation of network-related projects (e.g., infrastructure upgrades, data center migrations, office expansions).
• Coordinate with vendors, service providers, and internal teams to deliver projects on time and within scope.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date network diagrams, configurations, and operational documentation.
• Prepare technical reports, proposals, TORs, and post-implementation reviews.
• Design and maintain network failover and redundancy systems to support business continuity.
• Participate in disaster recovery planning, testing, and execution.
• Provide training and knowledge-sharing sessions to improve team capability.
• Collaborate with IT leadership, cybersecurity teams, business units, and external vendors to align network services with ARC needs.
• Participate in strategic planning and capacity forecasting.
• Ensure compliance to change management and respond to audit finding

Requirements

• National Diploma in Information Communication Technology and relevant  ITIL and Network certifications.
• Bachelor's Degree will be an added advantage
• Other relevant advanced Network & Security certifications will be added advantage.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 15 SEPTEMBER 2025

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Description

• Assist in coordinating training activities within the campus and with external stakeholders.
• Support the preparation and development of training materials for various agricultural programs.
• Maintain and update the campus training database to ensure accurate records.
• Facilitate agricultural stakeholder engagement and strengthen relationships with partners and clients.
• Disseminate information and market ARC research outputs and technical services through appropriate platforms.
• Participate in exhibitions and promotional events to showcase ARC products and services.
• Provide support in farmer training, demonstrations, and outreach initiatives.
• Contribute to technology transfer efforts, ensuring effective communication of research findings.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations during training and field activities.
• Prepare and submit reports related to training activities and stakeholder engagement.

Requirements

• National Diploma in Agriculture Extension/ Management/ Education or equivalent NQF6.
• 3 years of applicable experience.
• Experience in vegetable production research trials.
• Proven track record of technology transfer.
• Experience with farmer support and training.
• Agricultural research knowledge and skills. 
• Report writing.
• Good communication (verbal & written) skills and liaison with clients.
• Advanced computer skills. 
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations and procedures. 
• Valid driver’s license.  

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 15 SEPTEMBER 2025

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Description

• Supporting and conducting experiments, data collection and production procedures.
• Responsible for laboratory equipment, ensuring its proper functioning and maintenance.
• Collaborate closely with Senior Researcher Technicians.
• Assisting in the implementation of experiments and troubleshooting technical issues.
• Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of data collected.
• Conduct activities, fostering a culture of safety and efficiency in the production facility.
• Facilitate and enhance production efforts by applying strong technical knowledge and ability, thereby contributing to the successful execution and outcomes of production.

Requirements

• B-Tech / BSc / BHSc / National diploma in Life Sciences or related fields, with at least one-year relevant experience.
• Registered with a relevant professional body will be an added advantage.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 15 SEPTEMBER 2025

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 Job Purpose:

• The Senior Manager: Office of the CEO provides high-level strategic, operational, and advisory support to the CEO, ensuring organisational alignment, effective governance, and delivery of key initiatives. Acting as a trusted partner to the CEO, this role drives strategic planning, performance oversight, stakeholder engagement, and cross-divisional coordination to achieve ARC’s mission and growth objectives.

Strategic Planning and Monitoring

• Collaborate with executive leadership to define and refine the organisation’s strategic direction.
• Analyse internal and external factors impacting the business landscape, identifying emerging opportunities and risks.
• Develop strategic plans, roadmaps, and frameworks to guide organisational growth and long-term success.
• Develop, implement and maintain policies for performance management that incorporate aspects of monitoring and evaluation.
• Ensure alignment of the ARC monitoring and evaluation objectives to that of various government policy frameworks and acceptable best practice standards/codes.
• Monitor and evaluate organisational performance, oversee performance reporting, and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
• Lead and manage the strategy and planning team, providing guidance, support, and mentoring.

Market and Internal Performance Analysis

• Conduct comprehensive market, industry, customer, and competitor analyses to inform strategic decision-making.
• Evaluate organisational performance, identifying areas for improvement and optimisation.
• Recommend strategic initiatives to drive revenue growth and enhance operational efficiency.
• Develop and utilise key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress towards strategic outcomes.

Strategy Implementation and Leadership

• Support the CEO in implementing strategic plans and initiatives in line with the organisation’s mission and goals.
• Oversee the execution of activities outlined in the organisational strategic plan, ensuring effective implementation.

Stakeholder Management

•  Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
•  Collaborate with external research organisations to position the organisation as a leader in South Africa’s national agricultural research system.
•  Provide administrative leadership for partnerships and collaborations with external stakeholders.

Communication and Reporting

•  Act as a key point of contact for communication between the CEO and various stakeholders.
•  Prepare reports, presentations, and correspondence on behalf of the CEO.

Financial Management

• Assist the CEO in financial planning, budgeting, and monitoring of financial performance.
• Ensure financial sustainability and efficiency through effective financial oversight.

Operational Oversight

• Work with divisional heads to ensure alignment with organisational outcomes
• Monitor performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement operational strategies.

Reporting and Presentation

• Prepare and present reports, findings, and recommendations to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• Develop performance dashboards and reports to track key metrics and inform decision-making.

Project Management

•  Manage and oversee key projects and initiatives, ensuring timely delivery within budget and scope.

Strategic Support to the CEO

• Provide direct support to the CEO in achieving key organisational strategic objectives.
• Identify and drive continuous business improvement initiatives aligned with strategic goals.

Requirements

• NQF 8 qualification (Honours Degree/Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, Economics, Public Administration, Agriculture or Science).
• Minimum 8 years’ management experience, with at least 5 years at senior leadership level.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, governance, and stakeholder management.
• Experience in interacting with Boards and Committees.
• NQF 9 qualification (MBA/MBL, or equivalent) would be an added advantage.
• Experience working in science/research environment would be an added advantage.
• Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to influence at the highest levels.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 12 SEPTEMBER 2025

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Description

• Supervision of Quality Control and Assurance activities (bioanalytic and regulatory compliance).
• Implementing the smooth execution of experiments, data collection and production laboratory procedures.
• Responsible for managing laboratory equipment, ensuring its proper functioning and maintenance.
• Collaborate closely with chief research technicians, assisting in the design, implementation of production activities, troubleshooting technical issues, managing the accuracy and reliability of data collected.
• Manage the coordination of activities and fostering a culture of safety and efficiency in the laboratory.
• Facilitate and enhance the research efforts of the institution by applying strong technical knowledge and ability, thereby
• Contributing to the successful execution and outcomes of research projects.
• Capacity building and skills transfer for Vaccine production trainee.

Requirements

• M Tech Degree or equivalent NQF 9 plus 2 years applicable experience / Hons Degree / BHSc Degree or equivalent NQF 8 plus 6 years applicable experience / BTech Degree or equivalent NQF 7 / National Diploma or equivalent NQF 6 plus 8 years applicable experience.
• Experience in Life Sciences or Quality Control and Assurance will be an added advantage.
• Must be registered with SAVC as a Veterinary Technologist.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 15 SEPTEMBER 2025