The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is a leading scientific institution dedicated to conducting research, developing human capital, and fostering innovation to support the agricultural sector. It offers a range of services including diagnostic, laboratory, analytical, and agricultural engineering services, as well as post-harvest technology development, agrochemical evaluation, consultation, advisory services, food processing technology services, and various surveys and training interventions. With its extensive network of research institutes and experimental farms, the ARC provides a robust scientific foundation and widespread technology transfer capacity to the entire agricultural industry in South Africa.

Contents

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT PHD STUDENT RESEARCH TEAM MANAGER – POST HARVEST AND AGRO-PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES (PHAT)RESEARCH TEAM MANAGER – PLANT PROTECTION SENIOR STORES CLERK HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATOR ASSETS CLERK RESEARCHER: BIOINFORMATICS RESEARCHER: CROP PROTECTION PATHOLOGY (RE-ADVERT)RESEARCHER: PLANT BREEDING X2 (RE-ADVERT)SENIOR RESEARCH ASSISTANT – MYCOLOGY: BIOSYSTEMATICS X3 (THREE (3) YEAR FIXED CONTRACT)

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Position: Administrative Assistant
Contract Type: Three (3) Years Fixed Term Contract
Location: Roodeplaat
Closing Date: 04 April 2024

Key Performance Areas:

Provide secretarial and administrative support to the Senior Manager: Research (SMR).
Manage and direct the flow of documents.
Coordinate the flow of correspondence from the SMR office.
Diary management.
Prepare submissions and render effective secretarial services.
Liaise with research institutes and other stakeholders.
Manage the functioning of the SMR office.
Handle office administration including filing, copying, and dealing with incoming communications.
Organize and take minutes of meetings.
Provide logistical support including travel arrangements and accommodation.
Undertake basic financial administration and attend to procurement issues.
Ensure compliance with SHE/OHS policies and procedures.

Requirements:

National Diploma in Administration/Secretarial qualification.
3 years’ experience in a similar position.
Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
Ability to critically analyze, interpret, and present data/results.
Good communication skills (written and verbal).
Attention to detail and good interpersonal skills.
Valid driver’s license.

Enquiries: Dr. Sonja Venter, Tel: (012) 808 8000

How to Apply:
Apply online by clicking here.

Note:

Competitive remuneration package.
Preference will be given to designated groups as per the ARC Employment Equity Plan.
Permanent appointments are subject to a six (6) months’ probation period.
The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of the Employment Equity Act.
Non-RSA citizens with work permits must attach certified copies and the names/details of three (3) traceable referees.
SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Applicants not contacted within four (4) weeks after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
The company reserves the right not to appoint.

PHD STUDENT

Position: PhD Student
Contract Type: Three (3) Years Fixed-Term Contract
Location: Onderstepoort, Pretoria
Closing Date: 04 April 2024

Key Performance Areas:

Study the nutritional value and protective effects of wild foods against environmental mutagens.
Conduct in vitro cytotoxicity testing (primary and continuous cell lines).
Isolate and identify bioactive compounds.
Analyze data and compile reports.
Contribute to scientific output (conferences, scientific publications, popular articles).

Requirements:

MSc in Toxicology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or Life Sciences.
Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology or Genetic Toxicology will be an advantage.
Knowledge of microbial and cell culture techniques.
Knowledge of chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques will be an advantage.
Good communication and interpersonal skills.

Enquiries: Dr. Esam Elgorashi, Tel: 012 529 9260

How to Apply:
Applications accompanied by a covering letter and detailed CV (including certified copies of certificates, supporting documents, copy of driver’s license) must be emailed to OVICV@arc.agric.za.

Note:

Competitive remuneration package.
Preference will be given to designated groups as per the ARC Employment Equity Plan.
Permanent appointments are subject to a six (6) months’ probation period.
The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of the Employment Equity Act.
Non-RSA citizens with work permits must attach certified copies and the names/details of three (3) traceable referees.
SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Applicants not contacted within four (4) weeks after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
The company reserves the right not to appoint.

RESEARCH TEAM MANAGER – POST HARVEST AND AGRO-PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES (PHAT)

Location: Stellenbosch
Closing Date: 03 April 2024

Key Performance Areas:

Strategic planning, business plan drafting, and progress reporting.
Management of research assets, services, and quality control.
Effective technology transfer through publications, lectures, and seminars.
Resource management, including budget planning and acquisition of funds.
Leadership, team building, personnel development, and talent management.
Infrastructure planning and coordination.
Generation of sustainable external income and partnerships fostering.

Requirements:

PhD specializing in Post-Harvest, Agro-processing, Wine Technology, or related fields.
5 years post-PhD research and managerial experience.
Proven track record in research, grant attraction, and publication.
Financial and personnel management skills.
Good communication, commercialization, and administrative skills.
Proficiency in MS Office Suite.

Enquiries: Senior Research Manager, Prof Bongani Ndimba: Tel: (021) 809 3000

RESEARCH TEAM MANAGER – PLANT PROTECTION

Key Performance Areas:

Strategic planning, business plan drafting, and progress reporting.
Management of research assets, services, and quality control.
Effective technology transfer through publications, lectures, and seminars.
Resource management, including budget planning and acquisition of funds.
Leadership, team building, personnel development, and talent management.
Infrastructure planning and coordination.
Generation of sustainable external income and partnerships fostering.

Requirements:

PhD specializing in Plant Pathology, Virology, Entomology, or related fields.
5 years post-PhD research and managerial experience.
Proven track record in research, grant attraction, and publication.
Financial and personnel management skills.
Good communication, commercialization, and administrative skills.
Proficiency in MS Office Suite.

Enquiries: Senior Research Manager, Prof Bongani Ndimba: Tel: (021) 809 3000

SENIOR STORES CLERK

Key Performance Areas:

Stores and warehousing administration.
Stock management, including inspections and deliveries.
Investigation of stock variances/discrepancies.
Supplier management and procurement.
Report preparation for audits.

Requirements:

National Diploma or Higher in Supply Chain Management/Procurement/Logistics/Inventory, or related field.
Minimum 3 years’ experience in Stores/Logistics/Warehouse/Acquisition in the public sector.
Proficiency in MS Office Suite.

Enquiries: SCM Accountant, Ms L Mgwatyu: Tel: (021) 809 3172

HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATOR

Key Performance Areas:

Human Capital Administration services.
Performance management coordination.
Benefits and pension fund administration.
Recruitment and selection coordination.
Compliance with Occupational Health and Safety regulations.

Requirements:

National Diploma in Human Resources Management or Equivalent.
Minimum 2 years HR administration experience.
Computer skills.
Fully bilingual.

Enquiries: Manager HCM, Mr Phumzile Jacobs: Tel: (021) 809 3393

ASSETS CLERK

Key Performance Areas:

Fixed asset management.
Annual asset verification.
Asset register maintenance.
Logical support services for demand and acquisition.
Compliance with GRAP requirements.

Requirements:

National Diploma in Assets Management or equivalent.
Minimum 2 years’ experience in Assets Management.
Driver’s License.

Enquiries: Facilities Manager, Mr Maanda Nevhutanda: Tel: (021) 809 3301

How to Apply:
Applications accompanied by a covering letter, detailed CV (including certified copies of certificates, supporting documents, copy of driver’s license) must be emailed to Infruiteccv@arc.agric.za.

Note:

Competitive remuneration package.
Preference given to designated groups per ARC Employment Equity Plan.
Permanent appointments subject to six (6) months’ probation.
ARC is an equal opportunity employer committed to the Employment Equity Act.
Non-RSA citizens must attach certified copies of work permits and the names/particulars of three (3) traceable referees.
SAQA evaluation report required for foreign qualifications.
Incomplete applications not considered.
Unsuccessful applicants not contacted within four (4) weeks should consider their applications unsuccessful.
The company reserves the right not to appoint.

RESEARCHER: BIOINFORMATICS

Location: Onderstepoort, Pretoria
Closing Date: 05 April 2024

Key Performance Areas:

Establish and lead a research program in statistical and structural genomics, NGS, transcriptomics, quantitative and association genetics, molecular modeling, genomics-related artificial intelligence/machine learning, and/or plant/animal phenomics.
Collaborate with research teams across ARC to apply bioinformatics, informatics, and statistical genomics tools in agricultural research.
Develop new skills and technologies in bioinformatics, informatics, or statistical genomics.
Supervise postgraduate students in advanced bioinformatics, informatics, or statistical genomics.
Raise funds for the Biotechnology Platform and research program.

Requirements:

PhD in Bioinformatics, Phenomics, Statistical Genomics, or related field.
Postdoctoral experience preferred.
Collaborative research experience.
Potential to manage research teams or programs.
Ability to supervise postgraduate students.
Track record of publications and recognition within the research community.
Experience in project management and fundraising.

Enquiries: Acting Senior Manager: Research, Dr Dirk Swanevelder: Tel: 012 529 9472

Note:

Competitive remuneration package.
Preference given to designated groups per ARC Employment Equity Plan.
Permanent appointments subject to six (6) months’ probation.
ARC is an equal opportunity employer committed to the Employment Equity Act.
Non-RSA citizens must attach certified copies of work permits and the names/particulars of three (3) traceable referees.
SAQA evaluation report required for foreign qualifications.
Incomplete applications not considered.
Unsuccessful applicants not contacted within four (4) weeks should consider their applications unsuccessful.
The company reserves the right not to appoint.

RESEARCHER: CROP PROTECTION PATHOLOGY (RE-ADVERT)

Location: Potchefstroom
Closing Date: 03 April 2024

Key Performance Areas:

Initiate, manage, and contribute to national projects.
Manage human resources and project budgets.
Actively source new research opportunities and write proposals.
Conduct research and manage data analysis.
Provide diagnostic and advisory services nationally.
Participate in marketing and disseminating information.
Build relationships with stakeholders and secure funds.
Supervise PhD and M.Sc. students.

Requirements:

PhD or MSc with 5 years minimum research experience and 5 publications in plant pathology.
Knowledge of epidemiology, molecular biology, and plant biochemistry in grain crops.
National scientific recognition preferred.
Registration with a scientific and professional body preferred.
Valid driver’s license preferred.

Enquiries: Dr AEJ Du Toit, Tel: (018) 299 6297

RESEARCHER: PLANT BREEDING X2 (RE-ADVERT)

Key Performance Areas:

Initiate, coordinate, and manage projects.
Coordinate project plans and manage people within projects.
Compile and manage project budgets.
Conduct specialist research and technical support.
Render expert diagnostic, technical, and other services.
Develop technical capacity and pursue new business opportunities.

Requirements:

PhD in Plant Breeding / Molecular Breeding / Genetics or MSc in Plant Breeding / Molecular Breeding / Genetics with Plant Breeding as a major.
Three (3) years post-qualification experience and three (3) relevant peer-reviewed publications, or one (1) released cultivar in lieu of each publication.
Valid driver’s license required.

Enquiries: Dr Kingstone Mashingaidze, Tel: (018) 299 6356

How to Apply:
Applications accompanied by a covering letter, detailed CV (including certified copies of certificates, supporting documents, copy of driver’s license, and the names/particulars of three (3) traceable referees) must be emailed to GCICV@arc.agric.za.

Note:

Competitive remuneration package.
Preference given to designated groups per ARC Employment Equity Plan.
Permanent appointments subject to six (6) months’ probation.
ARC is an equal opportunity employer committed to the Employment Equity Act.
Non-RSA citizens must attach a valid permanent residence permit and provide traceable email addresses for referees.
SAQA evaluation report required for foreign qualifications.
Incomplete applications not considered.
Unsuccessful applicants not contacted within four (4) weeks should consider their applications unsuccessful.
The company reserves the right not to appoint.

SENIOR RESEARCH ASSISTANT – MYCOLOGY: BIOSYSTEMATICS X3 (THREE (3) YEAR FIXED CONTRACT)

Location: Roodeplaat, Pretoria
Closing Date: 04 April 2024

Key Performance Areas:
Provide support in the National Collection of Fungi and research laboratory, including:

Preparation of chemical solutions and growth media.
DNA extractions, PCR, and Sanger sequence analyses from fungal strains and soil.
Isolation, purification, and preservation of fungal cultures.
Collecting, storing, and stocktaking of research materials.
Assist with data capturing.
General laboratory and administrative assistance.

Support in the mycology NPGA collections by:

Preservation of newly accessioned material in PPRI and PREM collections.
Maintaining and expanding the Entomopathogenic nematodes collection.

Requirements:

National Diploma in Biotechnology, Microbiology, or related fields.
Experience in Biobanking and preservation of fungal strains.
Experience in maintaining Entomopathogenic nematodes cultures.
Valid code 08/EB driver’s license.

Enquiries: Dr A Jacobs-Venter, Tel: (012) 808 8256

Note:

Competitive remuneration package.
Preference given to designated groups per ARC Employment Equity Plan.
Permanent appointments subject to six (6) months’ probation.
ARC is an equal opportunity employer committed to the Employment Equity Act.
Non-RSA citizens with work permits must attach certified copies of permits and provide names/particulars of three (3) traceable referees.
SAQA evaluation report required for foreign qualifications.
Incomplete applications not considered.
Unsuccessful applicants not contacted within four (4) weeks should consider their applications unsuccessful.
The company reserves the right not to appoint.