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AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COUNCIL (ARC)
 
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is a premier science institution that conducts research with partners, develops human capital and foster innovation in support of the agricultural sector. It provides diagnostic, laboratory, analytical, agricultural engineering services, post-harvest technology development, agrochemical evaluation, consultation and advisory services, food processing technology services as well as various surveys and training interventions. Through its wider network of research institutes and experimental farms, the ARC provides a strong scientific base and a broadly distributed technology transfer capacity to the entire agricultural industry in South Africa.
 
The ARC-Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants (ARC– VIMP) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced and dynamic person(s) to the following positions at Roodeplaat (Pretoria):
 
 
 
SENIOR RESEACHER: MEDICINAL AND INDUSTRIAL PLANTS: ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
 
Key Performance Areas:
 Initiates and manages/contributes towards research projects on medicinal and industrial plants,
 Conducts specific research with a clear focus on analytical studies of medicinal plants and products,
 Actively sources and secures new research opportunities and funding,
 Capable of securing externally funded projects,
 Compiles and contributes to progress reports internal and external,
 Captures, analyses and interprets data,
 Provides leadership, supervision and mentoring of postgraduate students, research technicians and assistants,
 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 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,
 Overseeing the acquisition and maintenance of laboratory accreditation ISO 17025.
 
 
Requirements:
 PhD/DSc or DTech in Analytical Chemistry, Food Chemistry or closely-related field,
 Minimum 5 years relevant experience and 8 relevant peer reviewed publications,
 Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage,
 Demonstrable experience in separation techniques including column chromatography, solid phase extraction, semi/preparative HPLC and counter-current chromatography,
 Demonstrable experience in spectrophotometric and HPLC/UHPLC analyses of plant extracts and associated software for data acquisition and interpretation,
 Demonstrable experience in LC-MS and GC-MS analysis will be an advantage,
 Experience in identification and analysis of phenolic compounds,
 Experience in laboratory quality management systems and hands on experience of ISO 17025 implementation will be an advantage,
 Good communication skills verbal and written,
 Proficiency in Ms Office,
 Valid driver’s license.
 
Enquires: DR CP Du Plooy: (012) 808 8000
 

 
 
 
CHIEF RESEARCH TECHNICIAN (TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER): FARMERS SUPPORT TRAINING & COMMERCIALISATION
 
Key Performance Areas:
 Initiates, coordinates and manages projects,
 Compiles and manages project budgets,
 Manages people within projects, and ensures optimal utilisation,
 Manages project facilities, material and equipment. Ensures optimal utilisation of resources,
 Independently conducts specialist research/technical support, diagnostics, and other services across projects,
 Manages data collection and performs advanced analysis, interpretation and makes internal and external recommendations,
 Compiles detailed reports, provides comprehensive recommendations and approves final reports.
 Presents results to stakeholders as an authority advises/trainings,
 Renders expert technical, mentoring/training or other services and consults at a national/international level,
 Identifies and pursues new business opportunities,
 Develops technical capacity at an appropriate level,
 Meet peer norm requirements for specific field of expertise, by recognising authorship or contributions,
 Have a good understanding of accredited training,
 Mentor and guide research team that are involved in the technology transfer and training,
 Write project proposals and do tender documents for community development work or any training related projects,
 Identifies and participates in own learning opportunities,
 Problem solving in all related areas above.
 
Requirements:
 MSc or MTech. Degree or equivalent with 5 years’ experience in community development and adult education,
 Agricultural research knowledge, skills and experience in training and community development,
 Good communication skills verbal and written,
 Proficiency in Ms Office suite,
 Experience in field training/ technology transfer or community development,
 Proven track record of mentoring and supervising/co-supervising other researchers and students,
 Valid South African driver’s license.
 
Enquires: Ms Erika Van Den Heever, (012) 808 8000

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CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 21 December 2021
 
A competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities and the stature of the position. The appointment will be subject to a positive security clearance and preference will be given to South African citizens.
 
Applications accompanied by covering letter, detailed CV (Including certificates, supporting documents, copy of driver’s license and nationality. NB: Non-RSA Citizens/work permit holders must attach certified copies) as well as the names and particulars of three (3) traceable referees must be e-mail to VOPICV@arc.agric.za
 
SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who do not receive any response four (4) weeks after the closing date must regard their applications as unsuccessful. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity. The company has the right not to appoint.

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