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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 and Ornamental Plants (ARC-VOP) seeks to appoint a highly, experienced and dynamic person to the following position in Roodeplaat: Pretoria 
 
SENIOR RESEARCHER: AGRO-PROCESSING AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT 
 
 
Key Performance Areas: 
 Initiates and manages research projects on agro-processing and product development of man-date crops. 
 Conducts specific research with clear focus on processing of, and product development or formulations from vegetables and medicinal plants. 
 Actively sources and secures new research opportunities and funding. 
 Compiles and contributes to reports (internal and external). 
 Captures, analyses and interprets data. 
 Provides leadership, supervision and mentoring of postgraduate students, and allocated personnel. 
 Human resources management to ensure efficient deployment and utilisation, setting objective assessment and training. 
 Disseminates technology through peer-reviewed scientific articles, popular publications, conference presentations, 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. 
 
 
Requirements: 
 PhD in Food Science, Chemistry or related discipline. 
 Minimum of 5 years relevant experience and 8 relevant peer-reviewed publications.
 Demonstrable experience in separation techniques including column chromatography, solid phase extraction, and semi/preparative HPLC. 
 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 specific compounds in plant extracts. 
 Experience in laboratory quality management systems and hands on experience of ISO 17025 implementation will be an advantage. 
 Good verbal and written communication skills. 
 Valid driver’s license. 
 
Enquiries: Prof S Amoo, Telephone: (012) 808-8000
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Closing date for applications: 20 October 2020
 
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.