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AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COUNCIL (ARC) VACANCIES
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-Plant Health and Protection (ARC-PHP) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced and dynamic person to the following position at Cedara, KwaZulu-Natal:
SENIOR RESEARCHER: WEEDS (TWO (2) YEARS, SIX (6) MONTHS FIXED TERM CONTRACT)
Key Performance Areas:
• Undertake research on use of insects for the biological control of invasive alien plants (IAP), with a current focus on Parthenium hysterophorus (Famine weed).
• Undertake both field and laboratory-based research on all aspects of IAP biocontrol, using traditional entomological methods and through innovative technology.
• Be able to work with rural farming communities and undertake technology transfer initiatives.
• Independently design, plan, collect, capture, analyse and interpret laboratory and field research data.
• Develop and maintain national and international networks to achieve contractual obligations.
• Successful application for additional research funding.
• Manage human capacity to achieve contractual obligations.
• Development of activities and interventions to ensure that research and field implementation targets are met.
• Publish research results in high quality peer-reviewed journals and semi-scientific/popular articles.
• Transfer technology presentations at national and international conferences and workshops, and training events.
• Internal, client quarterly reports and annual reports.
• Procure research equipment and assist with procurement to maintain and develop Cedara research facilities.
Requirements:
• A PhD Degree in Entomology (or similar), with 5 years’ post PhD degree experience in Weed Biological Control or Entomology.
• Proven research track record, particularly in Weed Biological Control or Entomology.
• Experience of research undertaken in Weed Biological Control using insects will be an advantage.
• Ability to successfully apply for research funding.
• Experienced in research design, planning, data collection, analysis and interpretation.
• Ability and willingness to travel on local and foreign fieldwork projects, undertake physical work, and work extended hours if required.
• Ability and experience to lead projects, manage human capacity and resources, and deliver on contractual obligations.
• Experience in report writing and compiling of presentations.
• Proficiency in Ms Office Suite, with good statistical knowledge (e.g. Statistica). Additional computer skills and research techniques will be an advantage.
• Proven experience and track record in scientific publication in quality peer-reviewed journals, report writing, compiling scientific and popular presentations, as well as networking and co-ordination of projects on national and international levels.
• A valid Code B/EB driver’s license.
Enquiries: Dr Costas Zachariades, Tel: (083) 315 2100
RESEARCHER: MYCOLOGY – ROODEPLAAT (TWO (2) YEARS, SIX (6) MONTHS FIXED TERM CONTRACT)
Key Performance Areas:
• Plan and undertake research projects with focus on investigating fungal diseases on papaya and wheat in South Africa.
• Participate in the development of molecular diagnostic tools.
• Provide diagnostic and advisory services.
• Management of research technicians.
• Compile and manage research budgets.
• Disseminate research results as scientific peer reviewed publications, congress presentations, popular articles and client reports.
• Mentor post graduate students.
• Preparation and presentation of course content and equipment.
• Participation in fieldwork.
Requirements:
• A PhD in mycology/plant pathology with molecular biology background OR an MSc with 5 years’ relevant work experience.
• SACNASP registration and/or NRF rating.
• Substantial record of relevant scientific publications.
• Excellent communication skills written and verbal.
• Proven ability to function successfully in crosscutting disciplinary teams.
• A valid code B/EB driver’s license.
Enquiries: Dr Fahimeh Jami, Tel: (012) 808 8289
RESEARCHER: SOILBORNE DISEASES – STELLENBOSCH (3 YEARS FIXED TERM CONTRACT)
Key Performance Areas:
• Investigate the etiology and epidemiology of soilborne diseases caused by soilborne pathogens.
• Conduct field surveys of soilborne pathogens in summer grain production areas.
• Molecular characterization of soilborne pathogens.
• Interact with clients.
• Compile and manage research budgets.
• Prepare proposals reports for and conduct contract research independently.
• Project administration.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific and in popular journals.
• Present research results at national forums.
• Assist with organisation of scientific events.
• Supervise technical personnel.
Requirements:
• A PhD in Plant Pathology or MSc in Plant Pathology with 5 years relevant experience.
• Knowledge and experience in field surveys of soilborne diseases in different provinces in South Africa.
• Knowledge and experience in the isolation of soilborne fungal and oomycete pathogens.
• Knowledge and research experience in glasshouse and field trials with soilborne fungal and oomycete pathogens.
• Knowledge and experience in molecular characterisation of soilborne plant pathogens.
• Relevant experience in applied plant pathology.
• A valid code 08/EB driver’s licence.
Enquiries: Prof SC Lamprecht, Tel: (021) 887 5096
The ARC-Plant Health and Protection (ARC-PHP) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced and dynamic person to the following position at Cedara, KwaZulu-Natal:
SENIOR RESEARCHER: WEEDS (TWO (2) YEARS, SIX (6) MONTHS FIXED TERM CONTRACT)
Key Performance Areas:
• Undertake research on use of insects for the biological control of invasive alien plants (IAP), with a current focus on Parthenium hysterophorus (Famine weed).
• Undertake both field and laboratory-based research on all aspects of IAP biocontrol, using traditional entomological methods and through innovative technology.
• Be able to work with rural farming communities and undertake technology transfer initiatives.
• Independently design, plan, collect, capture, analyse and interpret laboratory and field research data.
• Develop and maintain national and international networks to achieve contractual obligations.
• Successful application for additional research funding.
• Manage human capacity to achieve contractual obligations.
• Development of activities and interventions to ensure that research and field implementation targets are met.
• Publish research results in high quality peer-reviewed journals and semi-scientific/popular articles.
• Transfer technology presentations at national and international conferences and workshops, and training events.
• Internal, client quarterly reports and annual reports.
• Procure research equipment and assist with procurement to maintain and develop Cedara research facilities.
Requirements:
• A PhD Degree in Entomology (or similar), with 5 years’ post PhD degree experience in Weed Biological Control or Entomology.
• Proven research track record, particularly in Weed Biological Control or Entomology.
• Experience of research undertaken in Weed Biological Control using insects will be an advantage.
• Ability to successfully apply for research funding.
• Experienced in research design, planning, data collection, analysis and interpretation.
• Ability and willingness to travel on local and foreign fieldwork projects, undertake physical work, and work extended hours if required.
• Ability and experience to lead projects, manage human capacity and resources, and deliver on contractual obligations.
• Experience in report writing and compiling of presentations.
• Proficiency in Ms Office Suite, with good statistical knowledge (e.g. Statistica). Additional computer skills and research techniques will be an advantage.
• Proven experience and track record in scientific publication in quality peer-reviewed journals, report writing, compiling scientific and popular presentations, as well as networking and co-ordination of projects on national and international levels.
• A valid Code B/EB driver’s license.
Enquiries: Dr Costas Zachariades, Tel: (083) 315 2100
RESEARCHER: MYCOLOGY – ROODEPLAAT (TWO (2) YEARS, SIX (6) MONTHS FIXED TERM CONTRACT)
Key Performance Areas:
• Plan and undertake research projects with focus on investigating fungal diseases on papaya and wheat in South Africa.
• Participate in the development of molecular diagnostic tools.
• Provide diagnostic and advisory services.
• Management of research technicians.
• Compile and manage research budgets.
• Disseminate research results as scientific peer reviewed publications, congress presentations, popular articles and client reports.
• Mentor post graduate students.
• Preparation and presentation of course content and equipment.
• Participation in fieldwork.
Requirements:
• A PhD in mycology/plant pathology with molecular biology background OR an MSc with 5 years’ relevant work experience.
• SACNASP registration and/or NRF rating.
• Substantial record of relevant scientific publications.
• Excellent communication skills written and verbal.
• Proven ability to function successfully in crosscutting disciplinary teams.
• A valid code B/EB driver’s license.
Enquiries: Dr Fahimeh Jami, Tel: (012) 808 8289
RESEARCHER: SOILBORNE DISEASES – STELLENBOSCH (3 YEARS FIXED TERM CONTRACT)
Key Performance Areas:
• Investigate the etiology and epidemiology of soilborne diseases caused by soilborne pathogens.
• Conduct field surveys of soilborne pathogens in summer grain production areas.
• Molecular characterization of soilborne pathogens.
• Interact with clients.
• Compile and manage research budgets.
• Prepare proposals reports for and conduct contract research independently.
• Project administration.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific and in popular journals.
• Present research results at national forums.
• Assist with organisation of scientific events.
• Supervise technical personnel.
Requirements:
• A PhD in Plant Pathology or MSc in Plant Pathology with 5 years relevant experience.
• Knowledge and experience in field surveys of soilborne diseases in different provinces in South Africa.
• Knowledge and experience in the isolation of soilborne fungal and oomycete pathogens.
• Knowledge and research experience in glasshouse and field trials with soilborne fungal and oomycete pathogens.
• Knowledge and experience in molecular characterisation of soilborne plant pathogens.
• Relevant experience in applied plant pathology.
• A valid code 08/EB driver’s licence.
Enquiries: Prof SC Lamprecht, Tel: (021) 887 5096
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 05 DECEMBER 2023
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 certified copies of certificates, supporting documents, copy of driver’s license) must be attached on the form.
❖ Senior Researcher- Weeds Click on the link to apply: https://forms.office.com/r/6CZPUDLzyN
❖ Researcher: Mycology - Click on the link to apply: https://forms.office.com/r/nFBmSWcSry
❖ Researcher: Soilborne - Click on the link to apply: https://forms.office.com/r/FfaKptkyB8
NB: Non-RSA citizens with work permit must attach certified copies as well as the names and particulars of three (3) traceable referees.
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. Preference will be given to the designated groups in line with the ARC’s EE Plan. The company has the right not to appoint.