AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COUNCIL (ARC)

 

 

 

SPECIALIST RESEARCHER: ENTOMOLOGY

Onderstepoort

Job Reference Number: ARC-OVR10/78

Department: 10 - OVI

Business Unit:

Industry: Research

Job Type: Permanent

Positions Available: 1

Salary: Market Related

The ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research (ARC-OVR) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced, and dynamic person to the following position at Onderstepoort, Pretoria.

 

Job Description

Research and innovation

  • Conducts independent research as an internationally renowned specialist, mainly on, but not limited to, insect vector ecology and the pathogens they transmit.
  • Identify, initiate, design, access funding and conduct research projects on insects of veterinary importance.
  • Manage data capture, interpret and submit recommendations to research team.
  • Compile detailed progress reports and approve final reports in fulfilment of contract requirements to external funders.
  • Disseminate research results by presenting oral and poster contributions at national and international events.
  • Publish popular, semi-scientific and peer-reviewed papers in journals with high impact factors, national and international.
  • Referee scientific articles and project proposals for international journals and funding bodies. Willingness to serve on the editorial committee of international journals.
  • Create, manage and report on project budgets according to the requirements as stipulated by ARC management (Internally and externally).
  • Establish and maintain networking opportunities.
  • Participate in the management, maintenance and expansion of the National Collection of Insects of Veterinary Importance with specific reference to tsetse colonisation.
  • Diagnostics: Routine identification of lice and fleas and information on the control of these and other entomological pests.

Project Management

  • Conceptualizes and initiates new projects, project definition and develops research plans at both national and international level.
  • Liaise with National and International funders and other role players on project initiation, objectives, progress and funding.
  • Identifies the need for resources, equipment and material in projects and manages them accordingly within the team and/ or specialised field.
  • Ensures optimal utilisation of resources towards successful implementation and completion of the research.
  • Financial management and optimisation of sustainable external income for programmes and projects.

Providing Scientific Leadership

  • Leadership with regards to development of proposals for income generation and contribution to sustainable organisation.
  • Managing the quality of science and plans and co-ordinates research activities within the team.
  • Identify, acquire, upgrade, manage and maintain research materials and equipment as needed in the section.
  • Reporting on progress of projects to funders and compiling of management reports within area of responsibility.
  • Disseminates information.
  • Publishes research results in high impact international journals.
  • Create networks, partnerships and collaboration within the programme nationally and internationally as well as stakeholder management.
  • Participate in Programme and Institute-related administrative and other duties as requested by the line manager.
  • Risk management and Mitigation: Identifies risks and mitigation plans.

Human Capacity Development

  • Provide guidance/ help/ on-the-job-training and supervise technical assistance and contract workers appointed in the project.
  • Developing a lean and agile research team that is responsive to the needs of the agricultural sector.
  • Evaluate subordinates annually for their performance by means of the set performance evaluations of the ARC.
  • Identify learning opportunities (formal and informal) for subordinates.
  • Act as promoter, co-promoter for postgraduate students at tertiary institutions.
  • Give informal lectures on entomology to promote the activities of the ARC.
  • Self-development- to be recognised in the international arena and to form part of International funded projects.
  • Continually update knowledge and develop skills and translate knowledge of advances in the area into research activity.

Safety, Health, and Environment

  • Ensures compliance with SHE/OHS policies and procedures.

 

Job Requirements

  • PhD or DSc Degree in Entomology/ Parasitology or related field.
  • More than eight (8) years' experience in a relevant scientific research environment, post PhD, and a proven international record of accomplishment.
  • Minimum of twenty-five (25) peer-reviewed publications at the date of appointment.
  • Proven track record of mentoring and supervising/co-supervising other researchers and students' development with a minimum ten (10) MSc or PhD students graduated at the time of appointment.
  • Relevant experience in epidemiology and vector biology.
  • Experience in molecular biology is desirable or the will to become proficient in this.
  • An ability to execute and participate in multi-disciplinary research projects.
  • Must be able to work independently, reliable, diplomacy, patience and perseverance.
  • Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
  • Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
  • NRF rating of at least C3 or higher will be an added advantage.
  • A good knowledge of statistical methods and Geographical Information systems (GIS) will be an advantage.
  • Evidence of sourcing or obtaining research funds will be an advantage.
  • Good administration and record keeping skills will be an advantage.

 

 

Enquiries: Prof Ben Mans: Tel: (012) 529 9200

 

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 11 JUNE 2026

 

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 designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act.

Applications accompanied by a covering letter, detailed CV with at least three recent (3) contactable referees. Certified copies of certificates, supporting documents and a copy of driver’s license must be attached on the form.

A 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. Permanent appointments are subject to six (6) months’ probation period. The organisation reserves the right not to appoint.

 

PLEASE APPLY HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MSc STUDENT BURSARY X2 POSITIONS: IRRIGATION WATER MANAGEMENT

Silverton

Job Reference Number: ARC-NRE/98

Department: 18 - IAE

Business Unit:

Industry: Engineering

Job Type: Contract

Positions Available: 1

Salary: Market Related

The ARC-Natural Resources and Engineering (ARC-NRE) seeks to appoint MSc students, based in Silverton, Pretoria

 

Job Description

• Conduct research on agricultural/irrigation water management and agriculture.

• Collect, process, interpret data, and make internal project recommendations.

• Write reports, policy briefs, and scientific articles based on research findings.

• Provide research support to Irrigation and Agricultural Infrastructure Engineering research projects as the affiliated postgraduate student.

• Engage with relevant stakeholders within affiliated research projects.

 

Job Requirements

• BSc Degree in Agricultural Engineering or any undergraduate degree in a discipline with an emphasis on agricultural/irrigation water management.

• Applicants should be highly motivated graduates with a strong academic background.

• Good communication skills (written and verbal).

• Must be willing to travel to farming communities and remote areas for intermediate periods.

     

Enquiries: Dr Macdex Mutema, Tel: 012 842 4000

 

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 03 JUNE 2026

 

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 (as well as competency and leadership assessments).  

Preference will be given to designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act.

Applications accompanied by a covering letter, detailed CV with at least three recent (3) contactable referees, certified copies of certificates, supporting documents and a copy of driver’s license must be attached on the form. 

A 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. Permanent appointments are subject to six (6) months’ probation period. The organisation reserves the right not to appoint.

 

PLEASE APPLY HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

RE-ADVERT RESEARCHER – TAXONOMIST MEDICINAL PLANTS (THREE (3) YEARS FIXED TERM CONTRACT)

Roodeplaat

Job Reference Number: ARC-VIMP0991

Department: 09 - RVOPI

Business Unit:

Industry: Research

Job Type: Contract

Positions Available: 1

Salary: Market Related

The ARC seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced and dynamic person to the following position(s) at Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants (ARC-VIMP), Roodeplaat, Pretoria.

 

Job 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.

 

Job 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.

 

NB: Candidates who previously applied for the position, should not re-apply.

 

Enquiries: Dr MM Mofokeng, Tel: (012) 808 8000

 

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 02 JUNE 2026

 

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 designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. Permanent appointments are subject to six (6) months’ probation period. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act.

Applications accompanied by covering letter, detailed CV (Including certified copies of certificates, supporting documents, copy of driver’s license and at least three contactable referees) must be attached on the form.

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 company has the right not to appoint.

 

PLEASE APPLY HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

RE-ADVERT SENIOR RESEARCHER ENTOMOLOGY

Roodeplaat

Job Reference Number: ARC-VIMP09126

Department: 09 - RVOPI

Business Unit:

Industry: Research

Job Type: Permanent

Positions Available: 1

Salary: Market Related

The ARC seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced and dynamic person to the following position(s) at Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants (ARC-VIMP), Roodeplaat, Pretoria.

 

Job Description

 

Project Management & Coordination

The Senior Researcher is responsible for the coordination and supports the management of Research Projects across the Institute; these include supporting and coordination of the following aspects of the projects

  • Project planning and Initiation.
  • Equipment and Research Materials.
  • Project Human Resources.
  • Project Finances.
  • Risk Management and Mitigation.
  • Monitoring, Evaluation, reporting and project close out.

 

Research, Development, and Innovation

The Senior Researcher is responsible for the coordination and supports the management of Research, development, and innovation, these include the supporting and coordination of the following Research aspects

  • Invention.
  • Translation. 
  • Commercialization.
  • Adoption and Use.

 

Research Collaboration

The Senior Researcher is responsible for the coordination and supports the management of strategic research collaboration and collaboration opportunities; these include the supporting and coordination of

  • Strategic Research partnerships / networks / collaborators.
  • Intra-Inter Institutional Collaboration & Partnerships.

 

Human Capacity Building

The Senior Researcher is responsible for coordination and supports the management of Human Capacity Development that includes support of

  • Project staff and students.
  • Self.

 

Job Requirements

  • PhD in Entomology or related disciplines (Crop Protection, Biotechnology, etc.).
  • Five (5) years of relevant post PhD experience in pest control of crops. 
  • Authored or co-authored a minimum of twelve (12) peer review publications relevant to the position.
  • Proven record of project management and participation in national and international projects.
  • Proven record of building national and international partnerships and networks.
  • Proven record for generating external income.
  • Proven record of mentoring and supervising/co-supervising MSc and PhD students.
  • A valid driver’s licence.
  • Experience in vegetable pests will be an added advantage.
  • Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
  • NRF rating of at least C1 or higher will be an added advantage

 

NB: Candidates who previously applied for the position, should not re-apply.

 

Inquiries: Dr, Mariette Truter, Tel: (012) 800 8000

 

CLOSING DATE FOR THE APPLICATIONS: 02 JUNE 2026

 

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 designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. Permanent appointments are subject to six (6) months’ probation period. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act.

Applications accompanied by covering letter, detailed CV (Including certified copies of certificates, supporting documents, copy of driver’s license and at least three contactable referees) must be attached on the form.

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 company has the right not to appoint.

 

PLEASE APPLY HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

RE-ADVERT SENIOR RESEARCHER PLANT BREEDING

Roodeplaat

Job Reference Number: ARC-VIMP09118

Department: 09 - RVOPI

Business Unit:

Industry: Research

Job Type: Permanent

Positions Available: 1

Salary: Market Related

The ARC seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced and dynamic person to the following position(s) at Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants (ARC-VIMP), Roodeplaat, Pretoria.

 

Job Description

Project Management & Coordination

The Senior Researcher is responsible for the coordination and supports the management of Research Projects across the Institute; these include supporting and coordination of the following aspects of the projects

  • Project planning and Initiation.
  • Equipment and Research Materials.
  • Project Human Resources.
  • Project Finances.
  • Risk Management and Mitigation.
  • Monitoring, Evaluation, reporting and project close out.

Research, Development, and Innovation

The Senior Researcher is responsible for the coordination and supports the management of Research, development, and innovation, these include the supporting and coordination of the following Research aspects

  • Invention.
  • Translation. 
  • Commercialization.
  • Adoption and Use.

Research Collaboration

The Senior Researcher is responsible for the coordination and supports the management of strategic research collaboration and collaboration opportunities; these include the supporting and coordination of

  • Strategic Research partnerships / networks / collaborators.
  • Intra-Inter Institutional Collaboration & Partnerships.

Human Capacity Building

The Senior Researcher is responsible for coordination and supports the management of Human Capacity Development that includes support of

  • Project staff and students.
  • Self.

 

Job Requirements

  • PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Biotechnology or related discipline.
  • At least five (5) years post PhD experience in plant breeding.
  • Authored or co-authors a minimum of 12 peer review publications relevant to the position.
  • Experience in molecular breeding of vegetable crops (seed, fruit or leafy vegetables) will be an added advantage.
  • Experience in generating external income for research projects.
  • Proven record of mentoring and supervising/co-supervising students and other research staff.
  • Proven record for initiation, planning and execution of research projects, personnel management and financial management of projects. 
  • Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
  • NRF rating of at least C1 or higher will be an added advantage.
  • Valid driver’s license. 

 

NB: Candidates who previously applied for the position, should not re-apply.

 

Enquiries: Dr Mariette Truter, Tel: (012) 808 8281

 

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 02 JUNE 2026

 

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 designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. Permanent appointments are subject to six (6) months’ probation period. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act.

Applications accompanied by covering letter, detailed CV (Including certified copies of certificates, supporting documents, copy of driver’s license and at least three contactable referees) must be attached on the form.

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 company has the right not to appoint.

 

PLEASE APPLY HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RE-ADVERT SENIOR RESEARCHER - IN VITRO PROPAGATION

Roodeplaat

Job Reference Number: ARC-VIMP 09111

Department: 09 - RVOPI

Business Unit:

Industry: Research

Job Type: Permanent

Positions Available: 1

Salary: Market Related

The ARC seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced and dynamic person to the following position(s) at Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants (ARC-VIMP), Roodeplaat, Pretoria

 

Job Description

Project Management & Coordination

The Senior Researcher is responsible for the coordination and supports the management of Research Projects across the Campus; these include aspects of:

  • Planning, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation, reporting.
  • Equipment and Consumables.
  • Human Resources.
  • Finances. 
  • Risk Management and Mitigation.  

Research, Development, and Innovation

The Senior Researcher is responsible for the coordination and supports the management of research, development, and innovation, these include:

  • Invention.
  • Translation.
  • Commercialization.
  • Adoption and Use.

Research Collaboration

  • The Senior Researcher is responsible for the coordination and supports the management of strategic research collaboration and collaboration opportunities; these include the supporting and coordination of:
  • Strategic Research partnerships / networks.
  • Intra-Inter Institutional Collaboration.
  • National Collaboration

Human Capacity Development

The Researcher is responsible for supporting Human Capacity Development that includes:

  • Project staff and students.
  • Self-development.

 

Job Requirements

  • PhD in Plant Physiology, Plant Biotechnology, Plant Production, Botany, Horticulture, or closely related field.
  • Minimum of 5 years relevant experience in plant tissue culture –related research.
  • A minimum of 12 peer-reviewed scientific publications.
  • Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
  • Experience in plant tissue culture method development and validation.
  • Experience in project management, postgraduate student supervision or mentoring.
  • Experience in external income generation related to economic plants (including essential oil and industrial plants) propagation and cultivation R&D is an added advantage.
  • Agricultural research knowledge and skills.
  • Good communication skills (verbal and written).
  • Computer literacy.
  • Valid driver’s license.

 

Enquiries: Prof Stephen Amoo, Tel: (012) 808 8000 

 

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION:  02 JUNE 2026

 

Candidates who have previously applied for this position need not re-apply, as their applications have already been received and will be taken into consideration.

 

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 (as well as competency and leadership assessments).

Preference will be given to designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act.

Applications accompanied by a covering letter, detailed CV with at least three recent (3) contactable referees.  Certified copies of certificates, supporting documents and a copy of driver’s license must be attached on the form.

A 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. Permanent appointments are subject to six (6) months’ probation period. The organisation reserves the right not to appoint.

 

PLEASE APPLY HERE