AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COUNCIL (ARC) VACANCIES

 
 
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-Deciduous Fruit, Vines, and Wine (ARC-Infruitec-Nietvoorbij) seeks to appoint highly skilled, experienced, and dynamic persons to the following positions at Stellenbosch. 
 
SENIOR RESEARCHER: CROP DEVELOPMENT 
 
Key Performance Areas: 
 Initiate, conduct, coordinate and manage research projects in compliance with set standards, client needs and specifications within budget and on time. 
 Successful initiation/proposal and completion of research programmes/projects contained in the business plan of the Institute in line with the overall Corporate Program and Strategy of the ARC. 
 Contribute to the image of the ARC through high quality research findings/products in compliance with expected scientific standards. 
 Ensure well-customised technology transfer/training programs and effective transfer of technology and promotion in the form of products, services, literature, information days, courses, and other events according to client needs. 
 Ensure that allocated budgets are managed in cost effective and proactive manner including timeous execution of financial administrative activities/tasks in compliance with the prescribed financial procedures and policies of the ARC.
 Actively source new research opportunities and write research proposals for funding. 
 Disseminate research results as scientific peer reviewed publications, congress presentations, popular articles, presentations at industry information days and client reports. 
 Mentorship of postgraduate students. 
 
Requirements: 
 PhD in Plant Pathology. 
 At least 5 years post PhD Relevant experience in conventional plant breeding/ plant pathology of pome, stone and Vitis crops. 
 Good knowledge, understanding of and background in modern and conventional plant breeding techniques. as well as current biotic and abiotic stress factors within the deciduous fruit industry. 
 Proven record of accomplishment for generating external income for programme and projects in programme. 
 Proven student-mentoring skills (at least at MSc level). 
 Have well developed oral and written communication skills. 
 Agricultural research knowledge and skills. 
 Proven ability to manage research projects within a disease resistance breeding programme. 
 Be willing at busy seasons to work beyond regular working hours and on occasions, to spend nights away from home. 
 Proficiency in MS Office Suite as well as data analysis tools pertinent for plant breeding. 
 Must be in possession of a valid driver’s license: Code B or EB. 
 
Enquiries: Dr Zelda Bijzet: Tel: 083 280 3498 
 
 
 
ASSISTANT BREEDERS/EVALUATORS 
(Twelve (12) MONTHS FIXED TERM CONTRACT). STELLENBOSCH X5 AND ROODEPLAAT X1 
 
Key Performance Areas: 
 Monitoring of orchard maintenance of breeding material and gene banks. 
 Carrying out of breeding nursery and orchard practices as directed by the Supervisor, which includes participating in doing pollinations, harvesting of cross-pollinated fruits; planting of seeds and taking care of resulting seedlings that includes irrigation and fertilizer application; weed, pest and disease control in all aspects. 
 Carrying out of evaluation practices as directed by the Supervisor such as sampling of fruits for evaluation and/or screening of material for resistance. 
 Electronic data capturing and analysis for fur breeding/commercialization. 
 Use and maintenance of tools and equipment that are made available. 
 Carrying out of other manual tasks as assigned by Supervisor. 
 Observance of Occupational Health and Safety instructions on the use of the appropriate protective clothing. 
 
Requirements: 
 BSc in Plant Breeding/Genetics/Horticulture/Agri-economics. 
 Working knowledge of horticultural practices and procedures of tree crops or Genetics and Plant Breeding. 
 Preferably some years of experience in Plant Breeding/Horticulture. 
 Good communicator. 
 Good analytical qualities. 
 Computer skills: able to work with management information systems, databases and spread sheets. 
 Basic computer skills 
 
Enquiries: Dr Zelda Bijzet: Tel: 083 280 3498
 
 
 
 
MSC STUDENTS (X4) 
 
POSITION: MSc Student x2
CONTRACT DURATION: 3 years
DISCIPLINE: Plant breeding
REQUIRED QUALIFICATION: Horticulture/ Agri-economics
 
 
POSITION: MSc Student x1
CONTRACT DURATION: 3 years
DISCIPLINE: Horticulture
REQUIRED QUALIFICATION: BSc honours (e.g., Horticulture).
 
 
POSITION: MSc Student x1
CONTRACT DURATION: 3 years
DISCIPLINE: Horticulture/ Agri-economics
REQUIRED QUALIFICATION: BSc honours (e.g., Agri-economics/ Horticulture)
 
Enquiries: Dr Zelda Bijzet: Tel: 083 280 3498 
 
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 26 FEBRUARY 2024
 
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. 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) must be attached on the form. documents, copy of driver’s license). 
 
 To apply for the Senior Researcher: Crop Development position, click on the link 
https://forms.office.com/r/Vq8VWdAQsw
 
 To apply for the Assistant Breeder - Stellenbosch position, click on the link 
https://forms.office.com/r/9MFjac7V3U
 
 To apply for the Assistant Breeder: Roodeplaat, click on the link 
https://forms.office.com/r/VDNDZJfWA6
 
 To apply for the MSc Student: Plant Breeding position, Click on the link
https://forms.office.com/r/JLQ6nCPBDb
 
 To apply for the MSc Student: Horticulture position, click on the link https://forms.office.com/r/sdDpPt6pJq
 
 To apply for the MSc Student: Horticulture/Agri Economics position, click on the link https://forms.office.com/r/HZ3wV0UCfJ
 
 Alternatively, all applications can be sent to the following E-mail address: Infruiteccv@arc.agric.za  
 
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 company has the right not to appoint.
 
 
 

​
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 to the following position at Roodeplaat, Pretoria: 
 
SENIOR RESEARCHER - IN VITRO (TISSUE CULTURE) 
 
Key Performance Areas: 
 Oversees the management of (supervision of) lab managers for the various in vitro/tissue culture labs (Conservation tissue culture labs, commercial tissue culture lab, quarantine tissue culture lab and mutation breeding tissue culture lab) and associated green/glasshouse infrastructure. 
 Initiates and manages research projects on plant tissue culture, method development and optimization of existing protocols. 
 Conducts specific research with focus on developing supporting technologies (somatic embryogenesis, cryopreservation, meristem culture etc.) for mass propagation, virus elimination and in vitro breeding. 
 Actively sources and secures new research opportunities and funding related to plant tissue culture. 
 Compiles quarterly, annual, and ad hoc reports (internal and external). 
 Captures, analyses, and interprets data. 
 Provides leadership, supervision and mentoring of postgraduate students, researchers, research technicians and assistants. 
 Contributes towards the seed systems development by optimizing the functions of the commercial tissue culture lab. 
 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 links 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 Plant Biotechnology, Plant physiology, Horticulture and/or related fields. 
 Minimum 5 years relevant experience in plant tissue culture systems and 8 relevant peer reviewed publications. 
 Experience in plant tissue culture method development and validation. 
 Demonstrable experience in designing and execution of biotech method development research. 
 Knowledge and experience in genetic resources management is an added advantage.
 Evidence of substantial publications in ISI-rated scientific journals. 
 Evidence of popular article publications will be an added advantage. 
 Demonstrable experience in project management. 
 Postgraduate student mentoring or supervision experience. 
 Registration with a relevant scientific registration body, where applicable. 
 Management skills including personnel and research project management. 
 Good communication (verbal & writing) skills. 
 Agricultural Research knowledge and skills. 
 Proficiency in Ms Office Suite. 
 Knowledge of intellectual property opportunities. 
 Knowledge of work-place health and safety regulations and procedures. 
 
 
 Valid driver’s license. 
 
Enquires: Prof MW Bairu (012) 808 8000 
 
 
 
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 23 FEBRUARY 2024 
 
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) must be attached on the form. 
 
 Click on the link to apply https://forms.office.com/r/K0YViJJfZg
 
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 company has the right not to appoint.

​
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 Roodeplaat, Pretoria. 
 
GRADUATE STUDENT INTERN: ENTOMOLOGY 
(THREE (3) YEARS FIXED TERM CONTRACT) 
 
Key Performance Areas: 
Laboratory support 
• Assist with preparing insect diet, rearing insects on diet and plants, assays for investigating entomopathogens, isolating entomopathogens from deal insects, molecular analysis. 
 
Sample collection 
• Assist researchers with collection of samples on field trips. 
 
Glasshouse or field trials 
• Assist researchers with the tending of plants or the monitoring of pests and diseases in glasshouse or field trials. 
 
Health and safety 
• Compliance with general health and safety regulations; demonstrate safe use of safety equipment, safe application of surface sterilizers, sanitizers and pesticides. 
 
Requirements: 
• National Diploma, BTech, BSc Degree OR equivalent. 
• Prior experience in molecular laboratory and glasshouse and tunnel facilities. 
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite. 
• Excellent communication skills (Written and Verbal). 
• Ability to work in diverse teams. 
• Ability to be hands-on and excellent problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to organise, prioritise and work systematically. 
• Attention to detail and work accuracy. 
• Ability to work under pressure and handling of high workload at times.
 
 
Enquiries: Dr Tendekai Mahlanza: Tel: 012 808 8195 
 
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 23 FEBRUARY 2024 
 
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) must be attached on the form. 
❖ Click on the link to apply https://forms.office.com/r/g6WSwKgSid
 
 
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 company has the right not to appoint.