AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COUNCIL (ARC) VACANCIES

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COUNCIL (ARC)

RESEARCH TECHNICIAN
Stellenbosch
Job Reference Number: PHP0637
Department: 06 - PPRI
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 at Plant Health and Protection (ARC-PHP), Stellenbosch Campus, Western Cape.

Job Description

Compiling and executing technical activity plans.
Conduct and supervise the execution and collection of data of glasshouse and field trials of various agricultural crops.
Conduct field surveys in different provinces.
Conduct and supervise the isolation and purification of soilborne pathogens from various agricultural crops.
Process cultures for molecular characterisation of fungal soilborne pathogens.
Capture and process technical data.
Optimise technical activities for research on soilborne pathogens.
Assist with compilation of technical reports.
Manage project facilities, material and equipment and ensures optimal utilization of resources.
Assist with compiling project budgets.
Assists with supervision and develops technical capacity of research assistants.
Assist with organisation of scientific events.

Job Requirements

National Diploma (NQF6) in Plant Pathology/ Biotechnology/ Microbiology or related field.
At least three (3) to five (5) years relevant experience in technical aspects regarding research on plant diseases.
Experience in conducting field surveys to collect diseased plants in different provinces.
Computer literacy and proficiency in MS Office Suite.
A valid code 08/EB driver’s license.

Enquiries: Prof SC Lamprecht Tel: (021) 887 5090

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 04 AUGUST 2025.

PLEASE APPLY HERE

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FUNDED PhD BURSARY PROGRAMME: AGROMETEOROLOGY/PLANT PRODUCTION x 2 POSITIONS
Pretoria Central
Job Reference Number: 35
Department: 07 - ISCW
Business Unit:
Industry: Graduates
Job Type: Contract
Positions Available: 2
Salary: Market Related
The ARC seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced and dynamic person to the following position(s) at Natural Resources and Engineering (ARC-NRE), North-West University, University of Free State and University of Mpumalanga.

Job Description

Conduct community-based research trials in agroecological zones to improve agri-food systems.
Develop a detailed baseline study to profile demographics, agricultural practices in selected study areas.
Conduct analysis of natural resources and its influence on agroecosystems.
Conduct research under natural and controlled climatic conditions.
Develop innovative models to incentivize existing smallholder seed producers to expand seed production.
Sampling and preservation of germplasm material from identified crops per farming community.
Genotyping and phenotyping characterisation of selected germplasm material.
Collect and analyse the primary and secondary using qualitative and quantitative research tools.
Make contribution in the writing of reports, scientific manuscripts, and popular papers.

Job Requirements

MSc degree in Agrometeorology / Seed Science/ Agronomy / Environmental Science.
Applicants should be highly motivated graduates with a strong academic background.
Strong analytical and statistical skills.
Good communication and interpersonal skills.
Willingness to travel to remote areas of South Africa.
Valid driver’s licence (code 08/EB).

Enquiries: Dr G Zuma-Netshiukhwi, Tel: 012 310 2595

Closing Date for Applications: 04 August 2025

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

INTERNS X 2: DAIRY AGRO-PROCESSING INTERNSHIP POSITIONS ( IRENE ) (4-YEARS CONTRACT)
Irene (Ap)
Job Reference Number: AP62
Department: 02 - API
Business Unit:
Industry: Research
Job Type: Contract
Positions Available: 1
Salary: Market Related
The ARC- Animal Production (ARC- AP) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced, and dynamic person to the following position at Irene.

Job Description

Assist in delivering training workshops to smallholder farmers and processors.
Support dairy processing demonstrations, including the production of cheese, yoghurt, amasi, and other value-added dairy products.
Collect, record, and analyse data on training impact, milk yields, processing performance, and participant feedback.
Write technical and progress reports, including field visit summaries and recommendations.
Help coordinate logistics and training materials for provincial activities.

Job Requirements

National Diploma in Food Technology or related.
Knowledge or strong interest in dairy processing and food safety standards (e.g., R638, SANS 10330, ISO 22000).
Willingness to travel extensively and work in rural and peri-urban areas across South Africa.
Strong communication skills and ability to work with diverse communities and smallholder farmers.
Able to write clear technical reports and collect field data accurately.
Must be self-motivated, adaptable, and willing to learn.
Driver’s license is an advantage.

Enquires: Ms. T Neluvhalani, Tel: (012) 672 9252

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 04 AUGUST 2025

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.
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

RESEARCH TEAM MANAGER- BIOSYSTEMATICS
Roodeplaat
Job Reference Number: PHP0636
Department: 06 - PPRI
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 at Plant Health and Protection (ARC-PHP), Roodeplaat, Pretoria.

Job Description

Responsible for strategic planning, drafting of business plan and reporting on progress to Institute, ARC corporate and funders.
Ensure effective technology transfer of Division outputs through scientific and popular publications, lectures, seminars and congresses.
Leadership on project management and coordination of resources.
Ensure focus of projects are in line with ARC goals and strategic imperatives as well as needs and requirements of the funders.
Driving the writing of research proposals and income generation.
Resource management - guidance and financial control of project budget planning and utilization.
Team management including planning, recruitment, appointment, utilization, training, motivation, and performance evaluation of personnel in the Division
Planning and coordinating the infrastructure requirements, maintenance, and capital needs of the team to enable effective execution of the research plan.
Identification of shortcomings in existing equipment and infrastructure, and development of solutions.
Technology transfer - planning, training and guidance of team members in effective technology transfer
Reporting to the external funders annually and screening of all manuscripts and related information and publications
Scientific and innovation status – meet requirements of scientific publication (contribution of at least 2 articles per year).

Job Requirements

A PhD in Biosystematics/ Botany, and related fields including Systematic Biology/ Taxonomy/ Evolutionary Biology/ Ecology/ Genetics
Eight to ten years post qualification experience in the field of crop or plant protection, biotechnology, genetics, entomology, nematology, acarology, mycology, biosystematics, collections management, plant pathology and related fields.
Management of multi-disciplinary, crosscutting, and multidimensional research projects (initiation, planning and execution)
Proven experience in project, financial and personnel management
Proven experience in networking with national and international clients and stakeholders to maintain scientific collaborations
Valid driver’s license
SACNASP registration and/or NRF rating is recommended.
Record of relevant scientific publications in specialized field
Track record of obtaining research funding
Valid Code B & EB driver’s license.

Enquiries: Dr Yolisa Pakela-Jezile :Tel: (013) 753 7008.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 01 AUGUST 2025.

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

MSC STUDENT – ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS: (2 YEARS FIXED TERM CONTRACT)
Irene (Ap)
Job Reference Number: AP60
Department: 02 - API
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 Animal Production (ARC-AP), Irene, Pretoria

Job Description

Undertake MSc studies investigating polled genetics in smallholder beef cattle to improve animal welfare.
Participate in implementation and coordinating of research project.
Participate in the successful transfer of scientific technology i.e. compilation of reports, oral and poster presentations and popular articles.
Good laboratory practice.
Pro-actively provide technical input within the context of the research projects.
Assist with planning and preparation of farmer days / engagements.
Contribute to research by rendering desired support to research staff.
Provide ad hoc research assistance.
Utilise and maintain facilities, apparatus and equipment.
Participate in departmental meetings, seminars and workshops.

Job Requirements

BSc (Agric) / BSc Honours in Animal Science, Genetics or a closely related field.
Must be able to register for an MSc in Animal Breeding and Genetics at a South African university (attach academic record).
Must be a South African citizen.
Understanding of basic principles of research.
Good communication skills (verbal and written).
Ability to work as part of a team and independently.
Ability to work and organize tasks according to schedule, and timely delivery.
Proficiency in MS Office suite.
Experience in a molecular genetics laboratory will be an added advantage.
A valid driver’s license will be an added advantage.

Enquiries: Dr. R. Erasmus Email: ErasmusR@arc.agric.za

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 31 JULY 2025

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 .
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

INTERN - ANIMAL BREEDING & GENETICS: (3 YEARS FIXED TERM CONTRACT)
Irene (Ap)
Job Reference Number: AP61
Department: 02 - API
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 Animal Production (ARC-AP), Irene, Pretoria

Job Description

Together with Project Manager, contribute towards projects, by compiling and executing technical project activity plans.
Participate in sample collection and data capturing and adhere to proper data quality control protocols.
Sample preparation and analyses, such as DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis and fragment analysis with good laboratory practice (GLP).
Assist with planning and preparation of farmer days / engagements.
Participate in the successful transfer of scientific technology i.e. compilation of reports, oral and poster presentations and popular articles.
Pro-actively provide technical input within the context of the research projects.
Contribute to research by rendering desired support to research staff and to optimise the utilisation of resources in the most cost effective and efficient manner.
Utilise and maintain facilities, apparatus and equipment.
Provide ad hoc research assistance.
Participate in departmental meetings, seminars and workshops.

Job Requirements

MSc in Animal Science, Genetics or Biotechnology only.
Experience in molecular laboratory environment (DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis and PCR).
Understanding of basic principles of research.
Good communication skills (verbal and written).
Ability to work as part of a team and independently.
Ability to work and organize tasks according to schedule, and timely delivery.
Proficiency in MS Office suite.
A valid driver’s license will be an added advantage.

SENIOR RESEARCHER/RESEARCHER-FORAGE BREEDING
Cedara
Job Reference Number: AP59
Department: 02 - API
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 Animal Production (ARC-AP), Cedara, KZN

Job Description

Initiates, manages and contributes towards national/ international forage breeding initiatives.
Actively sources new national/ international research opportunities including writing research proposals.
Build and maintain international and national relationships and networking opportunities
Plan and coordinate research with single or multi-disciplinary team.
Conduct independent and advanced research.
Develop, Maintain and Protect Plant Breeders Rights of the unit.
Manages people within projects and compiles detailed reports to various stakeholders
Compiles detailed reports and approves final reports.
Manages data capture and shows advanced analysis, interpretation, and recommendations.
Publishes semi-scientific and peer reviewed articles and publishes in journals with a high impact factor.
Supervise or co-supervise PhD and MSc students with an emphasis on critical and scarce skills.
Complies with all occupational health and safety regulations.

Job Requirements
Senior Researcher

PhD degree in Plant Breeding with Five (5) years post PhD relevant experience in plant breeding
Minimum of 12 peer reviewed publications at date of appointment.
Proven record of plant breeders rights generated and new cultivars registered.
Proven record of accomplishment for generating external income.
Proven record of initiating national projects and participation in international projects.
Proven record of exposure and use of biotechnology applications to marker-assisted selection and modern breeding technologies and Biometrical Genetics.
Practical experience and technical knowledge of appropriate research projects, financial and human resource management.
Excellent Verbal and written communication skills
Generates income from commercialisation of ARC IP for financially sustainable research teams
Experience in technology transfer through popular and peer-reviewed articles, presentations, and demonstrations.
Demonstrated ability to attract external research funds and collaboration.

Researcher
PhD degree or an MSc plus a minimum of 3 years working experience as a plant breeder.

Proven record of contributing to the development of plant breeders rights and new cultivars registered.
A publication record with a minimum of 2 scientific publications already published with a record of additional work in progress.
Record of presenting research at national and/or international conferences.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Proven record of exposure and use of biotechnology applications to marker-assisted selection and modern breeding technologies and Biometrical Genetics.
Proven record of generating research funding and collaborations.
Proven experience in working with large teams and on multiple projects at the same time.
Proven track record of PhD and/or MSc student supervision in relevant fields of study.
Must have a Driver’s license Code 8 or 10.

Enquires: Dr F. MULLER (MullerF@arc.agric.za)

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 31 JULY 2025

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

PHD STUDENT – ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS (THREE (3) YEARS FIXED CONTRACT)
Irene (Ap)
Job Reference Number: AP58
Department: 02 - API
Business Unit:
Industry: Research
Job Type: Contract
Positions Available: 1
Salary: Market Related
The ARC- Animal Production (ARC- AP) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced, and dynamic person to the following position at Irene.

Job Description

Undertake PhD studies in molecular detection and genetic characterization of parasites in cattle applicable to animal health improvement.
Participate in planning, implementation and coordinating of research project
Publishing peer-reviewed articles in scientific journals and semi-scientific/popular articles,
Capturing of samples, and maintaining the research database for current and future use,
Contribute to research by rendering desired support to research staff,
Draw up monthly reports and manage research budgets in alignment with the departmental operational plan,
Disseminate project results through, scientific or popular publications, conferences (oral and poster presentations) and peer reviewed publications.

Job Requirements

MSc in Agriculture / Biotechnology
Must be a registered PhD student or show proof of provisional acceptance
2 years experience in a molecular genetics laboratory and DNA sequencing experience will be an added advantage.
Demonstrated capacity to conduct research at postgraduate level,
Ability to work independently, in a team, and to collaborate with other national research partners,
Ability to work and organize tasks according to schedule, and timely delivery,
Sound interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal),
Published peer-reviewed articles, minimum 1, in reputable scientific journals.

Enquiries: Dr P. SOMA, Tel: 012 672 9218

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 31 JULY 2025

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:
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.

PLEASE APPLY HERE

Get vacancies updates by email: