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. ​
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The ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research (ARC-OVR) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced, and dynamic person to the following positions at Onderstepoort, Pretoria. 
 
RESEARCHER – VACCINE PRODUCTION: TAD (RE-ADVERTISEMENT) 
 
Key Performance Areas: 
• The incumbent will partake in research activities on transboundary animals’ diseases, focusing mainly on foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and African Swine Fever with specific emphasis on using genetic engineering for the design of effective vaccines. 
• The development of new and improved diagnostic assays. 
• Epidemiology of transboundary animal diseases. 
• Field and laboratory animal experimental work focusing on virus transmission and understanding host immune responses. 
• Perform research, manage data, capture, analyse, interpret results, and make recommendations based on findings. 
• Compile detailed reports and seek approval for final reports. 
• Disseminate research results by presenting oral and poster contributions. 
• Publish popular, semi-scientific and peer-reviewed papers. 
• Seek networking opportunities. 
• Attend scientific gathering and be aware of intellectual property. 
• Management of projects: initiate, manage and contribute to national research projects. 
• Management of human resources identifies the need for human resources and manages them. 
• To manage project budgets is accountable for compiling and managing project budget. 
• Develops business cases for all project expenditure requirements. 
• Writes and submits research proposals: Sources new National research opportunities. 
• Plans and co-ordinates research activities within a single or multidisciplinary team. 
• Identifies and manages resource needs. 
• Identifies risks and mitigation plans within the research focus area. 
• Maintain and manage assets from research activities. 
• Human capacity development: Develops own capacity at an appropriate level. Identifies and participates in own learning opportunities. Supervise or co-supervise students. 
• Performing all research work mainly in a biosafety level 3 (BSL3) laboratory and adhering to all rules and regulations thereof. 
 
Requirements: 
• PhD in Veterinary Virology and Vaccine, Molecular Biology or Diagnostic Development Research or related fields OR MSc/MTech in Veterinary Virology and Vaccine, Molecular Biology or Diagnostic Development Research or related fields with 5 years’ experience post MSc qualification. 
• BSc major in Genetics, Microbiology or Biochemistry, will be an advantage. 
• A track record of publications, supervising students and obtaining research funding would be beneficial. 
 
Enquiries: Dr Livio Heath: Tel: 012 529 9501 
 
 
 
RESEARCHER: DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES (RE-ADVERTISEMENT) 
 
Key Performance Areas: 
Diagnostic:
• Manage all human capital, facilities, finance, supply chain management and public relations matters relating to diagnostic services in the Feed and Food Analysis and General Bacteriology Laboratories. 
• Perform diagnostic and analytical tests in the Feed and Food Analysis and General Bacteriology laboratories. 
 
Research:
• Identify research projects, apply for research funding, conduct research, and write research reports. 
• Publish research findings in national and international journals. 
• Present research findings in national and international conferences. 
• Transfer technology to farmers and other interest groups. 
• Mentor students. 
 
Biological Bank, Rules, and Regulations: 
• Updating the biobank with new bacterial isolates. 
• Maintaining the bio-bank database. 
• Maintain the biobank in good working order. 
• Comply with the Animal Ethics Committee; Occupational health and Safety; Institute Biosafety and Biosecurity Committee; and requirements of other institutional rules, regulations, committees, and bodies. 
 
Requirements: 
• PhD in Veterinary Science/related discipline OR MSc/MTech in Veterinary Science/related discipline with 5 years’ experience post MSc qualification. 
• At least 2 years' experience as a laboratory manager in the diagnostics and research field. 
• Registration with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC). 
• A track record of publications, supervising students and obtaining research funding would be beneficial. 
• Knowledge of Health and Safety regulations. 
• Valid driver’s license. 
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite. 
• Good people and analytical skills, report writing and organizations skills. 
 
 
Enquiries: Dr Alison Lubisi: Tel: 012 529 9233 
 
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 15 APRIL 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 and e-mailed to OVICV@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.
 
 
 
 

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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-Grain Crops (ARC-GC) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced, and dynamic persons to work in the new project funded by the National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development at Potchefstroom. 
 
RESEARCHER (PLANT BREEDING) X5 
(THREE (3) YEARS FIXED TERM CONTRACT) 
 
Key Performance Areas: 
• Initiates, coordinates, and manages projects. 
• Coordinates project plan with the Research Team Manager. 
• Manages people within projects and ensures optimal utilisation. 
• Compiles and manages project budgets. 
• Plans and co-ordinates technical projects. 
• Manages project facilities, materials, and equipment. 
• Ensures optimal utilization of resources. 
• Strategic planning of future resources. 
• Independently conducts specialist research/technical support, diagnostics, and other services across projects. 
• Manages and ensures compliance to quality standards. 
• Renders expert diagnostic, technical and other services and consults at a national /international level. 
• Exploits intellectual property developments and assist in its development. 
• Identifies and pursues new business opportunities. 
• Meet peer norm requirements for specific field of expertise, by recognising authorship or contributions. 
 
Requirements: 
• PhD in Plant Breeding / Molecular Breeding / Genetics with Plant Breeding as a Major. 
• Alternatively, MSc in Plant Breeding / Molecular Breeding / Genetics with Plant Breeding as a major with a minimum three (3) years post-qualification experience and three (3) relevant peer reviewed publications, or alternatively one (1) released cultivar in lieu of each publication. 
• Valid driver’s license. 
 
 
 
RESEARCH TECHNICIAN (PLANT BREEDING) X2 
THREE (3) YEARS FIXED TERM CONTRACT 
 
Key Performance Areas: 
• Together with Project Manager, co-ordinates and contributes towards projects, by compiling and executing technical project activity plans for field trials. 
• Identifies the need for human resources in projects with the Project Manager and manages the allocation of resources. 
• Assists with compiling and managing projects and purchases. 
• Plans and co-ordinates own and technical project work activities. Manages project facilities, material and equipment. Ensure optimal utilisation of resources. 
• Independently conducts technical support, diagnostics, and other services within a project. 
• Collects, capture, process, interprets technical data, and makes internal projects recommendations. 
• Compiles detailed technical reports and submits for approval. 
• Manages and ensures compliance to qualify standards. 
• Optimises equipment and/or processes and/or systems. 
• Renders diagnostic, technical and other services at a national level. 
• Ensures compliance with SHE/OHS policies and procedures. 
 
Requirements: 
• National Diploma (3 years) in Plant Genetics, Molecular Biology, Plant Breeding, Plant Science, Biotechnology or Plant Production. 
• Or a relevant 2 year qualification in Plant Genetics, Molecular Biology, Plant Breeding, Plant Science, Biotechnology or Plant Production, at a recognised institution with 3 years applicable experience. 
• Registration with relevant scientific registration body will be an added advantage. 
• Valid driver’s license EB or EC1 will be an added advantage. 
• Experience in data collection and trial management will be an added advantage. 
 
 
 
RESEARCH ASSISTANT (PLANT BREEDING) X5 
THREE (3) YEARS FIXED TERM CONTRACT 
 
Key Performance Areas: 
• Performs routine activities under supervision. 
• Assists in coordination of work activities and supervises allocated HCM resources if applicable. 
• Adheres to financial administrative control. 
• Adheres to work plans. 
• Utilises equipment and material. 
• Provides research support, diagnostics and other activities. 
• Collects data under supervision. 
• Provides verbal feedback on work activities to supervisors. 
• Adheres to quality standards. 
• Assists with basic activities related to research services. 
• Is aware of Intellectual Property opportunities. 
• Identifies and participates in own learning opportunities. 
• Complies with SHE/OHS regulations and procedures. 
 
Requirements: 
• Grade 12 with 3 years relevant experience or Grade 10 with 8 years relevant experience or 20 years relevant experience. 
• Valid EB driver’s license will be an added advantage. 
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite will be an added advantage. 
• Experience in field/greenhouse related work and data capturing under supervision will be an added advantage. 
 
 
 
RESEARCH SUPPORT ASSISTANT (PLANT BREEDING) X2 THREE (3) YEARS FIXED TERM CONTRACT 
 
Key Performance Areas: 
• Assists in plant breeding projects and performs routine activities under supervision such as seed preparation, weeding, harvesting and seed cleaning and processing. 
• Provides research support on administrative duties under supervision. 
• Provides verbal feedback on work activities to supervisors. 
• Adheres to quality standards and compliance with OHS/SHE. 
• Provides technical support to other breeding sections as and when required. 
 
Requirements: 
• Grade 10 or two years relevant experience. 
• Valid EB driver’s license will be an added advantage. 
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite will be an added advantage. 
• Experience in field/greenhouse related work and data capturing under supervision will be an added advantage. 
 
 
Enquiries: Dr Kingstone Mashingaidze, Tel: (018) 299 6356 
 
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 11 APRIL 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 as well as the names and particulars of three (3) traceable referees must be attached on the form. 
 
To apply for Researcher (plant breeding) x5 click on the link: https://forms.office.com/r/U5Um8ZDwXF
 
To apply for Research technician (plant breeding) x2click on the link: https://forms.office.com/r/yU1C3udnAn
 
To apply for Research assistant (plant breeding) x5 click on the link: https://forms.office.com/r/KgXNDE002n
 
To apply for Research support assistant (plant breeding) x2 Click on the link: https://forms.office.com/r/CnbdR0NAwB
 
NB: Non-RSA citizens must attach a valid permanent residence permit, names and particulars of three (3) traceable referees and traceable email address. 
 
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-Grain Crops (ARC-GC) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced, and dynamic persons to work in the new project funded by the National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development at Potchefstroom. 
 
RESEARCH TECHNICIAN (AGRONOMY) 
(THREE (3) YEARS FIXED TERM CONTRACT) 
 
Key Performance Areas: 

• Contributes towards projects. 
• Planning and coordinating of work activities and supervises allocated HCM resources if applicable. 
• Assists with managing projects budgets. 
• Adheres to financial administrative controls. 
• Plans own work activities according to projects plans. 
• Utilises and maintains own facilities material and equipment. 
• Conducts research support, diagnostics and other services. 
• Collects, captures and processes data with basic analysis. 
• Provides verbal/written reports on work activities and results. 
• Adheres to quality standards. 
• Optimising of equipment or processes or systems under supervision. 
• Provides input in the optimisation of new technologies. 
• Renders diagnostic, technical and other services under supervision. 
• Is aware of Intellectual Property opportunities. 
• Assists in training junior staff. 
• Identifies and participates in own learning procedures. 
• Evidence of contributions in publications or involvement in presentations (e.g. farmers days). 
• Magnitude of measurable outcomes (project impact). 

 
Requirements: 

• National Diploma (3 years) or equivalent NQF6 or a relevant 2-year qualification at a recognised institution with 3 years relevant experience. 
• Valid driver’s license. 

 
 
 
RESEARCH ASSISTANT (AGRONOMY) 
(THREE (3) YEARS FIXED TERM CONTRACT) 
 
Key Performance Areas: 

• Performs routine activities under supervision. 
• Assist in coordination of work activities and supervises allocated HCM resources if applicable. 
• Adhere to financial administrative control. 
• Adheres to work plans. 
• Utilise equipment and material. 
• Provides research support, diagnostics and other activities. 
• Collects data under supervision. 
• Provides verbal feedback on work activities to supervisors. 
• Adheres to quality standards. 
• Assists with basic activities related to research services. 
• Is aware of Intellectual Property opportunities. 
• Identifies and participates in own learning opportunities. 
• Complies with SHE/OHS regulations and procedures. 

 
Requirements: 

• Grade 12 with 3 years relevant experience or Grade 10 with 8 years relevant experience or 20 years relevant experience. 
• Valid driver’s license will be added advantage. 
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite. 

 
 
Enquiries: Mr T Prinsloo, Tel: (018) 299 6248 
 
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 11 APRIL 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 as well as the names and particulars of three (3) traceable referees) must be attached on the form. 
 
•                To apply for Research Technician (Agronomy) click on the link: https://forms.office.com/r/d1DWKHfsNn
 
•                To apply for Research Assistant (Agronomy) Click on the link: https://forms.office.com/r/Uxc5S9QHmf
 
NB: Non-RSA citizens must attach a valid permanent residence permit, names and particulars of three (3) traceable referees and traceable email address. 
 
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.