AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COUNCIL (ARC) - VARIOUS POSITIONS AT ARC-AP

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RESEARCH TEAM MANAGER: MILK RECORDING AND IMPROVEMENT SCHEME, Stellenbosch (Re-advert)
Salary (R708 556 – 1062 835 All-inclusive Remuneration Package pa)
 
Key Performance Areas:
 Provides strategic leadership to the South African National Milk Recording and Improvement Scheme,
 Identifies research opportunities and initiates collaborative projects to develop new and innovative solutions to support the National Milk Recording and Improvement Scheme,
 Facilitates participation of the research team in scientific events (e.g. conferences, workshops etc.),
 Builds and maintains strategic national and international partnerships in the area of responsibility,
 Manages the publication of scientific papers, popular articles, technical report etc,
 Guides the development of annual performance plan within area of responsibility in line with ARC strategy,
 Monitors and evaluates projects progress against milestones,
 Manages and mitigates risks and challenges within projects to ensure milestones are achieved timeously,
 Ensures effective transfer of technology and promotion through training, farmers days, information days and demonstrations to ensure adoption of technology,
 Leads the development of a service delivery package for area of responsibility and ensure the team renders expect scientific services at national and international level,
 Attracts business opportunities and participates in the dissemination and marketing of information (e.g. seminars, workshops, courses, radio, TV etc.),
 Guides and provides leadership in the compilation and management of budgets within area of responsibility,
 Guides, initiates and leads the development of new projects and proposals for securing external income for projects within area of responsibility,
 Identifies the need for human capital management in projects and manages the allocated resources including mentoring of staff and students,
 Manages staff performance by ensuring that performance agreements and assessments are done timeously.
 
Requirements:
 A PhD in animal science or equivalent qualification with 5 years relevant experience, post Ph.D,
 20 peer reviewed publications,
 An NRF recognition with a C3 rating or higher will be a an advantage,
 Registration with a relevant scientific registration body,
 International and/or national speaker,
 Good communication skills written and verbal,
 Proficiency in MS Office Suite,
 Technology Transfer: Participate in advisory services,
 Shows awareness of Intellectual Property opportunities,
 A valid South African Code B (08) driver’s license.
 
Applicants who applied previously are encouraged to apply
 
Enquires: Prof. A Maiwashe, Tel: (012) 672 9028
 
 
 
 
 
 
SENIOR RESEARCHER (VETERINARIAN), Irene
Salary (R586 283pa – 879 422pa. All-inclusive Remuneration Package pa)
 
Key Performance Areas:
 Maintenance of the health of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and fowls,
 Conduct post mortems,
 Perform surgical procedures,
 Perform pregnancy diagnoses,
 Liaise with clients and stakeholders,
 Assist with bio-security programmes,
 Assist to maintain high animal ethics standards,
 Carrying out other general clinical work,
 Provide expert advice to researchers on animal health-related matters,
 Participate in research collaboration, training of students and technology transfer,
 Work out herd health plans,
 Implement SANS 10386:2021: The care and use of animals for scientific purposes Conduct disease surveillance,
 Perform secondary meat inspection.
 
Requirements:
 Veterinary Degree (BVSc / BVMSCh) registerable with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC),
 At least three years of clinical experience with production animals,
 Experience in working in a research environment will be an added advantage,
 Knowledge of the Meat Safety Act (Act 40 of 2000) and its implementation,
 Good communication skills (written and verbal),
 Computer literacy and proficiency in MS Office suite,
 A valid Code B (08) South African driver’s license.
 
Enquires: Prof. NA Maiwashe, Tel: (012) 672 9028
 
 
 

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RESEARCHER: ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS, Irene
Salary (R479 675pa – R719 514 pa. All-inclusive Remuneration Package pa)
 
Key Performance Areas:
Research:
 Research and Development of molecular genetics, genomics and bioinformatics applicable to livestock genetic improvement,
 Research & Development in cutting-edge next-generation sequencing technologies for livestock improvement (e.g. whole genome sequencing, association mapping, genomic selection and gene editing),
 Initiates, manages and contributes towards national/international research projects,
 Sourcing external funding and engaging in national and international research opportunities,
 Managing projects, including writing new project proposals and leading single or multidisciplinary project teams,
 Planning and coordinating research in animal breeding and genetics in alignment with the livestock industry needs,
 Publishes peer-reviewed articles in high impact journals and semi-scientific articles to all stakeholders and the related industry,
 Disseminating research results in oral and poster presentations; establishes and maintains networking opportunities e.g., attend scientific gatherings, farmers’ workshops,
 Scouting for new developments and trends in the field of genetic products and translating this information into ideas for new products and services,
 Active exchange and collaboration with partners from academia and industry in a field of constant technical and methodological development,
Project Management:
 Draw up monthly reports and manage research budgets in alignment with the departmental operational plan,
 Actively identifies and pursues business opportunities, and participates in the dissemination and marketing of information e.g., workshops, courses, radio and TV,
Technology Transfer
 Marketing own innovations to the public,
 Participates in advisory services, farmers’ days and workshops,
 Shows awareness of Intellectual Property opportunities,
Human Capacity Development
 Assists in training of support staff,
 Assists in mentoring post-graduate students,
 Identifies and participates in own learning opportunities,
Health and safety
 Adhere to laboratory safety procedures,
 Comply with SHE/OHS policies and procedures.
 
Requirements:
 A PhD in Animal Science, Genetics, Genomics or Biotechnology,
 Experience in animal breeding and genetics, genomics and bioinformatics,
 Experience in high throughput next generation sequencing methods, i.e., SNP genotyping, whole genome sequencing, association mapping and/or gene editing with an interest in applied research at the interphase of molecular genetics and computational biology using “omics data”,
 Clear understanding on the use of bioinformatics tools for sequence, structural and protein function analysis, example BLAST, FASTA, EMBOSS etc.,
 Familiarity with the UNIX/LINUX operating system, some programming skills using for example R-CRAN, C++, PERL or Python,
 Sound understanding of South African Livestock Industry,
 Ability to work independently, in a team, and to collaborate with national and international research partners,
 Sound interpersonal and communication skills, enthusiastic and responsible.
 
Additional selection criteria:
 Published scientific articles (or accepted for publication) as first or co-author,
 Published popular/technical articles and industry reports,
 Experience in sourcing project funding, planning and management successfully,
 Experience of project budgeting processes,
 Post-graduate student supervision record,
 Scientific presentations at national and international congresses,
 Exposure to NRF online submission systems,
 Interaction with the livestock industry and collaboration initiatives.
 
Enquires: Prof. ML Makgahlela, Tel: (012) 672 9282
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SENIOR RESEARCH TECHNICIAN – MEAT SCIENCE – BIOCHEMISTRY, Irene
Salary (381 841 – 572 759 All-inclusive remuneration package pa)
 
Key Performance Areas:
 Project Management/Coordination
 Coordinates and contributes towards projects by compiling and executing technical project activity plans in collaboration with the Project Manager,
 Identifies the need for human resource in project(s) and manages the allocated resources,
 Assist with compiling and managing project budgets, Research Support, Diagnostics and other Services
 Plans and coordinates own and technical project work activities,
 Manage projects facilities, material and equipment’s,
 Ensure optimal utilisation of resources,
 Independently conducts special research/technical support, diagnostics and other services within a project,
 Collects, captures, processes and interprets technical data and makes internal project recommendations,
 Compiles detailed technical reports and submits for approval,
 Manage and ensure compliance to quality standards,
 Present results to stakeholders,
Technology Transfer
 Optimises equipment and/or processes and systems,
 Recommends new technologies to optimise,
 Renders diagnostic, technical and other service at a national level,
 Assists with identifying new business opportunities,
 Awareness of intellectual property opportunities,
Safety, Health and Environment
 Ensure compliance with SHE/OHS policies and procedures,
 Human Capital Capacity Development,
 Develop technical capacity at an appropriate level,
 Identifies and participates in own leading opportunities.
 
Requirements:
 M-Tech Degree with 2 years’ experience in meat science specialising in biochemistry/histology or equivalent qualification,
 Registration with relevant scientific registration body,
 Knowledge on maintenance of equipment and infrastructure needed for research,
 Knowledge of safety standards as prescribed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act,
 Good communication skills (written and verbal),
 Computer literacy and proficiency in MS Office suite,
 A valid South African driver’s license.
 
Enquires: Dr. M Hope-Jones, Tel: (012) 672 9296


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SENIOR BUYER – SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT, IRENE
Salary (381 841pa – 572 759 pa. All-inclusive remuneration package pa)
 
Key Performance Areas
 Adhere to the PFMA, treasury regulations,
 PPPFA and other procurement related legislation
 Obtain quotations in line with the supply chain management policy of the ARC,
 Ensure internal control compliance with ARC policies and the relevant legislation,
 Acting in direct support of the research function,
 Handling of internal and/or external audit requests including communication with other stakeholders,
 Sourcing and evaluating relevant suppliers from the central database,
 Ensure that risks related to procurement management are adequately addressed,
 Follow up on unpaid suppliers and ensure invoices are settled within 30 days.
 
Requirements:
 National Diploma in Supply Chain Management/Procurement / Logistics,
 Strong knowledge of PFMA,
 Ability to apply the (PPPFA) Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, and the Regulations,
 Must have good understanding of the National treasury regulations,
 Understanding and management of inventory processes,
 Three years’ experience as a buyer, acquisition officer or equivalent,
 Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written),
 Strong problem solving and analytical skills,
 A Valid South African driver’s license.
 
Enquires: Mr. Mr. MJ Bokaba (012) 672 9095
 
 
 
 
 
 
JUNIOR RESEARCHER: GERMPLASM CONSERVATION AND REPRODUCTIVE BIOTECHNOLOGIES, Irene
Salary (R307 442pa – 461 159 000 pa. All-inclusive remuneration package pa)
 
Key Performance Areas:
Research
 Research support on in-situ and ex-situ conservation programmes and use of Farm Animal Genetic Resources (FAnGR),
 Involvement in initiating, implementing and conducting research on in vitro embryo production and cryopreservation of gametes for conservation purposes,
 Publish in popular and peer-reviewed scientific journals,
 Compilation of reports for internal and external stakeholder,
 Participate in the marketing and disseminating of information (farmer’s days, seminars, workshops, courses, radio, TV, etc.),
 Community engagement and administration,
 Mentoring of students participating in WIL and internship programmes,
 Compilation of reports for internal and external stakeholders,
 Identify research needs within the programme and interpretation of data,
 Source external funding and collaboration with stakeholders,
Project Management
 Draw up monthly reports and budgets with regard to research progress,
 Maintain reproductive physiology and cryobiology infrastructure, related equipment and instrumentation in working condition to ensure accuracy and quality of experimental results,
 Preparation of research proposal documents or grant applications,
Technology transfer
 Technology transfer and information dissemination to clients and farmers,
 Participate in the dissemination and marketing of information e.g., farmer’s days, workshops, courses, radio and TV,
 Participate in advisory services, farmers days and workshops,
Health and safety
 Adhere to laboratory safety procedures,
 Comply with SHE/OHS policies and procedures.
 
Requirement:
 MSc/M-Tech Degree in Animal Science or closely related disciplines,
 Strong interest in reproductive physiology and cryobiology,
 Sound understanding of South African livestock industry,
 Ability to work independently, in a team, and to collaborate with research partners,
 Good communication skills (written and verbal),
 Valid SA driver’s license.
 
Added Advantages
 Published scientific articles (or accepted for publication) as first or co-author,
 Published popular/technical articles and industry reports,
 Scientific presentations at national and international congresses,
 
Enquires: Prof. ML Makgahlela, Tel: (012) 672 9282
 
 
 
 
 
 
RESEARCH TECHNICIAN: QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE, Elsenburg
Salary Package: R247 283pa – 371 307pa All-inclusive
 
Key Performance Areas
 Conduct analysis of microbiological nature; Microbiological analysis will include, but not limited to, standard plate count, coliform/ E coli, Yeast and Mould, Antibiotics, Phosphatase Test etc;
 Correctly apply techniques within specified guidelines;
 Timeously complete technical tasks according to set quality and accreditation standards;
 Efficiently plan and schedule analytical service in accordance with given instruction;
 Cost effective and accurate sample analysis in compliance with target dates and available resources; Properly collect, process and capture data;
 Accurate, timeous and reliable reporting of analytical results;
 Assist with administrative duties of the laboratory information management system (data capturing);
 Cost–effective stock control according to regulation;
 Assist with procurement of chemicals etc.;
 Timeous reporting of malfunctioning of equipment;
 Maintain and ensure that equipment is in working order and in compliance with applicable quality standards;
 Assist in maintaining a clean laboratory in general.
 
Requirements:
 A BSc degree or a National Diploma in Microbiology or equivalent;
 Experience in ISO 17025 and working in an accredited laboratory, will be advantage,
 Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work under pressure and deliver accurate and high quality analysis and give attention to details,
 Good conceptual, analytical and writing skills,
 Proficiency in MS. Office Suite,
 The ability to organise, prioritise and work systematically,
 Good communication skills Verbal and written,
 The ability to respect and maintain confidentiality;
 Skilled to work as part of the team as well as independently;
 Valid SA driver’s license.
 
Enquires: Ms. C Issel, Tel: 021 809-3560/3561

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 01 SEPTEMBER 2022
 
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 APICV@arc.agric.za.
 
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 ARCs’ EE Plan. The company has the right not to appoint.