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AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COUNCIL (ARC)
 
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-Soil, Climate and Water (ARC-SCW) seeks to appoint a highly, experienced and dynamic person to the following position in Arcadia, Pretoria:
 
 
SPECIALIST RESEARCHER: SOIL SCIENCE
 
Key Performance Areas:
• Providing strategic research direction for the Soil Science programme in harmony with the ARC’s Strategic Plan,
• Pro-active personnel management in terms of application and effective utilization to maintain and strengthen the core of expertise within the Soil Science (Pedology) discipline,
• Recruitment of funding and project management and in an agricultural and natural resource environment, both nationally and internationally,
• Acquisition and maintenance of research equipment, computers, peripherals and specialized software,
• Postgraduate student supervision, mentorship and research team leadership,
• Monitoring and evaluation of research and technology development projects, and maintenance of scientific quality standards,
• Scientific networking, both nationally and internationally,
• Technology transfer.
 
 
Requirements:
• PhD in Soil Science,
• 7 -10 years’ post PhD experience in a relevant scientific research environment and a minimum of twenty (20 ) relevant peer- reviewed publications,
• A proven ability to secure national and international external research grant/funding,
• Ability to work with rural communities and conduct fieldwork,
• Good communication skills written and verbal,
• Valid driver’s licence (code 08/EB),
• Willingness to travel away from home for intermediate periods,
• Registration with PLATO or SACNASP or evidence indicating that registration could be granted.
 
Enquiries: Dr DG Paterson, Tel: (012) 310 2500
 
 
 
 
 
 
SPECIALIST RESEARCHER: GEOINFORMATICS
 
Key Performance Areas:
• Providing strategic research direction for the Geoinformatics programme in harmony with the ARC’s Strategic Plan,
• Pro-active personnel management in terms of application and effective utilization to maintain and strengthen the core of expertise within the Geoinformatics Science discipline,
• Recruitment of funding and project management and in an agricultural and natural resource environment, both nationally and internationally,
• Acquisition and maintenance of research equipment, computers, peripherals and specialized software,
• Postgraduate student supervision, and research team leadership,
• Monitoring and evaluation of research and technology development projects, and maintenance of scientific quality standards,
• Scientific networking both nationally and internationally,
• Technology transfer.
 
Requirements:
• PhD in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) / Remote Sensing (EO), or PhD in Natural Sciences with a strong background in GIS / Remote Sensing and a component of big data analysis, computer programming, or crop modelling,
• 7 - 10 years’ post PhD practical experience in Natural Sciences with GIS/ Remote sensing, applications or modelling and a minimum of twenty (20) relevant peer-reviewed publications,
• A thorough understanding of analysing spatial natural resource datasets,
• Experience in crop statistics MATLAB or other relevant statistical package and crop modelling, assessments of soil carbon stocks, programming, and web-based systems development, and the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle would be an added advantage,
• A proven ability secure national and international external research grant/funding,
• A proven ability to work in multi-disciplinary/culture research team and supervise Doctoral and Masters Students,
• Ability to work with rural communities and conduct fieldwork,
• Good communication skills, written and verbal,
• Valid driver’s licence code 08/EB,
• Willingness to travel away from home for intermediate periods,
• Registration with PLATO or SACNASP or evidence indicating that registration could be granted.
 
Enquiries: Dr JG Chirima, Tel: (012) 310 2500
 
 


RESEARCHER: AGROMETEOROLOGY (GHG EMISSION)
 
Key performance Areas:
• Conduct independent research on greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes from the Agriculture, forestry and other land Use (AFOLU) sector,
• Prepare and submit winning project proposals in collaboration with other scientists to research funders,
• Conduct technology transfer activities related to carbon management in the AFOLU sector,
• Publish articles in peer-reviewed journals, newsletters, conference proceedings and other media.
 
Requirements:
• PhD in Agrometeorology/Meteorology/Agriculture/Environmental Sciences,
• 1 – 3 years’ relevant research experience,
• Extensive knowledge of GHG emissions in the AFOLU sector and proven ability to conduct and supervise GHG emission research,
• The candidate must have a proven research background in agriculture- and climate-related disciplines,
• A proven ability to secure external research grant/funding,
• Ability to work with rural communities and conduct field work,
• Willingness to travel away from home for intermediate periods,
• Good communication skills written and verbal,
• Valid driver’s license code 8/EB.
 
Enquiries: Dr ME Moeletsi, Tel: (012) 310 2500
 
 
 
 
 
 
SPECIALIST RESEARCHER: WATER SCIENCE (PRETORIA OR BLOEMFONTEIN)
 
Key Performance Areas:
• Strategic research direction for the Water Science Programme in harmony with the ARC’s Strategic Plan,
• Evaluating research needs and developing new research projects, which includes proper planning, implementation and financial control,
• Monitoring and evaluation of research and technology development projects, and maintenance of scientific quality standards,
• Seek new clients and develop project proposals in collaboration with other researchers,
• Undertake scientific networking nationally and internationally,
• Optimally utilise and supervise human resources allocated to relevant projects,
• Postgraduate student supervision and research team leadership,
• Technology transfer.
 
Requirements:
• PhD in Agriculture / Irrigation Science / Hydrology / Environmental Management or equivalent,
• 7-10 years’ post-PhD research experience, with a minimum of twenty peer-reviewed publications,
• The candidate should have an extensive skill set and experience in Agriculture Water Resource, Management and Water Information Systems spanning across agricultural, hydrological, ecological, meteorology and chemistry sciences, including data management, analysis and modelling,
• The candidate should have national and international collaboration experience; the ability to secure external research funding; and the ability to mentor and supervise postgraduate students and develop opportunities for postdoctoral research fellows,
• Good communication skills written and verbal,
• Willingness to travel to conduct work in SA where needed,
• Valid driver’s licence code 08/EB,
• Registration with SACNASP or evidence indicating that registration could be granted.
 
Enquiries: Dr A Grundling, Tel: (012) 310 2500




CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 20 APRIL 2021
 
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 ISCWCV@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. The company has the right not to appoint.