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AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COUNCIL (ARC) - VARIOUS POSITIONS AT ARC VIMP
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-Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants (ARC-VIMP) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced and dynamic person to the following positions at Roodeplaat, Pretoria:
RESEARCHER: AGRONOMY (MEDICINAL & INDUSTRIAL CROPS) AND RESEACHER: IN VITRO PROPAGATION (MEDICINAL & INDUSTRIAL CROPS)
Key Performance Areas:
• Initiates and manages and contributes towards national agronomic research projects on medicinal plants.
• Actively sources and secures new research opportunities and funding and writes winning proposals.
• Capable of securing externally funded projects.
• Compiles and contributes to progress reports (internal and external).
• Captures, analyses and interprets data.
• Provides leadership, supervision and mentoring of postgraduate students, research technicians and assistants.
• 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.
• Plans and coordinates research with single or multi-disciplinary team.
• Actively seeks networking opportunities (e.g. attends scientific gatherings, working with farmer communities, etc.).
• Compliance with human resource policies and procedures.
• Compliance with occupational health and safety policies and procedures.
• Identifies and participates in own learning opportunity.
Requirements:
• PhD in Agronomy/Botany, Horticulture, Agricultural Science or closely related field.
• 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 research project management.
• Good communication (verbal & writing) skills.
• Agricultural Research knowledge and skills.
• Extensive knowledge of medicinal plant production systems.
• Computer literacy with proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Ability to render diagnostic, technical and other services at national level.
• Knowledge of intellectual property opportunities.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations and procedures.
• Valid driver’s license.
• In vitro propagation, evidence of at least three publications in ISI-rated scientific journals related to in vitro propagation.
Enquires: Prof S Amoo, Tel: (012) 808 8000
RESEARCH TECHNICIAN: IN VITRO GENEBANK
Key Performance Areas:
• Conserve and maintain accessions in the ARC-VIMP National Public Goods In Vitro Genebank collection (which includes vegetatively propagated roots and tuber crops, indigenous flower bulbs, industrial and medicinal crop species) using plant tissue culture methods.
• In vitro establishment and multiplication of food and non-food crops for clients and Researchers within and external to ARC-VIMP
• Assist the Genetic Resources Manager (GRM) in managing the routine operations of the genebank
• Keep accurate records of daily operations to ensure traceability is maintained
• Play active role in mitigating risks emanating from handling of genetic material in vitro
• Capturing of procedural data on a relevant system in line with quality assurance measures
• Understand aspects relevant to the in vitro lab certification systems in line with standard operating procedures and Quality Management Systems (QMS) and ensure all team members are correctly following SOPs
• Participate in technical projects in compliance with set standards, clients’ needs/ specification and on time delivery
• Conduct research on development of micro propagation protocols for different crop species and other areas
• Assist GRM with theoretical and practical training of laboratory personnel and students (when required)
• Compile and submit monthly to line manager and provide collection information to GRM for quarterly report
• Assist GRM with completion of Performance & Development Agreements (PDAs) and Evaluations (PDEs) for all subordinates
• Ensure performance targets are achieved
• Ensure compliance of all team members with all Occupational Health and Safety regulations
Requirements:
• BSc / BTech or Advanced Diploma in Biological /Agricultural Sciences
• Compulsory experience with plant tissue culture and in vitro multiplication techniques required
• Experience in leading and managing people
• Thorough knowledge of computer programs (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills including ability to train and work with operational staff
• Although this position is mainly office, laboratories and greenhouse bound, the person assigned to this position may also be required to work outdoors when necessary.
• Participate in exhibitions, workshops and conferences
• Comprehensive knowledge regarding the work performed in the programme
• Valid Driver’s license
Enquires: Ms A Kistnasamy, Tel: (012) 808 8000
RESEARCHER: AGRONOMY (MEDICINAL & INDUSTRIAL CROPS) AND RESEACHER: IN VITRO PROPAGATION (MEDICINAL & INDUSTRIAL CROPS)
Key Performance Areas:
• Initiates and manages and contributes towards national agronomic research projects on medicinal plants.
• Actively sources and secures new research opportunities and funding and writes winning proposals.
• Capable of securing externally funded projects.
• Compiles and contributes to progress reports (internal and external).
• Captures, analyses and interprets data.
• Provides leadership, supervision and mentoring of postgraduate students, research technicians and assistants.
• 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.
• Plans and coordinates research with single or multi-disciplinary team.
• Actively seeks networking opportunities (e.g. attends scientific gatherings, working with farmer communities, etc.).
• Compliance with human resource policies and procedures.
• Compliance with occupational health and safety policies and procedures.
• Identifies and participates in own learning opportunity.
Requirements:
• PhD in Agronomy/Botany, Horticulture, Agricultural Science or closely related field.
• 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 research project management.
• Good communication (verbal & writing) skills.
• Agricultural Research knowledge and skills.
• Extensive knowledge of medicinal plant production systems.
• Computer literacy with proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Ability to render diagnostic, technical and other services at national level.
• Knowledge of intellectual property opportunities.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations and procedures.
• Valid driver’s license.
• In vitro propagation, evidence of at least three publications in ISI-rated scientific journals related to in vitro propagation.
Enquires: Prof S Amoo, Tel: (012) 808 8000
RESEARCH TECHNICIAN: IN VITRO GENEBANK
Key Performance Areas:
• Conserve and maintain accessions in the ARC-VIMP National Public Goods In Vitro Genebank collection (which includes vegetatively propagated roots and tuber crops, indigenous flower bulbs, industrial and medicinal crop species) using plant tissue culture methods.
• In vitro establishment and multiplication of food and non-food crops for clients and Researchers within and external to ARC-VIMP
• Assist the Genetic Resources Manager (GRM) in managing the routine operations of the genebank
• Keep accurate records of daily operations to ensure traceability is maintained
• Play active role in mitigating risks emanating from handling of genetic material in vitro
• Capturing of procedural data on a relevant system in line with quality assurance measures
• Understand aspects relevant to the in vitro lab certification systems in line with standard operating procedures and Quality Management Systems (QMS) and ensure all team members are correctly following SOPs
• Participate in technical projects in compliance with set standards, clients’ needs/ specification and on time delivery
• Conduct research on development of micro propagation protocols for different crop species and other areas
• Assist GRM with theoretical and practical training of laboratory personnel and students (when required)
• Compile and submit monthly to line manager and provide collection information to GRM for quarterly report
• Assist GRM with completion of Performance & Development Agreements (PDAs) and Evaluations (PDEs) for all subordinates
• Ensure performance targets are achieved
• Ensure compliance of all team members with all Occupational Health and Safety regulations
Requirements:
• BSc / BTech or Advanced Diploma in Biological /Agricultural Sciences
• Compulsory experience with plant tissue culture and in vitro multiplication techniques required
• Experience in leading and managing people
• Thorough knowledge of computer programs (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills including ability to train and work with operational staff
• Although this position is mainly office, laboratories and greenhouse bound, the person assigned to this position may also be required to work outdoors when necessary.
• Participate in exhibitions, workshops and conferences
• Comprehensive knowledge regarding the work performed in the programme
• Valid Driver’s license
Enquires: Ms A Kistnasamy, Tel: (012) 808 8000
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 26 APRIL 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 VOPICV@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.