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The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is a premier science
institution that conducts research with partners, develops human capital and fosters 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-Central Office (ARC-CO) seeks to appoint an experienced and
dynamic person to the following position in Hatfield, Pretoria:
Principal Economist: Economic Analysis
(5-year fixed-term contract)
Key performance areas: • Provide quality research and analysis and strategic advice in the areas of
macroeconomic development, policy economic integration, the interface between growth and development
and between the formal and informal sectors, the dynamics governing the South African Agricultural
landscape • Conceptualise and evaluate the viability of new research programmes in pursuance of the
organisation’s mission and strategic plan • Undertake various research studies to support investment
decisions with regard to public funds and determine the broad impact of the ARC’s research and technology
transfer effort • Provide leadership in positioning the Economic Analysis unit as a centre of knowledge
excellence through value-adding activities to economic policy analysis and research both inside and outside
the organisation • Mobilise internal and external resources for policy research and analyse and contribute
to building organisational capacity in these areas • Publish on emerging issues in Agricultural Economics
and Economics of Agricultural Research and Development • Provide strategic advice to the organisation’s
Executive and Senior Management with respect to economic trends and their implications on the business of
the company regarding research and commercialisation of research results • Provide strategic management
to the Economic Analysis unit in line with the corporate strategy and to contribute to the organisation’s
strategic and business plans during annual review processes • Publish on emerging issues in Agricultural
Economics and Economics of Agricultural Research and Development • Contribute to mentoring and
peer-support of colleagues.
Requirements: • PhD degree in Economics or Agricultural Economics, with 10 years’ experience,
including 3-5 years’ managerial experience • Strategic thinking, conceptual and analytical abilities
• Strong, proven track record in agriculture and economic research • Peer-review publication record
• International experience • Sound understanding of the priorities and challenges facing the agricultural
sector in South Africa • Ability to build and manage relationships with research stakeholders outside the
ARC • Ability to generate external funding • Valid Code EC1 driver’s licence.
Enquiries: Dr Litha Magingxa, tel. (012) 427-9723 or e-mail: [email protected]
Licensing Coordinators (3 Posts)
(3-year fixed-term contract)
Key performance areas: • Maintain existing licence agreements and relationships as appropriate • Maintain/
update databases on licences issued • Determine if licensee terms have been achieved and royalty and
milestone payments have been made and inform the Licensing Manager of deviations detected • Support the
Licensing Manager with all administrative duties related to licensing • Conduct preliminary patent searches
and develop intelligence on other licences issued which affect the business of the ARC • Implement office
systems and procedures as required by the Licensing Manager • Conduct preliminary market analyses
to support decisions related to licensing, i.e. conduct research related to products/technologies, market
sectors, companies and completing technologies using published data, industry/university contacts and
Internet sources • Conduct due diligence on potential licensees.
Requirements: • A Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Sciences • A minimum of 2 years' relevant experience in
patenting, licensing and commercialising university technology, technology from the private sector or research
institutions/councils • Working knowledge of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF)
and its objectives • Working knowledge of the ARC and its role in South Africa and globally • Experience in
and understanding of intellectual property and licensing legislation and processes will be an added advantage
• Computer literacy with proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite • Good communication skills (written and
verbal) • The ability to converse technically • The ability to multitask • The ability to work under pressure
• A self-motivated, self-starting, determined, enthusiastic, results-driven, articulate and well-presented
individual • The ability to adapt to the evolving responsibilities.
Enquiries: Dr Vuyisile Phehane, tel. (012) 427-9880
Applications for the above 2 positions: Ms Lorraine Molebatsi, ARC-CO, PO Box 8783, Pretoria 0001,
or faxed to (012) 430-5814. Applications can also be submitted by e-mail to: [email protected]
The ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (ARC-OVI) seeks to appoint experienced
and dynamic persons to the following positions at Onderstepoort, Pretoria:
Research Technician: Trans-boundary
Animal Diseases Programme (TADP)
Key performance areas: • Receive, process and test serological diagnostic samples by virus neutralisation
assays when required • Assist with diagnostic ELISAs and Molecular Diagnostic Assays when the need
arises • Perform disinfectant testing for Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) and African Swine Fever
Virus (ASFV) samples when requests are received • Maintain and order stock reagents for African Swine
Fever culture • Perform and monitor ASF virus culture for diagnostic samples • Assist with maintaining
a quality assurance system within the diagnostic laboratory • Participate in research projects within the
diagnostics project at TADP.
Requirements: • National Diploma in Veterinary Technology • Relevant experience in molecular biology,
virology and microbiology • Registration with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) • Good
communication skills (written and verbal) • Computer literacy with proficiency in the MS Office suite.
Enquiries: Dr RM Dwarka, tel. (012) 529-9529
Workshop Foreman
Key performance areas: • Maintain laboratory equipment • Supervise staff • Manage workshop budget
• Be responsible for general maintenance of OVI facilities.
Requirements: • Grade 12 with Artisan qualification • Welding (Red Seal and equivalent) and technical
drawing qualification • Completed Trade Test • 5 years’ experience in laboratory equipment maintenance
• Knowledge of steel materials, paint and powder coating • Knowledge of steam lines • Supervisory
experience • Computer literacy with proficiency in the MS Office suite • Good communication skills (written
and verbal) • Code 08 driver’s licence.
Enquiries: Pieter Bronkhorst, tel. (012) 529-9398/9111
Applications for the above 2 positions: Ms Kele Tshikombji, ARC-OVI, Private Bag X05, Onderstepoort
0110 or faxed to (012) 529-9221. Applications can also be submitted by e-mail to [email protected]
The ARC-Institute for Soil, Climate and Water (ARC-ISCW) seeks to appoint
experienced and dynamic persons to the following positions in Arcadia (Pretoria)
and Glen (Bloemfontein):
Researcher: Soil Science (Arcadia - 2 Positions)
Key performance areas: • Conduct large-scale research on developing the Soil Information System, digital
soil mapping, soil survey and soil survey applications • Manage own projects, i.e. proper planning, design,
implementation and financial control • Participate in projects within the Soil Science Programme and other
ISCW programmes • Report research findings in scientific reports • Offer project leadership and mentorship
to young scientists and technicians.
Requirements: • PhD in Soil Science • Thorough understanding of the South African Soil Classification
System, soil genesis and soil property distributions • Previous experience in database manipulation and
information science would be an advantage • Expertise in sustainable agricultural production would be an
added advantage • Proven research background • Ability to conduct fieldwork • Willingness to travel away
from home for intermediate periods • Good communication skills (written and verbal) • Valid driver’s licence
(Code 08/EB) • Computer literacy with proficiency in the MS Office suite.
Researcher: Water Science
(Glen, Bloemfontein - 2 Positions)
Key performance areas: • Conduct large-scale research on rainwater harvesting, water conservation and
weed control techniques in the Free State, Eastern Cape and Limpopo provinces • Manage own projects
i.e. proper planning, design, implementation and financial control • Participate in and oversee layout,
maintenance and measurements of large field trials • Report research findings in scientific reports • Be
responsible for project leadership and mentorship of young scientists and technicians.
Requirements: • PhD in Soil Science, Agronomy or related field • Previous experience in rainwater
harvesting and water conservation techniques would be an advantage • Expertise in weed control under
rainwater harvesting and no-till conditions would be an added advantage • Proven research background
• Ability to work with communities and conduct fieldwork • Experience with information dissemination,
especially for rural communities would be an added advantage • Willingness to travel away from home for
intermediate periods • Good communication skills (written and verbal) • Valid driver’s licence (Code 08/EB)
• Computer literacy with proficiency in the MS Office suite.
Enquiries: Dr E Mwendera, tel. (012) 310-2500
Applications for the above 2 positions: Mr Owen Pula, ARC-ISCW, Private Bag X79, Pretoria or faxed
to (012) 323-1157. Applications can also be submitted by e-mail to [email protected]
Further information on the ARC is available on the ARC website:
http://www.arc.agric.za
Human Communications 114100
The ARC-Biotechnology Platform (ARC-BTP) seeks to appoint experienced and
dynamic persons to the following positions at Onderstepoort, Pretoria:
Researcher: Genomics/Genetics/
Molecular Biology (2 Positions)
Key performance areas: • Establish and lead a research programme utilising next generation sequencing
and genotyping technologies within the areas of interest and expertise in plant, animal, pathogen or
environmental genomics within the mandate of the ARC • Collaborate and interact with research teams
across the ARC to ensure broad application of existing technologies • Supervise postgraduate students in
advanced plant, animal, pathogen or environmental genomics • Raise funds to ensure the optimal functioning
of the Biotechnology Platform and research programme at the cutting edge of available technologies.
The ARC-Institute for Fruit, Vine and Wine (ARC-Infruitec-Nietvoorbij) seeks to
appoint experienced and dynamic persons to the following positions in
Stellenbosch, Western Cape:
Research Team Managers (5 Posts)
Research Team Manager: Viticulture
This position requires an experienced manager responsible for the overall management of Viticulture-related
research on table and wine grapes.
Key performance areas: Be responsible for strategic planning, positioning and marketing of the programme
in the wine and table grape industries.
Requirements: • PhD in Genetics/Genomics/Molecular Biology or related field • Technical background
in molecular biology, next-generation sequencing/genotyping platforms • 3-5 years’ experience • Good
communication skills (written and verbal) • Computer literacy with proficiency in the MS Office suite.
Requirements: PhD in either Viticulture, Enology or related discipline.
Application Specialist: Bioinformatics
This position requires an experienced manager responsible for the overall management of Cultivar
Development-related research on deciduous fruit, table grapes and indigenous teas.
Key performance areas: • Develop and optimise bioinformatics and data analysis pipelines for next
generation sequencing and genotyping data for diverse projects within the mandate of the ARC • Implement
programmes to optimise the workflow with special emphasis on precision and turnaround time • Offer
bioinformatics support to clients within the mandate of the ARC-Biotechnology Platform core facility.
Key performance areas: Be responsible for the strategic planning, positioning and marketing of the
programme in the relevant deciduous fruit, table grape and tea industries.
Requirements: • MSc in Bioinformatics • Programming and scripting skills• Ability to develop and work
with databases would be an advantage • Experience in Next Generation Sequencing data, working in a core
facility environment and ability to interact with clients would be added advantages • Computer literacy with
proficiency in the MS Office suite • Good communication skills (written and verbal).
Research Team Manager:
Post-harvest & Wine Technology
Application Specialist:
High Throughput Technologies
This position requires an experienced manager responsible for the overall management of Post-harvestrelated research on deciduous fruit, wine making, cold storage, processing, wine chemistry, wine
microbiology and indigenous teas.
Key performance areas: • Optimise, establish and run robotics pipelines for DNA and RNA isolation and
sample preparation for next generation sequencing • Optimise, establish and run other high throughput
technologies in line with developments for the ARC-Biotechnology Platform.
Requirements: • MSc degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or Chemistry • Degrees in Bioinformatics
and Chemistry also qualify but will be considered together with knowledge of Molecular Biology techniques,
such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR and qPCR and nucleic acid sequencing • Previous experience with a
liquid handling robotics systems would be an advantage • Knowledge/experience with next generation
sequencing platforms and in LIMS system would be added advantages.
Enquiries: Dr FC Muchadeyi, tel. (012) 529-9352
Applications for the above 3 positions: Ms Kele Tshikombji, ARC-OVI, Private Bag X05,
Onderstepoort 0110 or faxed to (012) 529- 9221. Applications can also be submitted by e-mail to
[email protected]
The ARC-Small Grains Institute (ARC-SGI) seeks to appoint experienced
and dynamic persons to the following positions at Bethlehem, Free State:
Senior Researcher:
Germplasm Development and Biotechnology
Key performance areas: • Manage the Winter Cereal Trust-funded Biotechnology of SGI and contribute
towards existing and new projects • Collaborate with local and international colleagues and actively participate
in research consortia • Build and maintain relationships with national and international stakeholders • Source
new research opportunities and write proposals on the application of biotechnological tools • Be responsible
for optimisation and development of genomic selection, transcriptome profiling and other uses of nucleic
acid information in cereal crops, with emphasis on plant growth and development, including adaptation
to biotic and abiotic stresses • Participate in high throughput phenotyping using automated device and
genotyping-by-sequencing techniques • Supervise interns, MSc and PhD students, including post-doctoral
fellows • Present research outcomes at the national and international conferences • Disseminate technology
through farmer’s days, consultancies, popular and scientific articles.
Requirements: • PhD in Plant Breeding, Quantitative/Statistical/Population Genetics, Molecular Genetics/
Biology • 3-5 years’ relevant work experience and referred publications • Ability to publish original research
in peer-reviewed publications with high impact factor • Valid driver’s licence • Good communication skills
(written and verbal) • Willingness to work as a role-player in a multidisciplinary research team.
Enquiries: Dr Toi Tsilo, tel. (058) 307-3444
Research Technician: Crop Improvement
Key performance areas: • Initiate, manage and contribute towards national projects • Provide technical
support, diagnostic and other services within the project • Collect, capture and process a detailed technical
data report • Complete technical tasks according to set quality and accreditation standards • Manage and
maintain project facilities, material and equipment • Compile and manage the project budget • Compile and
execute technical project activity plans • Manage people within the project and ensure optimal utilisation
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities • Participate in information dissemination.
Requirements: • National Diploma (or equivalent NQF7) plus 2 years’ relevant experience • Higher
qualifications and registration with a relevant scientific body would be advantages • SANSOR authorisation
for administration, sampling and seed field inspections is imperative • Knowledge of and experience in small
grain seed maintenance/management • Computer literacy with proficiency in the MS Office suite • Good
communication skills (written and verbal) • Valid driver’s licence.
Enquiries: Dr Andre Malan, tel. (058) 307-3400
Applications for the above 2 positions: Ms Lucy Mofokeng, ARC-SGI, Private Bag X29, Bethlehem
9700 or faxed to (058) 307-3519. Applications can also be submitted by e-mail to [email protected]
The ARC- Institute for Industrial Crops (ARC-IIC) seeks to appoint an experienced
and dynamic person to the following position in Rustenburg, North West:
Research Technician: Plant Breeding
Key performance areas: • Supervise glasshouse, nursery, pot room, etc • Propagate planting material
• Carry out planned pollinations • Take soil samples, do land preparation and lay trials • Plant and land
management, irrigation, weed and pest control • Harvest and store seed • Harvest trials and collect relevant
trial data • Take relevant samples and assist with preparation and evaluation thereof • Give input and
analyse data • Maintain and characterise the germplasm • Collect plant samples for lab analysis • Prepare
chemical reagents for DNA extraction and analysis.
Requirements: • BSc degree in Botany/Agronomy/Plant Sciences/Genetics or related field • 3 years’
field experience in trials, breeding nursery work, data collection, data capturing and preliminary analysis
• Ability to perform physical/mechanical work and foster outcomes and impacts from research • Good
communication skills (written and verbal) • Computer literacy with proficiency in the MS Office suite • Valid
driver’s licence.
Enquiries: Dr NG Lebaka, tel. (012) 427-9999
Applications for this post: Mr S Malesela, ARC-IIC, Private Bag X28075, Rustenburg 0300 or faxed to
086 610 7469. Applications can also be submitted by e-mail to IICCV @arc.agric.za
The ARC-Grain Crops Institute (ARC-GCI) seeks to appoint an experienced and
dynamic person to the following position in Potchefstroom, North West:
Senior Research Technician: Agronomy
Key performance areas: • Take a lead in technical aspects of soya beans and groundnut research projects
• Provide technical support, diagnostic and other services within the projects • Collect, capture and process
a detailed technical data report • Complete technical tasks according to set quality and accreditation
standards • Manage and maintain project facilities, material and equipment • Compile and manage the
project budget • Compile and execute technical project activity plans • Provide expert training to support
staff • Identify and pursue new business opportunities • Participate in information dissemination • Comply
with OHS regulations and procedures • Manage and contribute towards national projects.
Requirements: • MTech (or equivalent NQF7) plus 3 years’ relevant experience OR BTech/National Diploma
plus 5 years’ relevant experience • Registration with a relevant scientific registration body will be an
advantage • Computer literacy with proficiency in the MS Office suite • Valid driver’s licence.
Enquiries: Mr Thinus Prinsloo, tel. (018) 294-7166
Applications for this post: Ms Katleho Tlali, ARC-GCI,
Private Bag X1251, Potchefstroom 2520 or
faxed to (018) 294-7167. Applications can
also be submitted by e-mail to
[email protected]
Research Team Manager: Cultivar Development
Requirements: PhD in Plant Genetics/Horticulture/Molecular Biology/Biotechnology or related discipline .
Key performance areas: Be responsible for strategic planning, positioning and marketing of the programme
in the relevant deciduous fruit, wine and tea industries.
Requirements: PhD in Food Science/Oenology/Microbiology or related discipline.
Research Team Manager: Plant Protection
This position requires an experienced manager responsible for the overall management of Plant Protectionrelated research on deciduous fruit, table and wine grapes and other crops such as indigenous teas and
fynbos.
Key performance areas: Be responsible for strategic planning, positioning and marketing of the programme
in the relevant deciduous fruit and grape.
Requirements: PhD in Plant Pathology/Virology/Entomology/Nematology or related discipline.
Research Team Manager: Horticulture
This position requires an experienced manager responsible for the overall management of Horticulturerelated-research on deciduous fruit.
Key performance areas: Be responsible for strategic planning, positioning and marketing of the programme
in the relevant deciduous fruit industries.
Requirements: PhD in Horticulture/Plant Physiology or related discipline.
NB: Applicable to all 5 positions:
Key performance areas: • Manage the research assets and services of the programme which include
the maintenance of accepted scientific standards, leadership with regard to the various research activities
and quality control of all scientific outputs • Ensure technology is transferred from the division to relevant
target groups in an appropriate manner • Manage resources, including leadership, team building and
personnel development, recruitment, capacity building, training, guidance, coaching, mentorship and
talent management to maintain and strengthen core expertise, including full-time personnel as well as
mentoring students at national and international level • Be responsible for financial management of the
programme budget • Generate and optimise sustainable external income for the programme • Build and
foster partnerships within the Institute as well as with clients, stakeholder, shareholder, donors, and relevant
research organisations.
Requirements: • 5 years’ post-PhD experience in the management of research teams • Proven research
and managerial track record in the above field of expertise • Proven experience in attracting externally
funded projects, financial and personnel management, networking with national and international clients
and stakeholders • Proven experience and track record in scientific publication, report writing and compiling
presentations as well as networking and coordination of projects at national and international level
• Good communication and administrative skills • Computer literacy with proficiency in the MS Office suite
• Marketing, negotiation, scientific leadership and mentoring skills.
Enquiries: Dr Hennie du Plessis, tel. (021) 809-3474
Applications for the above 5 positions: Mr EM Mphye, ARC-Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026,
Stellenbosch 7599 or faxed to (021) 809-3002. Applications can also be submitted by e-mail to
[email protected]
The ARC-Roodeplaat (Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Institute) seeks to appoint an
experienced and dynamic person to the following position at Roodeplaat, Pretoria:
Senior Research Technician: Medicinal Plants
Key performance areas: • Compile and execute technical project activity plans • Assist in compiling and
managing project budgets • Maintain and manage project facilities, material and equipment • Conduct
specialist research/technical support, diagnostics, and other services within a project • Collect, capture,
process and interpret technical data and make recommendations • Compile detailed technical reports
• Manage and ensure compliance with quality standards • Identify the need for human resources in project(s)
and manage the allocated resources • Assist with identifying new business opportunities • Technology
transfer: Mentoring, presentations, publications, courses • Meet peer norm requirements for specific field of
expertise, by recognising authorship or contributions to publications.
Requirements: • MTech degree (or equivalent NQF7) • 3 years’ applicable experience in plant cultivation
and/or analytical laboratory techniques • Sound knowledge of and practical experience in chromatographic
technique and mass spectroscopy • Ability to interpret analytical data • Troubleshooting skills • Agricultural
knowledge and skills • Experience in report writing and compiling presentations • Good communication
skills (written and verbal) • Computer literacy with proficiency in the MS Office suite • Valid driver’s licence.
Enquiries: Dr Stephen Amoo, tel. (012) 808-8000
Applications for this post: Mr EM Mphye at ARC-Roodeplaat, Private Bag X293, Pretoria 0001.
Applications can also be submitted by e-mail to [email protected]
Competitive remuneration packages will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities and the stature
of the positions. Appointment will be subject to a 6-month probation period (for permanent positions
only) and a positive security clearance.
Applications, accompanied by a covering letter, detailed CV (including certificates, supporting
documents, copy of driver’s licence and nationality - NB: Non-RSA citizens/work permit holders
must attach certified copies), as well as the names and particulars of 3 traceable referees,
should be forwarded to the contacts mentioned at each division.
Closing date for applications: 21 November 2014
A SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Incomplete applications will not
be considered
Applicants who do not receive any response from us within 4 weeks of the closing date must regard
their applications as unsuccessful.
The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer but is committed to the
principlesand processes of Employment Equity. The company reserves the right not to appoint.