Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Vacancies

To apply, click on the link at the end of the posts and all the best with your applications

RE-ADVERT TRACTOR DRIVER

Job Reference Number: ARC/TSC03/70
Department: 03 – ITSC- Nelspruit
Business Unit:
Industry: Horticulture/Agriculture
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 1
Salary: Market Related

The ARC seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced, and dynamic person to the following position at Tropical & Subtropical Crops (ARC-TSC) Nelspruit, Mpumalanga

Job Description

• Work on a tractor with various implements such as bush cutter, slasher, spraying machine etc.
• Ensure that soil cultivation is done accurately, timeously and in a professional manner.
• Safe transportation of farm produce, fertilizers and other farm equipment.
• Basic maintenance of the tractor and implements.
• Time management with execution of individual & team tasks.
• Record keeping of day-to-day work done, diesel usage and spraying programs.
• Assist with general farm work as instructed by the line manager.
• Comply with all requirements of the OHSE Act.

Job Requirements

• Grade 10 with at least 1-3 years’ experience as a tractor driver.
• Grade 12 with tractor driving experience will be an added advantage.
• Good reading and writing skills.
• Valid code 10 (C1) driver’s license.
• Willing to do a tractor driving competency test during the interview process.

Enquiries: Mr Golden Lubisi: Email: LubisiG@arc.agric.za

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 27 JANUARY 2025

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 and at least three contactable referees) must be attached on the form.  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.

Click here to apply

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM: BACTERIOLOGY X1

Job Reference Number: PHP0644
Department: 06 – PPRI
Business Unit:
Industry: Research
Job Type: Contract
Positions Available: 1
Salary: Market Related

The ARC-Plant Health and Protection (ARC-PHP) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced and dynamic person to the following position at Roodeplaat, Pretoria.

Job Description

• Preparation of buffers and growth media.
• Isolation, purification, preservation of bacterial cultures.
• DNA extraction and PCR from plant pathogenic bacteria.
• Maintaining and expanding the national collection of bacteria.
• Assist with data capturing.
• Provide research support for Diagnostics.
• Assist with soil preparation and glasshouse trials.
• Assist with collection of samples in different provinces.
• Adhere to quality standards.
• Complies with SHE/OHS regulations and procedures.

Job Requirements

• National Diploma/BSc in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Plant Pathology and related.
• Post graduate Diploma/Hons will be an added advantage.
• One year experience in a plant bacteriology laboratory will be an advantage.
• Experience in preservation of bacteria.
• Assist with soil preparation and glasshouse trials.
• Willing to go to field trips.

Enquiries:Dr Valery Moloto Tel: 012 808 8163

CLOSING DATE: 23 JANUARY 2026

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 designated groups in terms of ARC Employment Equity Plan. Preference will be given to persons with disabilities. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes to Employment Equity Act.

Applications accompanied by covering letter, detailed CV with at least three recent (3) contactable referees. Certified copies of certificates, supporting documents, copy of driver’s license must be attached.

A 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. Permanent appointments are subject to six (6) months probation period. The organisation reserves the right not to appoint.

Click here to apply

RE-ADVERT SPECIALIST RESEARCHER PLANT BREEDING

Job Reference Number: VIMP09108
Department: 09 – RVOPI
Business Unit:
Industry: Research
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 1
Salary: Market Related

The ARC seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced and dynamic person to the following position(s) at Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants (ARC-VIMP), Roodeplaat, Pretoria.

Job Description

• Strategic planning and positioning of research programme in Plant Breeding, nationally and internationally.
• Providing scientific leadership in research, development and innovation in the field of Plant Breeding of seed, fruit and leafy vegetable crops in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Managing all technology transfer initiatives of the multidisciplinary team across the commodities, leading the generation and commercialization of Intellectual Property.
• Human Capacity Development that includes outputs of mentoring and developing others (internal staff) and developing self. 
• Safety, health, and environment.
• Scientific Status of the Research environment. 

Job Requirements

• PhD or DSc in Plant Breeding, Biotechnology or related discipline.
• More than 8 years post PhD experience and/or 8 years of relevant experience on a similar level.
• Proven track record of research management in at least one of the Crop Protection related areas, with working knowledge of the other areas in Crop Protection. 
• Minimum 25 peer reviewed publications. Meets peer norm requirements for specific field of expertise, with a minimum (on average) of three peer-reviewed publications per year. Minimum 25 peer reviewed publications at date of appointment.
• Proven track record for generating external income for research programme and projects in programme.
• Proven record of accomplishment of being an invited international speaker or being involved/invited as participant in international events of high importance.
• Proven track record of building national and international partnerships and networks.
• Proven track record of strategic and operational planning skills and expertise.
• Proven track record of mentoring and supervising/supervising MSc and PhD students.
• NRF rating of at least C1 will be an added advantage.
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• Proven recognition as a research leader on a national and international level.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel.

Inquiries: Dr. Mariette Truter, Tel: (012) 808 8000

CLOSING DATE FOR THE APPLICATION: 31 JANUARY 2026

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 and at least three contactable referees) must be attached on the form.

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.

Click here to apply

RESEARCHER -POTATO BREEDING

Job Reference Number: VIMP-VIMP091014
Department: 09 – RVOPI
Business Unit:
Industry: Research
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 1
Salary: Market Related

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:

Job Description

• Initiates and manages research projects on breeding.
• Conducts specific research with clear focus on root and tuber crops.
• Actively sources and secures new research opportunities and funding related to potato breeding and production.
• Compiles quarterly, annual, and ad hoc reports (internal and external).
• Captures, analyses, and interprets data.
• Provides leadership, supervision and mentoring of postgraduate students, researchers, research technicians and assistants.
• Human resources management to ensure efficient deployment and utilization, setting objective assessment and training.
• Disseminates technology through peer-reviewed scientific articles, popular publications, manual production, radio, and TV talks, etc.
• Initiates and collaborates with national and international organisations.
• Trains postgraduate students and technical personnel in the use of specialized analytical instruments and associated software.
• Compliance with human resource policies and procedures.
• Compliance with occupational health and safety policies and procedures.

Job Requirements

• PhD Plant Breeding or Plant Genetics or related field plus minimum three years relevant experience in plant breeding or MSc Plant Breeding or Plant Genetics or related field plus minimum 5 years experience in plant breeding
• Minimum 3 relevant peer reviewed scientific publications.
• Experience in hybridization techniques and potato breeding are differentiating advantages.
• Demonstrable experience in designing and execution of breeding and genetics research.
• Knowledge and experience in agronomy and crop performance research is an added advantage.
• Postgraduate student mentoring or supervision experience.
• Proven record of accomplishment for generating external income.
• Registration with a relevant scientific registration body, where applicable.
• Management skills including research project management.
• Good communication skills (verbal and writing).
• Knowledge of intellectual property opportunities.
• Valid driver’s license.

Enquiries: Dr Sunette Laurie (012)808-8432

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:22 JANUARY 2026

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 and at least three contactable referees) must be attached on the form.

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.

Click here to apply

RESEARCH TECHNICIAN

Job Reference Number: VIMP099112
Department: 09 – RVOPI
Business Unit:
Industry: Research
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 2
Salary: Market Related

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:

Job Description

• Project Management & Coordination
• The Research Technician 1 assists with technical projects across the Institute; these include the following aspects of project management.

• Project Finances.
• Project technical risk management.

• Research Support, Diagnostics and Other Services
• The Research Technician 1 assists with conducting technical projects.  These activities include the following activities.

• Adoption, management, and use.
• Translation.
• Commercialisation.

• Technology Transfer
• The Research Technician 1 assists with technology transfer initiatives in the institution, these are as follows.

• Intellectual Property Assessment.
• Prototype Development.
• Testing and Validation.

• Scientific Status Requirements
• assisting with scientific research; these include the following activities.

• Innovation and Commercialisation.
• Project / Programme impact.

• Safety, health, and Environment
• The Research Technician 1 is responsible for assisting with safety, health and environment compliance and standards, these include the following activities.

• Regulatory Compliance.
• Lab safety.
• Hazardous material disposal.

• Human Capital Development
• The Research Technician 1 is responsible for Human capacity development, which includes.
• Self and continuous learning

Job Requirements

• National Diploma or BTech/BSc in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Entrepreneurship with minimum 3 years’ experience in technology transfer and agricultural support or similar environment.
• Knowledge and experience with working on biologicals is essential will be an added advantage.
• Sector Education and Training Authority (Facilitation, Assessing and/ or Moderation).
• Public speaking (presentations, facilitation).
• Computer literacy and proficiency in MS Office suit.
• Interpersonal Skills.
• Good Communication skills (Verbal and written).
• Customer relations.
• Advanced organizational skills with the ability to multitask.
• A valid SA driver’s license.

Inquiries: Dr Lerato Matsaunyane, Tel: (012) 800 8000

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION: 20 JANUARY 2026

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 and at least three contactable referees) must be attached on the form.

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.

Click here to apply

RESEARCH ASSISTANT-INVITRO GENBANK (ONE YEAR FIXED TERM CONTRACT)

Job Reference Number: VIMP-VIMP091013
Department: 09 – RVOPI
Business Unit:
Industry: Research
Job Type: Contract
Positions Available: 2
Salary: Market Related

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:

Job Description

• Contribute to research by rendering desired support to research and technical personnel to ensure successful completion of research projects in compliance with applicable standards.
• Assist with in vitro propagation, monitoring and maintenance of plants.
• Assist with preparation of growth media and consumables according to protocols for tissue culture and glasshouse activities.
• Assist in optimizing research, technical and administrative processes in the laboratory and adheres to quality standards.
• Assist with the utilisation of material and equipment in a cost-effective manner and ensuring that relevant laboratory glassware and equipment is cleaned, maintained, and stored correctly.
• Assist with data collection, recording and providing verbal and written feedback on work activities to supervisor.
• Ensure that own and team deadlines are met.
• Assist with training of junior staff.
• Compliant with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) policies and procedures.
• Perform correct labelling, culturing and tracking of plant materials and conduct checks to limit errors and accidents.
• Pay attention to detail and be precise with repetitive work in order to limit/prevent occurrence of errors in Genebank processes.
• Compile and submission of work reports to supervisor.
• General cleaning and hygiene maintenance of all areas in the Laboratory.

Job Requirements

• Grade 12 with a minimum of three-year’s related experience or Grade 10 with 08 years related experience or 20 years related experience. 
• Experience in plant tissue culture, aseptic techniques or any other laboratory experience will be advantageous.
• Knowledge of laboratory operations and equipment, quarantine and nursery sanitation.
• Writing, reading skills and the ability to accurately record and label samples.
• Ability to work independently, in a team and being pro-active.
• Good written and oral communication skills;
• Knowledge of computer programs (Microsoft package, databases) would be an advantage.
• Driver’s license would be an advantage.

Enquiries: . Ms O Madzikane Tel: 012 808 8200

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 16 JANUARY 2026

Competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities, and the stature of the position. 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, competency/leadership assessments and preference will be given to designated groups (including people with disabilities) 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) and at least three contactable referees must be attached on the form.

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. 

Click here to apply

SPECIALIST RESEARCHER ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT AND COMMERCIALISATION

Job Reference Number: VIMP099113
Department: 09 – RVOPI
Business Unit:
Industry: Research
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 1
Salary: Market Related

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:

Job Description

• Assess the commercial potential of innovations or inventions.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis.
• Perform technical and commercial due diligence.
• Manage the transition from research to development to commercialization.
• Develop commercialization strategies (e.g., licensing, startup creation, partnerships).
• Define business models and go-to-market plans.
• Identify and engage potential industry partners or licensees.
• Negotiate terms for licensing, spinouts, and collaboration agreements.
• Assist in the creation of spinouts, including business plan development and investor engagement.
• Provide input on governance, funding, and operational models.
• Work with IP/legal teams to manage patents, trademarks, and other intellectual property assets.
• Support patent filing decisions based on commercial relevance.
• Liaise with researchers, investors, legal teams, and business development units.
• Build and manage industry and investor relationships.
• Write reports, pitch decks, and funding proposals.

Job Requirements

• Relevant PhD or DSc in Agricultural Economics/ Business Administration or Management or related field or a Masters’s degree with MBA/MBL 10 years relevant experience. 
• Additional qualification in Business Development, IP Law, or Commercial Law is advantageous.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in Agribusiness development, commercialization of agricultural products or technologies, value chain development and market research and entry strategies.
• Understanding of R&D processes and product development cycles.
• At least 8 years of experience in agribusiness development, commercialization projects.
• Income generation to a level of at least r10 million or more.
• Proven record of accomplishment of being an invited international speaker or being involved/ invited as participant in international events of high importance.
• Proven track record of accomplishment for generating external income for programme and project in programme.
• Proven track record of development of new varieties and registration of BPR.
• Proven track record of strategic and operational planning skills and expertise registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• Management qualification will be added advantage.
• Minimum 25 peer reviewed publications. Meets peer norm requirements for specific field of expertise, with a minimum (on average) of three peer-reviewed publications per year. Minimum 25 peer reviewed publications at date of appointment. 
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• Experience in commercial strategy development and go to market planning.
• Awareness of market trends and competitor analysis.
• Ability to assess market viability, commercial potential, and business model.
• Strong communication and researchers, legal teams, investors, and business partners.
• Ability to work with legal teams on licensing agreements, contracts, MTAs and NDAs.
• Proven ability to negotiate, influence, and build strategic partnership.
• Excellence project planning, budgeting, and timeline management skills.
• Experience working with agribusiness will be added as advantage.
• Good ability to write proposals and investors communication.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and self-motivated.
• Familiar with local, regional, and international agricultural markets.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks affecting agricultural trade.
• Proficiency in Microsoft office, customer relationship management (CRM), or project management tools.
• Experience with startup ecosystems, venture capital, or spinouts is highly valuable.
• Valid driver’s license.

Enquiries: Dr Lerato Matsaunyane, Tel: (012) 808 800

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION: 31 JANUARY 2026

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 and at least three contactable referees) must be attached on the form.

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.

Click here to apply

We wish you all the best with your applications