ARC Jobs

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

MSc STUDENT BURSARY X2 POSITIONS: IRRIGATION WATER MANAGEMENT

Job Reference Number: ARC-NRE/98
Department: 18 – IAE
Business Unit:
Industry: Engineering
Job Type: Contract
Positions Available: 1
Salary: Market Related

The ARC-Natural Resources and Engineering (ARC-NRE) seeks to appoint MSc students, based in Silverton, Pretoria

Job Description

• Conduct research on agricultural/irrigation water management and agriculture.
• Collect, process, interpret data, and make internal project recommendations.
• Write reports, policy briefs, and scientific articles based on research findings.
• Provide research support to Irrigation and Agricultural Infrastructure Engineering research projects as the affiliated postgraduate student.
• Engage with relevant stakeholders within affiliated research projects.

Job Requirements

• BSc Degree in Agricultural Engineering or any undergraduate degree in a discipline with an emphasis on agricultural/irrigation water management.
• Applicants should be highly motivated graduates with a strong academic background.
• Good communication skills (written and verbal).
• Must be willing to travel to farming communities and remote areas for intermediate periods.

Enquiries: Dr Macdex Mutema, Tel: 012 842 4000

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 03 JUNE 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 (as well as competency and leadership assessments).  

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

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

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 RESEARCHER – TAXONOMIST MEDICINAL PLANTS (THREE (3) YEARS FIXED TERM CONTRACT)

Job Reference Number: ARC-VIMP0991
Department: 09 – RVOPI
Business Unit:
Industry: Research
Job Type: Contract
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

• Initiating research, including conducting taxonomic and systematics research.
• Identifying, describing, and classifying medicinal plants using established taxonomic criteria.
• Developing and maintaining databases of medicinal plant specimens and associated taxonomic information.
• Developing and maintaining taxonomic keys for species identification.
• Writing and publishing scientific papers, reports, and other scholarly outputs.
• Managing resources including equipment and research materials, human resources and finances.
• Supporting strategic research collaboration and collaboration opportunities; these include.
• Presenting at national and international conferences, workshops.

Job Requirements

• PhD and experience of research on master’s level of at least 3 years, in Botany, Plant Taxonomy, or related discipline,
• At least 3 years’ experience in a relevant scientific research environment, post MSc with a national record of accomplishment at the level of a researcher focused on plant identification, herbarium work, and botanical fieldwork.
• Minimum 3-5 peer reviewed publications.
• Knowledge of regional flora.
• Familiarity with taxonomic tools, databases (e.g., BRAHMS, GBIF), and botanical nomenclature rules (ICN).
• Good communication skills, verbal and written.
• Proficiency in the MS Office suite.
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel.

NB: Candidates who previously applied for the position, should not re-apply.

Enquiries: Dr MM Mofokeng, Tel: (012) 808 8000

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 02 JUNE 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.

Click here to apply

RE-ADVERT SENIOR RESEARCHER ENTOMOLOGY

Job Reference Number: ARC-VIMP09126
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

Project Management & Coordination

The Senior Researcher is responsible for the coordination and supports the management of Research Projects across the Institute; these include supporting and coordination of the following aspects of the projects

• Project planning and Initiation.
• Equipment and Research Materials.
• Project Human Resources.
• Project Finances.
• Risk Management and Mitigation.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, reporting and project close out.

Research, Development, and Innovation

The Senior Researcher is responsible for the coordination and supports the management of Research, development, and innovation, these include the supporting and coordination of the following Research aspects

• Invention.
• Translation. 
• Commercialization.
• Adoption and Use.

Research Collaboration

The Senior Researcher is responsible for the coordination and supports the management of strategic research collaboration and collaboration opportunities; these include the supporting and coordination of

• Strategic Research partnerships / networks / collaborators.
• Intra-Inter Institutional Collaboration & Partnerships.

Human Capacity Building

The Senior Researcher is responsible for coordination and supports the management of Human Capacity Development that includes support of

• Project staff and students.
• Self.

Job Requirements

• PhD in Entomology or related disciplines (Crop Protection, Biotechnology, etc.).
• Five (5) years of relevant post PhD experience in pest control of crops. 
• Authored or co-authored a minimum of twelve (12) peer review publications relevant to the position.
• Proven record of project management and participation in national and international projects.
• Proven record of building national and international partnerships and networks.
• Proven record for generating external income.
• Proven record of mentoring and supervising/co-supervising MSc and PhD students.
• A valid driver’s licence.
• Experience in vegetable pests will be an added advantage.
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• NRF rating of at least C1 or higher will be an added advantage

NB: Candidates who previously applied for the position, should not re-apply.

Inquiries: Dr, Mariette Truter, Tel: (012) 800 8000

CLOSING DATE FOR THE APPLICATIONS: 02 JUNE 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.

Click here to apply

RE-ADVERT SENIOR RESEARCHER PLANT BREEDING

Job Reference Number: ARC-VIMP09118
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

Project Management & Coordination

The Senior Researcher is responsible for the coordination and supports the management of Research Projects across the Institute; these include supporting and coordination of the following aspects of the projects

• Project planning and Initiation.
• Equipment and Research Materials.
• Project Human Resources.
• Project Finances.
• Risk Management and Mitigation.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, reporting and project close out.

Research, Development, and Innovation

The Senior Researcher is responsible for the coordination and supports the management of Research, development, and innovation, these include the supporting and coordination of the following Research aspects

• Invention.
• Translation. 
• Commercialization.
• Adoption and Use.

Research Collaboration

The Senior Researcher is responsible for the coordination and supports the management of strategic research collaboration and collaboration opportunities; these include the supporting and coordination of

• Strategic Research partnerships / networks / collaborators.
• Intra-Inter Institutional Collaboration & Partnerships.

Human Capacity Building

The Senior Researcher is responsible for coordination and supports the management of Human Capacity Development that includes support of

• Project staff and students.
• Self.

Job Requirements

• PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Biotechnology or related discipline.
• At least five (5) years post PhD experience in plant breeding.
• Authored or co-authors a minimum of 12 peer review publications relevant to the position.
• Experience in molecular breeding of vegetable crops (seed, fruit or leafy vegetables) will be an added advantage.
• Experience in generating external income for research projects.
• Proven record of mentoring and supervising/co-supervising students and other research staff.
• Proven record for initiation, planning and execution of research projects, personnel management and financial management of projects. 
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• NRF rating of at least C1 or higher will be an added advantage.
• Valid driver’s license. 

NB: Candidates who previously applied for the position, should not re-apply.

Enquiries: Dr Mariette Truter, Tel: (012) 808 8281

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 02 JUNE 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.

Click here to apply

RE-ADVERT SENIOR RESEARCHER – IN VITRO PROPAGATION

Job Reference Number: ARC-VIMP 09111
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

Project Management & Coordination

The Senior Researcher is responsible for the coordination and supports the management of Research Projects across the Campus; these include aspects of:

• Planning, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation, reporting.
• Equipment and Consumables.
• Human Resources.
• Finances. 
• Risk Management and Mitigation.  

Research, Development, and Innovation

The Senior Researcher is responsible for the coordination and supports the management of research, development, and innovation, these include:

• Invention.
• Translation.
• Commercialization.
• Adoption and Use.

Research Collaboration

• The Senior Researcher is responsible for the coordination and supports the management of strategic research collaboration and collaboration opportunities; these include the supporting and coordination of:
• Strategic Research partnerships / networks.
• Intra-Inter Institutional Collaboration.
• National Collaboration

Human Capacity Development

The Researcher is responsible for supporting Human Capacity Development that includes:

• Project staff and students.
• Self-development.

Job Requirements

• PhD in Plant Physiology, Plant Biotechnology, Plant Production, Botany, Horticulture, or closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years relevant experience in plant tissue culture –related research.
• A minimum of 12 peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• Experience in plant tissue culture method development and validation.
• Experience in project management, postgraduate student supervision or mentoring.
• Experience in external income generation related to economic plants (including essential oil and industrial plants) propagation and cultivation R&D is an added advantage.
• Agricultural research knowledge and skills.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written).
• Computer literacy.
• Valid driver’s license.

Enquiries: Prof Stephen Amoo, Tel: (012) 808 8000 

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION:  02 JUNE 2026

Candidates who have previously applied for this position need not re-apply, as their applications have already been received and will be taken into consideration.

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 (as well as competency and leadership assessments).

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

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

Click here to apply

PROJECT COORDINATOR – ONE (1) YEAR FIXED TERM CONTRACT

Job Reference Number: ARC – BTP11/10
Department: 11 – BTECH
Business Unit:
Industry: Research
Job Type: Contract
Positions Available: 1
Salary: Market Related

The ARC- Biotechnology Platform (ARC– BTP) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced and dynamic person to the following position at Onderstepoort, Pretoria:

Job Description

• Coordinate and assist the Project Manager to execute the Beef Genomics Programme, in the context of the Beef Genomics Program Consortium and in line with the contractual obligations of the Agricultural Research Council and programme.
• Assist with coordinating the internal resources with third parties and vendors for execution of the project.
• Facilitate communication among project stakeholders, including researchers, collaborators, and funding agencies.
• Assist with coordinating and compiling project and externalreports to the different stakeholders.
• Maintaining all project information and documentation.
• Deal with incoming and outgoing correspondence (letters,memos, etc.) and taking minutes.
• Assist with Supply Chain Management processes as required.
• Assist with facilitating payments, invoicing, budgets, etc.
• Assist with capturing project deliverables and monitoring/tracking these against the project’s execution plan.
• Assist with managing the project’s schedule.
• Assist with tracking the project performance in relation to milestones with the appropriate tools and techniques.
• Assist with maintaining the relationships among all project stakeholders, third parties and vendors.
• Assist with maintaining comprehensive project documentation for project reporting, auditing, operations, etc.
• Attend all Consortium and relevant Stakeholder meetings.
• Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimize project disruptions.
• Perform other project related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business / Public Administration, or related field.
• 3 to 5 years’ proven working experience in project coordination or management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Solid organizational skills, including attention to detail and multitasking.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Certificate in Project Management will be an added advantage.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) membership will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of contractual reporting requirements, SLAs/MoUs, and IP/data sharing considerations will be an added advantage.
• Familiarity with Supply Chain Management processes (requisitions, quotations, purchase orders, tenders) within a PFMA/Treasury framework will be an added advantage.

Enquiries: Dr Quentin Santana: 012 529 9121

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 27 MAY 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.

Click here to apply

RESEARCH TECHNICIAN: TOXICOLOGY

Job Reference Number: ARC-OVR10/76
Department: 10 – OVI
Business Unit:
Industry: Research
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 1
Salary: Market Related

The ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research (ARC-OVR) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced, and dynamic person to the following positions at Onderstepoort, Pretoria.

Job Description

• Provide support to Researchers and Senior Technicians in research projects and diagnostic services related activities.
• The Research Technician is responsible for conducting technical project activities. These activities include the following:
• Maintain cell culture Laboratory.
• Oversee small animal Laboratory.
• Maintain stocks of reagents and consumables.
• Evaluation and interpretation of technical data generated.
• Calibration and verification of equipment.
• Improving/Implementing ISO 17025 quality requirements within the laboratory.
• Performing any other duties assigned by the Head of Laboratory or Project Manager.
• Contribute to knowledge dissemination through peer-reviewed oral and poster. presentations.
• Scientific Status Requirements.
• Support Toxicology and Ethnoveterinary Medicine services to clients.
• Ensure compliance with OHS/SHE policies and procedures.
• Comply with human capital management policies and procedures.

Job Requirements

• National Diploma in Veterinary Science or equivalent qualification.
• BTech Degree in Veterinary Science or equivalent will be an added advantage.
• SAVC registration is compulsory.
• Three (3) years’ experience in mammalian cell culture will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of ELISA will be an advantage.
• Knowledge of and experience in chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques will be an advantage.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent knowledge of Quality Management (ISO 17025).

Enquiries: Dr. Esam Elgorashi – Tel: (012) 529 9260

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 22 MAY 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. 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

SENIOR RESEARCHER – AGRONOMY

Job Reference Number: ARC-GC 77
Department: 05 – GCI
Business Unit:
Industry: Research
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 1
Salary: Market Related

The ARC-Grain Crops seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced and dynamic person to the following position(s) at Potchefstroom (ARC– GC),North West.

Job Description

Project Management & Coordination

Coordination and supports the management of Research Projects across the Institute; these include supporting and coordination of the following aspects of the projects 

• Project planning and Initiation
• Equipment and Research Materials  
• Project Human Resources  
• Project Finances  
• Risk Management and Mitigation  
• Monitoring, Evaluation, reporting and project close out 

Research, Development, and Innovation

Coordination and supports the management of Research, development, and innovation, these include the supporting and coordination of the following Research aspects

• Invention  
• Translation  
• Commercialization  
• Adoption and Use  

Research Collaboration

Coordination and supports the management of strategic research collaboration and collaboration opportunities; these include the supporting and coordination of

• Strategic Research partnerships / networks / collaborators  
• Intra-Inter Institutional Collaboration & Partnerships  

Human Capacity Building

• The Senior Researcher is responsible for coordination and supports the management of Human Capacity Development that includes support of Project staff and students .
• Mentoring and supervising two MSc and two PhD students in every 5 years.  At a minimum 5 students graduated under supervisor/co-supervision at time of appointment
• Self

Job Requirements

• PhD in Agronomy, Production Systems, Plant Sciences or related discipline.
• At least 5 years post PhD experience.
• At least 5 years’ experience in a relevant scientific research environment, post Ph.D. and a proven national record and moving to international record of accomplishment.
• Minimum 12 approved peer review publications relevant to the position.
• Proven track record of mentoring and supervising two MSc and two PhD students in every 5 years and other research staff.
• Proven record of accomplishment for generating external income for programme and projects in programme.
• Proven record for initiation, planning and execution of research projects, personnel management and financial management of projects.
• Registration with a relevant scientific registration body will be added advantage. 
• NRF rating of at least C1 or higher will be an added advantage
• Valid driver’s license.

Enquiries: Dr Zaid Bello, Tel: (018) 299 – 6224

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 18 MAY 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.

Click here to apply

We wish you all the best with your applications