ARC Jobs

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

CHIEF RESEARCH TECHNICIAN (GENEBANK MANAGER): PLANT IMPROVEMENT

Job Reference Number: ARC-TSC03/39
Department: 03 – ITSC
Business Unit:
Industry: Research
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 1
Salary: Market Related

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

Job Description

• Manage all field and nursery gene bank blocks at ARC research farms in Nelspruit, Hluhluwe, Addo, Levubu, Ncera and Bienne Donne, with support at remote stations.
• Co-ordinate management of gene bank blocks with own team and support services.
• Manage project budgets for gene bank projects and ensure effective resource allocation (funds and labour) for management of field gene banks.
• Compile monthly progress reports (internal) and quarterly reports (external for funders) in the form of written reports and presentations.
• Responsible for maintaining and updating existing gene bank database for all crops managed at TSC.
• Ability to travel independently to remote stations regularly to oversee management of gene bank blocks.
• Identify research opportunities and implement improved gene bank management technologies.
• Training of support staff in gene bank maintenance.
• Supervision of Research Technicians and Research Support Assistants.
• Strong communication skills to liaise with Researchers, Research Support Assistants and Farm Managers for daily activities.
• Liaise with growers, industry technical officers and national and provincial government.
• Write popular/scientific publications and present research outcomes of relevance to subtropical fruit growers, industries and the scientific community.

Job Requirements

• MSc. or MTech (NQF7) in the plant production/horticulture/agronomy field with proven ability to manage farm/research blocks in the field.
• Relevant experience of 8 years (post MSc./MTech) in an environment where crop management/production in the field was the focus.
• Knowledge on crop production, horticulture, farm management, irrigation, pest and weed management essential.
• Basic project and financial management skills.
• History of collaboration at national level.
• History of strategic and operational planning skills and expertise.
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• Advanced Computer Literacy.
• Code EB driver’s licence and proven ability to drive.

Enquiries: Dr Elliosha Hajari, Tel: (013) 753 7000

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 15 MAY 2025

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.

CHIEF RESEARCH TECHNICIAN: PLANT BREEDING

Job Reference Number: ARC-TSC03/38
Department: 03 – ITSC
Business Unit:
Industry: Research
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 1
Salary: Market Related

The ARC- Tropical and Subtropical Crops (ARC-TSC) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced and dynamic person to the following position in Addo, Eastern Cape.

Job Description

• Manages projects on breeding and evaluation of tropical and subtropical crops at Addo.
• Manages daily activities in research blocks in the field with assistance of support staff.
• Manages project budgets to ensure effective resource allocation (funds and labour) within and across projects.
• Compiles monthly progress reports (internal) and quarterly reports (external for funders) in the form of written reports and presentations.
• Identifies research opportunities and implements advanced technologies in breeding.
• Supervision and management of Research Technicians and Research Support Assistants.
• Contributes towards technology transfer and training efforts.
• Liaise with growers, industry technical officers and national and provincial government.
• Write popular/scientific publications and present research outcomes of relevance to subtropical fruit growers, industries and the scientific community.

Job Requirements

• MSc. or MTech (NQF7) in Plant Breeding/Genetics/Horticulture/Plant Production with proven ability to manage farm/research blocks in the field.
• Relevant experience of 8 years (post MSc./MTech) in an environment with a focus on plant breeding.
• Knowledge of plant breeding, horticultural production and management of field blocks essential.
• Basic project and financial management skills.
• History of collaboration at national level.
• History of strategic and operational planning skills and expertise.
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• Advanced Computer Literacy.
• Code EB driver’s licence and proven ability to drive.

Enquiries: Dr Elliosha Hajari, Tel: (013) 753 7000

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 15 MAY 2025

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.

MSC STUDENT X2 – GI MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY: (3 YEARS FIXED TERM CONTRACT)

Job Reference Number: AP33
Department: 02 – API
Business Unit:
Industry: Research
Job Type: Contract
Positions Available: 1
Salary: Market Related

The ARC- Animal Production (ARC- AP) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced, and dynamic person to the following position at Irene.

Job Description

• Provides research support to the Rumen Microbiome project as a registered MSc student.
• Engage with relevant stakeholders within the project.
• Disseminate project results through scientific or popular publications, conferences, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Participate in sectional meetings, seminars, and workshops.
• Ensure compliance with SHE/OHS policies and procedures

Job Requirements

• Honours in Microbiology/Genetics or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated capacity to conduct research at postgraduate level.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written).
• Must be a South African citizen.
• A valid driver’s license will be an added advantage.

   Enquiries: Dr. Sinalo Mani Tel: (012) 672 9122

  CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 05 MAY 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. 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) 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.

INTERNS X2 – GI MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY: (3 YEARS FIXED TERM CONTRACT)

Job Reference Number: AP34
Department: 02 – API
Business Unit:
Industry: Research
Job Type: Contract
Positions Available: 1
Salary: Market Related

The ARC- Animal Production (ARC- AP) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced, and dynamic person to the following position at Irene.

Job Description

• Together with Project Manager, contribute towards projects, by compiling and executing technical project activity plans.
• Participate in sample collection and data capturing and adhere to proper data quality control protocols.
• Sample preparation and analyses, such as culturing, DNA extraction, and ELISA assays with good laboratory practice (GLP).
• Assist in compiling and managing project purchases.
• Compile detailed technical reports and submit for review and approval.
• Participate in the successful transfer of scientific technology i.e. compilation of reports, oral and poster presentations and popular articles.
• Utilise and maintain facilities, apparatus and equipment.
• Participate on sectional meetings, seminars and workshops.
• Ensures compliance with SHE/OHS policies and procedures.

Job Requirements

• BSc Honours in Microbiology/Biotechnology/Genetics or closely related field.
• Or BSc/BTech degree in Microbiology/Biotechnology/Genetics or closely related field, plus 1 year relevant experience.
• Attach Academic Record
• Must be a South African citizen.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written).
• A valid driver’s license will be an added advantage.

Enquiries: Dr. S Mani Tel: (012) 672 9122

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 05 MAY 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, Academic Record, supporting documents, copy of driver’s license) 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.

SENIOR RESEARCHER – BACTERIAL SEROLOGY

Job Reference Number: ARC-OVR10/43
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 position at Onderstepoort, Pretoria.

Job Description

• Manage the bacterial serology diagnostic laboratory and its human and capital resources.
• Compile and manages laboratory budgets and diagnostic prices.
• Identifying and motivating for capex.
• Compile or contribute to management reports; initiate and attend meetings, resolve operational problems, liaise with stakeholders.
• Verify and authorise diagnostic reports.
• Provide guidance on diagnostic approaches.
• Review and authorise all Quality Assurance (QA) documents.
• Review and authorise all proficiency test (PT)/interlaboratory test (ILT) reports.
• Organise PT and ILT, read root cause analysis (RCA) reports and monitor compliance with resolutions taken, attend and convene QA meetings and training sessions, validate tests and compile validation reports.
• Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety requirements.
• Build capacity through training others e.g. junior technicians, veterinarians, junior researchers, farmers, students etc.
• Mentor/be involved in mentoring students to acquire higher degree qualifications.
• Identify research projects, seek collaborations, source funding, execute research work, present research findings at scientific gatherings, publish research findings, support other people’s research.

Job Requirements

• PhD/ DSC in Veterinary Science/ Microbiology or related field.
• At least 5 years post PhD/DSc or 5 years proven relevant experience on that level or similar position.
• Registration with the South African Veterinary Council is compulsory.
• Proven track record of publications.
• Proven track record of mentoring and supervising/co-supervising other researchers / students.
• Proven record of accomplishment of generating external income.
• Good analytical and report writing skills.
• A valid driver’s license.

Enquiries: Dr Alison Lubisi, Tel: (012) 529 9338

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 10 MAY 2025

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 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.

RE-ADVERT: RESEARCHER: PLANT IMPROVEMENT (BIOTECHNOLOGY)

Job Reference Number: ARC-TSC03/35
Department: 03 – ITSC
Business Unit:
Industry: Research
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 1
Salary: Market Related

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

Job Description

• Initiate/manage research projects related to plant tissue culture.
• Write proposals and manage project budgets.
• Write publications/present research outcomes of relevance to subtropical fruit growers, industries and the scientific community.
• Provide leadership and mentoring to research technicians, assistants and students.
• Develop and optimise protocols for micropropagation of tropical and subtropical crops (from in vitro stage to acclimatisation).
• Manage operations in biotechnology laboratory as well as nursery (shade house and tunnel).
• Maintain gene banks for conservation purposes (in the nursery and in vitro).
• Liaise with growers, industry technical officers, national and provincial government.

Job Requirements

• PhD in Plant Biotechnology or Biological/Life/Natural Sciences with specialization in Plant Biotechnology (plant tissue culture).
• Minimum of 3 years applicable experience in research support in plant tissue culture applications.
• In depth knowledge of Plant Biotechnology with a particular emphasis on plant tissue culture technologies (micropropagation). Experience with cryopreservation will be an advantage.
• Technical knowledge of glasshouse/nursery management.
• Proven record of at least 3 scientific publications and presentations at scientific conferences.
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• Proven history of collaboration at national level.
• Proven history of mentoring and supervising/co-supervising researchers and students.
• Advanced Computer Literacy.
• Valid driver’s license.

Enquiries: Dr Elliosha Hajari, Tel: (013) 753 7000

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 2 MAY 2025

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.

SENIOR ARTISAN – WORKSHOP

Job Reference Number: AP36
Department: 02 – API
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 Animal Production (ARC-AP), Ncera, Eastern Cape.

Job Description

• Ensure effective workshop maintenance and repairs.
• Conduct irrigation maintenance services.
• Ensure effective management of fleet, machinery, storage and workshop.
• Conduct effective facility and infrastructure maintenance operations.
• Ensure proper management of operations.
• Ensure effective provision of health safety risk management service.
• Manage mechanization projects and budgets in liaison with Centre Manager.
• Provide training on mechanization and maintenance of workshop tools and equipment.

Job Requirements

• N6 in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent qualification with a Trade Test Certificate.
• 3 – 5 years of experience in a wide range of artisan work (Mechanical, Irrigation, Maintenance of farm equipment and boreholes etc.).
• Diploma/Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Engineering will be an added advantage.

Enquiries: Mr. Simphiwe Nini: Tel: (043) 781-6108

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 05 MAY 2025

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.

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.

FARM ASSISTANT – WORKSHOP

Job Reference Number: AP32
Department: 02 – API
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 Animal Production (ARC-AP), Ncera, Eastern Cape.

Job Description

• Performs routine activities under the Senior Artisan’s supervision.
• Adheres to instructions from the Senior Artisan.
• Utilises tools and materials, and maintenance of the tools under supervision.
• Assists in research support and basic activities related to research under supervision.
• Provides verbal feedback on work activities to supervisor.
• Adheres to quality standards of Farm Assistant.
• Identifies and participates in own learning opportunities.

Job Requirements

• Grade 10 plus 3 years’ experience working in workshop environment with tractors and Agricultural equipments.
• Driver’s license Code 8 or 10 is an added advantage.
• Good communication written and verbal and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to do routine and physically demanding work, in adverse weather conditions.
• Comply with SHE/OHS regulations and procedures.

Mr, Patrick Rabushe: Tel: 043 781 6108

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 05 MAY 2025

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

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

We wish you all the best with your applications