ARC Vacancies

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

FACILITIES OFFICER

Job Reference Number: ARC-VIMP09120
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

•  Manage the provision and maintenance of buildings infrastructure
•  Manage the maintenance services including among others, cleaning, garden, and security services.
•  Management of the fleet utilization
•  Ensure effective assets and contracts management including insurances.
•  Provide budget inputs and adherence to the allocated budget
•  Staff management and production optimization
•  Ensure that VIMP Facilities comply with OHSA and Regulations
•  Assist in allocation of resources to employees to successfully perform their roles e.g. Offices,
•  Equipment’s and proper accommodation
•  Management and servicing of all outsourced facilities related
•  Service Level Agreement to ensure that service providers delivers according to the standard specification e.g Cleaning
•  Services, Security Services.
•  Management of asset team and compliance thereof in respect of acquisition, Operations, verification and disposal   processes.
•  Ensure the renewal and sourcing of new contracts for VIMP as and when required. Ensure the supplier delivers as per   the requirements and expectations of the organization
•  Participate in the development and implementation of the ARC
•  Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Plan
•  Management of ARC staff houses (Property Management).

Job Requirements

•  Bachelor’s degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, or a related field.
•  Three 3 years of experience in Facility Management or related roles.
•  Proficiency MS Office suite.
•  People and business management skills.
•  Budget and contracts management
•  Knowledge of construction/ building and OHS regulations.
•  Knowledge of security and asset management.
•  A valid driver’s license.

Inquiries: Mr. James Tooka, Tel: (012) 808 8107

CLOSING DATE FOR THE APPLICATIONS: 25 FEBRUARY 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: PhD STUDENT BURSARY: AGRICULTURAL MECHANIZATION (THREE YEAR FIXED TERM CONTRACT)

Job Reference Number: ARC-NRE69
Department: 18 – IAE
Business Unit:
Industry: Research
Job Type: Contract
Positions Available: 1
Salary: Market Related

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

Job Description

• Conduct research on agricultural mechanisation, agro-processing and precision agriculture.
• Provide research support to agricultural mechanisation, agro-processing and precision agriculture research projects as the affiliated postgraduate student.
• Engage with relevant stakeholders within affiliated research projects.
• Collect, process, and interpret data, and make internal project recommendations.
• Write reports, policy briefs, and scientific articles based on research findings

Job Requirements

• MSc degree in Agricultural Engineering or equivalent with emphasis on either agricultural mechanisation, agro-processing or precision agriculture.
• 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 Sipho Sibanda, Tel: 012 842 4000

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 03 FEBRUARY 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

SENIOR RESEARCHER: VDD

Job Reference Number: ARC-OVR10/70
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

• Conduct independent and advanced research on Avian Influenza or veterinary viral diseases of importance: manage data capture, do advanced analysis, interpret, and submit recommendations to the Research Manager.
• Compile detailed reports and approve final reports.
• Disseminate research results by presenting oral and poster contributions.
• Publish popular, semi-scientific, and peer-reviewed papers (in journals with a high impact factor).
• Establish and maintain networking opportunities.
• Identify and generate intellectual property.
• Manage projects: initiate, manage, and contribute to national/international research projects.
• Manage human resources: identify the need for human resources and manage them.
• Manage project budgets: accountable for compiling and managing project budgets.
• Write and submit research proposals.
• Plan and co-ordinate research activities within a multidisciplinary team.
• Identify and manage resource needs.
• Human capacity development: develop own capacity at an appropriate level. Identify and participate in own learning opportunities.
• Supervise or co-supervise students.

Job Requirements

• PhD in Virology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or related discipline with a minimum of 5 years of academic or biotechnology experience in vaccine or diagnostic development research.
• A track record of publications: a minimum of 12 peer-reviewed publications.
• A track record of project management with at least five (5) years’ experience in a relevant scientific research environment, post PhD.
• A proven national record and moving to international record of accomplishment.
• Registration with a scientific and professional body (SAVC/ SACNASP) will be an added advantage.
• Proven record of generating external income for research.
• Proven record of mentoring and supervising/co-supervising researchers and students: at least five (5) students graduated under the supervision of/co-supervision at the time of appointment.
• Proven track record of building national and international partnerships and networks.

Enquiries: Dr Arshad Mather: Tel: (012) 529 9236

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 26 FEBRUARY 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 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

EXECUTIVE MANAGER: CROP SCIENCES AND NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENGINEERING (NRE) FIVE (5) YEAR FIXED-TERM CONTRACT

Job Reference Number: CO 2026/02/10
Department: 01 – CENTRAL OFFICE
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 at its Central Office (ARC-CO) in Hatfield, Pretoria.

Job Description

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of the Division’s Research and Development (R&D) strategy in line with ARC’s strategic objectives and national priorities.
• Translate the Division’s business strategy into deliverables through Research and Development of products and services with clear impact on the agriculture sector.
• Provide leadership to interdisciplinary research within the Division and across ARC’s institutes.

Research & Innovation

• Manage and coordinate high-quality research programmes in crops, natural resources and engineering, that enhance productivity, sustainability and competitiveness of the sector.
• Lead and develop a comprehensive institutional research programme across fruits, field crops, vegetables, medicinal and other plants.
• Identify research priority areas and ensure alignment with ARC’s strategic goals and national priorities.
• Identify and follow up on opportunities for potential new business ventures and secure these.
• Ensure effective data management and sharing practices and infrastructure is in place across the Division.
• Promote scientific excellence through peer-reviewed publications, intellectual property generation and dissemination of research findings.

Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Support

• Foster strategic partnerships with government, industry, academia, and farming communities to translate research outputs into practical solutions and to inform policy in a way that leads to increased agricultural production and productivity.
• Integrate societal and sectoral needs into Crops and NRE Division’s research priorities and ensure these are translated into scientific solutions.
• Provide strategic and sound management advice to ARC Executive management and Crops and NRE staff members on matters pertaining to Cluster activities.

Business Development and Commercialisation

• Identify, secure and manage new research, funding and commercialisation opportunities to grow ARC’s impact and revenue streams.
• Identify and pursue potential new business ventures in collaborations with relevant ARC institutes.
• Market innovative products targeting new clients and expand offerings to existing clients.

Research Funding and Sustainability

• Lead and drive efforts to secure external Research funding ensure financial sustainability and research programmes.
• Strengthen donor, funder and partner relationships to support long-term institutional growth.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure effective management of people and performance across the Crops and NRE-Division.
• Oversee optimal utilisation and management of research facilities and infrastructure.
• Ensure effective financial management in compliance with PFMA and ARC policies and regulations.
• Manage projects and initiatives delegated by the ARC Executive Management or other key stakeholders to ensure delivery within scope, quality, time and budget.

Risk Management

• Identify, assess, monitor and report financial, operational, R&D risks across all the Division’s units.
• Ensure compliance with ARC policies, funder requirements and national regulatory frameworks.

Other Responsibilities

• May be required to perform various ad hoc duties delegated by the Group Executive: Research and Innovation and/or Principal and Chief Executive Officer support achievement of ARC objectives and targets.

Job Requirements

• A PhD or equivalent qualification in crop sciences, natural resources management, agricultural engineering, or a closely related agricultural or biological science discipline relevant to the ARC’s research mandate.
• Registration with a relevant professional or scientific body will be an advantage.
• At least 8 years’ post-PhD experience in a relevant scientific research environment, of which 5 years should have been at Senior Management level.
• Demonstrated research leadership within a scientific research environment.
• Proven experience in successfully leading and managing institutional research programmes.
• A strong track record of peer-reviewed publications or other research outputs, successful sourcing of research funding, and/or demonstrable sector impact.
• A good understanding of the agricultural sector and its regulatory environment.
• Experience in leading, managing and motivating high-performing teams at senior management level.
• Successful fund raising will be an advantage.

Enquiries: Dr Linda Mtwisha: arcrecruitment@arc.agric.za

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 23 FEBRUARY 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.

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

RESEARCH TECHNICIAN: RESIDUE LABORATORY x2

Job Reference Number: ARC-OVR10/69
Department: 10 – OVI
Business Unit:
Industry: Technical
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 2
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

• To render a quality analytical/diagnostic service by performing immunological tests on animal tissue, honey and milk samples in accordance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025. These include but not limited to:
• Performing routine immunological assays (ELISA) analysis animal feed, environmental, or animal tissues and or animal tissue product samples.
• Validation of Immunological assays technique especially ELISA.
• Receiving and recording of samples details in registration books and correctly storing samples.
• Planning and execution of diagnostic work through ELISA analysis.
• Capture and record samples in excel spreadsheet and LabWare system.
• Evaluation and interpretation of technical data generated.
• Troubleshooting of technical challenges related to screening techniques.
• Maintenance of reagents and consumable stock.
• Maintenance of the Quality Management system (ISO17025).
• Providing research support by giving project input regarding technical detail and carrying out assigned technical tasks.
• Assisting in the improvement and development of new test methods in collaboration with the Researcher/Senior Research Technician.

Job Requirements

• National Diploma/ BTech degree or equivalent qualification in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology or related field; OR a relevant two (2) years qualification from a recognised institution with 3 years applicable experience.
• BSc in Microbiology or related field will be an added advantage.
• Experience in a microbiological and/ or accredited laboratory will be and added advantage.
• Ability to work under pressure to ensure that samples are processed as required.
• Ability to interpret analytical data and do troubleshooting
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of Quality Management (ISO 17025).

Enquiries: Mr. Lungile Matika – Tel: (012) 529 9469

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 24 FEBRUARY 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 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