VACANCIES
VACANCIES
Biosecurity Field Officer
Permanent position based in Gqeberha (Eastern Cape province)
The southern African citrus industry is the second largest exporter of fresh citrus fruit in the world. The industry has earned global recognition as a premier supplier of superior quality citrus fruit. Citrus Research International (CRI) aims to maximise the long-term global competitiveness of the southern African citrus growers through the development, support, co-ordination and provision of Research and Technical services.
CRI currently has a vacancy for two Biosecurity Field Officers to conduct field activities in citrus biosecurity. The scope of field activities is broad and can vary with time according to industry demands, but the key tasks are trap reading services, early detection and surveillance activities, reporting and database maintenance, extension and awareness, and biosecurity research support.
The minimum requirements for the position are a BSc in Biological Sciences, preferably with coursework and experience in Entomology / Plant Pathology, and a driver’s licence. Preference will be given to applicants with a postgraduate degree in Entomology / Plant Pathology and/or relevant experience. Required traits are good inter-personal profile and experience in field work. The incumbent must be capable of working independently and as part of a team, as well as follow instructions and meet deadlines.
CRI offers a favourable working environment and a competitive and flexible remuneration package. The positions are available from 1 March 2026.
Please submit your application and CV to:
Ms Eloise Coetzer
Email: eloise@cri.co.za
Phone: 013 759 8000
Request a copy of the job description from the above.
Closing date for applications: 13 February 2026
If you have not had a reply within 2 weeks from the closing date, please consider your application as unsuccessful.
Short-term Postdoctoral Fellowship
Biocontrol of Fungal Diseases of Grapevine and Fruit Trees
Supervisor: Prof Lizel Mostert, Department of Plant Pathology (Research programme: Trunk diseases of grapevine and fruit trees)
Location: Stellenbosch University, South Africa
Duration: 3 months
Start Date: 1 April to 30 June 2026
Project Title: Development of sustainable disease management solutions through biocontrol
Scope of Research:
Biological control is an important strategy within plant protection in agriculture, however, the mechanisms involved, dose response and in planta efficacy are often not understood and requires in-depth research. The research will follow from prior projects that have identified potential biocontrol candidates. The fellow will be responsible to sequence identify fungal and bacterial biocontrol isolates, previously shown to have efficacy. Secondary metabolites will be extracted, characterized with UPLC-MS and tested at different concentrations for their antifungal properties. Additionally, different microscopy and molecular techniques will be employed to understand the main mechanisms employed by biocontrol fungi and bacteria in planta.
Requirements:
• PhD in Plant Pathology (must have graduated within the last 5 years).
• Evidence of the ability to publish in internationally acclaimed journals.
• Experience with molecular techniques (PCR and sequencing), microscopy and plant trials using biocontrol to control fungal diseases.
Remuneration: A fellowship will be awarded for a 3-month period, proportionally to the amount for a postdoctoral fellowship. Postdoctoral fellows are not employees of Stellenbosch University, and are therefore not eligible for employee benefits. The fellowship will be tax-exempted.
Closing date: 14 February 2026
Enquiries: A letter of application, accompanied by a comprehensive curriculum vitae that includes a list of publications and the contact details of at least two referees, must be sent to Prof. Lizel Mostert at lmost@sun.ac.za.
