VACANCIES
VACANCIES
Junior Field Biologist (Curativo South)
Curativo South is inviting suitable qualified and experienced employees to apply for the Junior Field Biologist position, based in Wellington (Western Cape). Curativo South conducts high-quality trials for internal and external clients at various trial sites in the Western Cape. The successful candidate will join a team of industry experts tasked to ensure the vision and goals of the company are achieved through consistently delivering high-quality trials in a timely and professional manner.
EDUCATION
- Relevant tertiary qualification in Agriculture.
- AVCASA preferred.
EXPERIENCE
- Practical experience in implementing Field Trials will be advantageous.
SKILLS
- Good understanding of crops, pests, and diseases in the Western Cape.
- Understanding general research principles, evaluation methods, residue sampling methods and data interpretation.
- Understanding GAP, GEP and GLP.
- Experience in the safe handling of agricultural remedies.
- General technical capabilities for maintenance of equipment.
- Must be able to work independently, and as part of a team.
- Must have good planning, problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
- Must be willing to travel and be adaptable to changing working hours according to trial requirements.
- Valid Driver’s license.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- To ensure the execution of high-quality trials according to set protocols, conforming to Good Agricultural Practices and Good Experimental Practices.
- Overall trial management: Identifying suitable trial sites, execution and evaluation of trials, data capturing, and compilation of trial reports.
- Ensure that trial protocols are followed accurately.
- Quality and integrity of trials, data, and reports.
- Responsible for controlling, maintaining, and calibrating spray equipment and instruments.
- Responsible for managing trial assistants.
- Follow all safety standards and ensure correct PPE is used.
TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION, SEND AN UPDATED CV TO: recruitment@winfieldunited.co.za
Closing date for internal applications: 12 December 2025
POPIA NOTICE: By providing us with your personal details when applying for a vacant position, you consent to the company, processing your Personal Information as set out under the Section 18 Processing Notices. Please contact the HR Department for an electronic copy of the notice should you wish to familiarise yourself with its stipulations.
SPECIALIST RESEARCHER PLANT BREEDING
(Permanent position)
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: 09 DECEMBER 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.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Postharvest Pathology
The Department of Plant Pathology at Stellenbosch University , and the Department of Postharvest Technology at Mpumalanga University are dedicated to addressing disease management and cross-cutting innovative technologies for postharvest technology and control of postharvest diseases in the agricultural industries.
We are seeking to appoint a postdoctoral fellow who is a recent PhD graduate (within the last five years) in plant pathology, microbiology, or related applied sciences to contribute to our research in computational and experimental analysis and optimization of disease management.
Research focus
The successful candidate will develop and participate in research focused on modelling disease risk, and identifying postharvest pathogens and their virulence determinants using whole genome sequencing analysis.
Minimum requirements
- PhD with research experience in numerical modelling techniques, particularly Computational Bioinformatics
- Demonstrable ability to work with relevant modelling and simulation software
General duties and responsibilities
- Conduct original research in postharvest pathology
- Participate in postgraduate student supervision
- Prepare scientific reports and journal articles for publication
Personal attributes
- Open-minded and willing to push the boundaries of scientific enquiry
- Passion for research and excellence in the field
Appointment details
Duration: One year, renewable annually based on performance and availability of funds.
Preference: South African applicants will be given preference.
Closing date: 30 November 2025, or as soon as a suitable candidate is selected.
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply with a comprehensive CV, cover letter, and relevant publications. Applications and inquiries should be directed to Dr. Julia Meitz-Hopkins, Research Fellow (juliam@sun.ac.za).
