VACANCIES
VACANCIES
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW (AGRONOMY)
TWO (2) YEARS FIXED TERM CONTRACT
Job Reference Number: ARC-GC 60
Job Description
- Consistently deliver high quality, relevant research.
- Contributes to high quality research outputs and achievement of projects milestones.
- Prepares and coordinates field experiments, including data collection and analysis.
- Data processing and analysis and literature searching.
- Contributes to the preparation of written outputs such as papers in refereed journals.
- Engages with relevant stakeholders within affiliated research projects.
- Disseminate project results through, scientific or popular publications, conferences and peer reviewed publications.
- Ensures compliance with SHE/OHS policies and procedures.
Job Requirements
- PhD in Agronomy, Crop science, Plant Production, agrometeorology, plant sciences or related field.
- Graduated not more than five years ago.
- Proven track records of research outputs in relevant high impact factor journals.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Excellent English language (Spoken and written).
- Ability to work independently as well as a team.
- Have excellent interpersonal skills and good professional conduct.
- Proactively involved in your own career development.
- Completely dedicated to the mentorship process.
Enquires: Dr Z Bello, Tel: (018) 299-6224
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 12 NOVEMBER 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 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.
MSc STUDENT – PLANT GENOMICS
(TWO (2) YEARS FIXED TERM CONTRACT)
Job Reference Number: ARC-OVR10/64
Job Description
- Contribute knowledge towards the research project objectives.
- Disseminate technology through peer-reviewed scientific articles.
- Provide research support, diagnostics, and other project services.
- Provide verbal/written reports on work activities and results to supervisor(s).
- Optimize laboratory equipment and processing systems.
- Maintain genetic material for conservation purposes (seed collection and maintenance).
- Assist in sample/data collection (soil, plants and seeds), preparation and data analysis.
- Liaise with growers, industry technical officers, national and provincial government.
- Conducts regular crop cultivation and management in the field and in the controlled environments.
Job Requirements
- BSc Hons in Plant Biotechnology or Biological/Plant Sciences.
- Understanding of basic principles of research.
- Good communication skills (verbal and written).
- Proficiency in MS Office suite.
Enquiries: Dr Bulelani Sizani – Tel: (012) 529 9472
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 04 NOVEMBER 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.
INTERNSHIP
Job Reference Number: ARC-VIMP09108
Job Description
- Contribute to existing research projects on DNA marker technologies including molecular breeding to support breeding programmes.
- Together with breeders, designs and implements molecular breeding research experiments in support of the various breeding programmes.
- Keeps the division abreast with new developments on DNA marker technologies by reviewing new publications & research reports.
- Compiles own, and contributes to other progress reports (internal and external).
- Captures, analyses and interprets data.
- Contributes towards the creation of IP and PBR.
- Provides supervision and mentors postgraduate students, research technicians and assistants. Understands management of co-workers and mentees.
- Disseminates technology through peer-reviewed scientific articles, popular publications, etc.
- Compliance with human resource policies and procedures.
- Ensures compliance with SHE/OHS policies and procedures.
Job Requirements
- MSc in Plant Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Plant breeding or Genetics.
- Strong background and experience in molecular biology and plant molecular markers.
- Experience in the use of applicable genetic data analysis tools.
- Accurate data collection skills and attention to detail.
- Management skills including research project planning and time management.
- Good communication (verbal & writing) skills and liaison with clients, fellow scientists and support staff.
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite especially Excel.
- Knowledge of health and safety regulations and procedures.
Enquires: Dr I Gazendam (012) 808 8000
CLOSING DATE FOR THE APPLICATIONS: 04 NOVEMBER 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.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FUNDED MSc BURSARY PROGRAMME: AGROMETEOROLOGY/PLANT PRODUCTION
(TWO YEARS FIXED TEARM CONTRACT)
Job Reference Number: ARC- NRE56
Job Description
- Conduct community-based research trials in agroecological zones to improve agrifood systems.
- Conduct analysis of natural resources, its influence on agroecosystems and climate-smart practices.
- Conduct research under natural and controlled climatic conditions.
- Develop innovative models to incentivize existing smallholder seed producers to expand seed production.
- Sampling and preservation of germplasm material from identified crops per farming community.
- Genotyping and phenotyping characterisation of selected germplasm material.
- Collect and analyse the primary and secondary data using qualitative and quantitative research tools.
- Crop modelling, climate data analysis, and development of agro-advisories.
- Make contribution in the writing of reports, scientific manuscripts, and popular papers.
Job Requirements
- BSc (Agric), Honors degree in Agrometeorology / Seed Science/ Agronomy / Environmental Science.
- Applicants should be highly motivated graduates with a strong academic background.
- Strong analytical and statistical skills.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Willingness to travel to remote areas of South Africa.
- Valid driver’s licence (code 08/EB).
Enquiries: Dr G Zuma-Netshiukhwi, Tel: 012 310 2595
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 06 NOVEMBER 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.
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).
