• Initiates, manages and contributes towards national/ international forage breeding initiatives.

• Actively sources new national/ international research opportunities including writing research proposals.

• Build and maintain international and national relationships and networking opportunities

• Plan and coordinate research with single or multi-disciplinary team.

• Conduct independent and advanced research.

• Develop, Maintain and Protect Plant Breeders Rights of the unit.

• Manages people within projects and compiles detailed reports to various stakeholders

• Compiles detailed reports and approves final reports.

• Manages data capture and shows advanced analysis, interpretation, and recommendations.

• Publishes semi-scientific and peer reviewed articles and publishes in journals with a high impact factor.

• Supervise or co-supervise PhD and MSc students with an emphasis on critical and scarce skills.

• Complies with all occupational health and safety regulations.

Senior Researcher

• PhD degree in Plant Breeding with Five (5) years post PhD relevant experience in plant breeding

• Minimum of 12 peer reviewed publications at date of appointment.

• Proven record of plant breeders rights generated and new cultivars registered.

• Proven record of accomplishment for generating external income.

• Proven record of initiating national projects and participation in international projects.

• Proven record of exposure and use of biotechnology applications to marker-assisted selection and modern breeding technologies and Biometrical Genetics.

• Practical experience and technical knowledge of appropriate research projects, financial and human resource management.

• Excellent Verbal and written communication skills

• Generates income from commercialisation of ARC IP for financially sustainable research teams

• Experience in technology transfer through popular and peer-reviewed articles, presentations, and demonstrations.

• Demonstrated ability to attract external research funds and collaboration.
  

  
  

  Researcher

PhD degree or an MSc plus a minimum of 3 years working experience as a plant breeder.

• Proven record of contributing to the development of plant breeders rights and new cultivars registered.

• A publication record with a minimum of 2 scientific publications already published with a record of additional work in progress.

• Record of presenting research at national and/or international conferences.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Proven record of exposure and use of biotechnology applications to marker-assisted selection and modern breeding technologies and Biometrical Genetics.

• Proven record of generating research funding and collaborations.

• Proven experience in working with large teams and on multiple projects at the same time.

• Proven track record of PhD and/or MSc student supervision in relevant fields of study.

• Must have a Driver’s license Code 8 or 10.

Enquires: Dr F. MULLER (MullerF@arc.agric.za)

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 31 JULY 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.