The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is a premier science institution that conducts research with partners, develops human capital and foster innovation in support of the agricultural sector. It provides diagnostic, laboratory, analytical, agricultural engineering services, post-harvest technology development, agrochemical evaluation, consultation and advisory services, food processing technology services as well as various surveys and training interventions. Through its wider network of research institutes and experimental farms, the ARC provides a strong scientific base and a broadly distributed technology transfer capacity to the entire agricultural industry in South Africa.

The ARC-Small Grain (ARC-SG) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced, and dynamic person to the following position at Bethlehem, Free State:

• Post: Research Technician: Germplasm Bank Curator (18 months fixed term)
• Salary: (R247 000 – R371 307) all-inclusive remuneration package p.a
• Application Closing Date: 21 October 2022

Key Performance Areas:

• Laboratory support and sample management: monitoring and maintenance of seed samples,
• Germplasm Bank equipment and facilities, including lists of equipment and details of servicing; keeping detailed logs to ensure adherence to laboratory and field best practice; accession management, including recording of all data in an electronic database of planted nurseries/breeding lines/cultivars and Germplasm Bank accessions, implementing quality control interventions, and producing reports.
• Preparation of seed and seedbed for planting,
• Supervising the planting of nurseries/breeding lines/cultivars.
• Maintenance of the plantings: weeding, pest control, disease control, and watering of plants.
• Supervising the harvesting and threshing of nurseries/breeding lines/cultivars.
• Placing of seed in the drying room, monitoring of seed moisture content, and placing of dried seed in aluminium bags for long-term storage.
• Administration and related to Germplasm bank including stock control for laboratory and Germplasm Bank consumables, health, and safety compliance.
• Capacity development: training of interns, and students in Germplasm bank practice; own capacity development by attending relevant courses and workshops.
• Germplasm Bank equipment and facilities, including lists of equipment and details of servicing; keeping detailed logs to ensure adherence to laboratory best practice; sample management, including recording of all data in an electronic database, implementing quality control interventions and producing reports.

Requirements:

• A BSc Hons in any of these fields: Genetics, Botany or Plant Breeding,
• Knowledge and understanding of Germplasm bank operational requirements including the planting of nurseries, maintenance of nurseries, harvesting, threshing, and drying of seeds,
• Long-term storage of seeds, standard laboratory practices, and procedures,
• Operation of an electronic database,
• Proficiency in MS office suite,
• Good written and verbal communication skills,
• A valid Code B driver’s license.

Enquires: Dr. Eben Von Well, Tel: (058) 307-3473

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 South African citizens.

How to Apply

Applications accompanied by covering letter, detailed CV (Including certificates, supporting documents, copy of driver’s license and nationality. NB: Non-RSA Citizens/work permit holders must attach certified copies) as well as the names and particulars of three (3) traceable referees must be e-mail to SGICV@arc.agric.za

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 Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity. The company has the right not to appoint.