Job Description

South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI) a division of the South African Sugar Association (SASA) has a permanent opportunity available for two Assistant Research Officer: Soils roles based in Mount Edgecombe.The Plant and Environment Resource Centre (PERC) of the South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI) has two vacancies for Assistant Research Officer to join the Soils Team. The successful candidates will play a key role in contributing to the promotion of sugarcane production, with a particular focus on soil biology and soil physics and chemistry. Working with an integrated team of Soil Scientists and other Researchers the successful candidates will be expected to utilize their knowledge of Soil Science to address analytical research priorities with a focus on crop nutrition and soil health. These positions are based in Mount Edgecombe.

• Please apply online via the job portal on the SASA website (

)The key performance areas in these roles will be:The Assistant Research Officer - Soil BiologyDuties and Responsibilities:

• The incumbent will be required to Integrate advanced biological techniques including metagenomics, into the development of precise fertilizer recommendations for sugarcane production
• The incumbent will conduct research on soil microbial communities and their role in enhancing soil health and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions
• The incumbent will also apply metagenomic and molecular techniques to explore the link between root health and rhizosphere, contributing to regenerative agriculture practices in the sugar industry
• Additionally, the role includes developing and applying soil biological indicators within soil health index frameworks to assess and improve overall soil quality and ecosystem function

Assistant Research Officer - Soils Physics & ChemistryDuties and Responsibilities:

• The key responsibility of this position is to conduct research and transfer technology that supports sustainable sugarcane production, with particular focus on soil chemistry, soil physics and sustainable soil management
• The incumbent will design and implement field, glasshouse, and laboratory trials focusing on soil physics, fertility and management practices
• The incumbent contributes to multidisciplinary research projects, analyse soil-related data, and prepare technical reports and recommendations

Minimum Requirements:Education and Experience:

• MSc in Soil Science or Microbiology
• A good understanding of soil fertility and soil biology
• A good understanding of various aspects of soil science and sustainability
• At least one year research experience

Knowledge and Skills:

• For the soils biology position experience in the field of agricultural microbiology. Expertise and experience in soil metagenomics, PCR techniques, and various biological assays
• Working knowledge of MS Word, MS-Excel, and Power Point
• Code 08 driver's licence
• Registration with SACNASP (candidate)

Salary:

• Market Related