Phd Student: Poultry Nutrition

Gauteng, South Africa

Agricultural Research Council

220 Current Jobs Openings

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Job Description

Insect Rearing & Facility Management: You will be responsible for managing and optimising our yellow mealworm rearing facility, ensuring a consistent supply for experiments.
Feed Impact Assessment: Design and conduct poultry feeding trials to evaluate the effects of incorporating yellow mealworm meal on chicken health, growth performance, and product quality (e.g., meat, eggs).
Processing & Product Quality: Investigate the impact of different drying methods (e.g., oven drying, freeze drying) on the nutritional quality, safety, and shelf-life of the mealworm product.
Microbial Characterization: Isolate, identify, and characterize the microbial communities (both beneficial and pathogenic) present in insect by-products (frass).
By-Product Valorization: Analyze the nutritional composition of insect frass (excrement and exoskeletons) and assess its potential as a complementary ingredient in poultry feed.

A master's degree (or equivalent) in Animal Science, Agriculture, Entomology, or a related field.
A strong academic record.
Hands-on experience with laboratory techniques.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
The ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
A valid driving license will be an added advantage.

Enquiries: Dr T Selaledi Tel: (012) 672 9324
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 30 JANUARY 2026
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.
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.