Job Description

• Undertake PhD studies focused on animal nutrition, feed evaluation, and sustainable use of alternative feed resources in line with approved research objectives,
• Participate in the planning, implementation, and coordination of animal feeding trials and/or in vitro nutritional experiments,
• Conduct feed sampling, processing, and comprehensive chemical, and nutritional analyses, including nutrient profiling and quality assessment, with accurate data capturing and record keeping,
• Formulate experimental diets and evaluate rumen fermentation parameters, animal performance indicators, feed efficiency, and health-related outcomes using appropriate analytical and statistical methods,
• Assess the potential of agricultural or biological by-products as value-added feed resources within sustainable and circular bioeconomy frameworks,
• Contribute to research activities by providing technical and logistical support to supervisors and research staff,
• Engage with relevant stakeholders and collaborators within affiliated research projects,
• Compile regular progress reports detailing research activities, results, and data summaries,
• Prepare scientific outputs, including conference presentations, the PhD thesis, and contributions to peer-reviewed publications.

• A master's degree (or equivalent) in Animal Science, Animal Nutrition, and Agriculture.
• A strong academic record.
• Proven experience in feed chemical composition analysis and laboratory techniques.
• Demonstrated ability in feed formulation for ruminant livestock.
• Prior hands-on experience in conducting animal feeding trials.
• Competence in statistical analysis using recognised software (e.g. SAS, R, GenStat).
• Evidence of at least one published peer-reviewed scientific article.
• Knowledge or demonstrated interest in agricultural waste valorisation or by-product utilisation.
• Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary research team.
• A valid driving license will be an added advantage.

Enquiries: Dr I MALEBANA. Tel: (012) 672 9012
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION: 05 FEBRUARY 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

Skills Required