Job Description

• Responsible for strategic planning, drafting of business plan and reporting on progress to Institute, ARC corporate and funders.
• Ensure effective technology transfer of Division outputs through scientific and popular publications, lectures, seminars and congresses.
• Leadership on project management and coordination of resources.
• Ensure focus of projects are in line with ARC goals and strategic imperatives as well as needs and requirements of the funders.
• Driving the writing of research proposals and income generation.
• Resource management - guidance and financial control of project budget planning and utilization.
• Team management including planning, recruitment, appointment, utilization, training, motivation, and performance evaluation of personnel in the Division
• Planning and coordinating the infrastructure requirements, maintenance, and capital needs of the team to enable effective execution of the research plan.
• Identification of shortcomings in existing equipment and infrastructure, and development of solutions.
• Technology transfer - planning, training and guidance of team members in effective technology transfer
• Reporting to the external funders annually and screening of all manuscripts and related information and publications
• Scientific and innovation status - meet requirements of scientific publication (contribution of at least 2 articles per year).

• A PhD in Biosystematics/ Botany, and related fields including Systematic Biology/ Taxonomy/ Evolutionary Biology/ Ecology/ Genetics
• Eight to ten years post qualification experience in the field of crop or plant protection, biotechnology, genetics, entomology, nematology, acarology, mycology, biosystematics, collections management, plant pathology and related fields.
• Management of multi-disciplinary, crosscutting, and multidimensional research projects (initiation, planning and execution)
• Proven experience in project, financial and personnel management
• Proven experience in networking with national and international clients and stakeholders to maintain scientific collaborations
• Valid driver's license
• SACNASP registration and/or NRF rating is recommended.
• Record of relevant scientific publications in specialized field
• Track record of obtaining research funding
• Valid Code B & EB driver's license.

Enquiries: Dr Yolisa Pakela-Jezile :Tel: (013) 753 7008.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 01 AUGUST 2025.
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 designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. Permanent appointments are subject to six (6) months' probation period. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act.
Applications accompanied by covering letter, detailed CV (Including certified copies of certificates, supporting documents, copy of driver's license and at least three contactable referees) must be attached on the form.
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 company has the right not to appoint.