Job Description

• Strong knowledge of plant anatomy, morphology, and taxonomy.
• Familiarity with Southern African flora.
• Experience in herbarium practices and specimen curation.
• Ability to use dichotomous keys and identification tools.
• Proficiency in botanical nomenclature and the ICN (International Code of Nomenclature).
• Fieldwork experience in diverse South African ecosystems.
• Report writing and scientific publication skills (publishes semi-scientific and peer reviewed articles and publishes in journals with a high impact factor).
• Use of taxonomic databases (e.g., BRAHMS platforms).
• Mentor and supervise postgraduate students (MSc/PhD) in Plant Taxonomy, Botany, Systematics or related fields.
• Initiate and manage national and international research collaborations and partnerships.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Manages data, captures and shows advanced analysis, interpretation, and recommendations.
• Complies with all occupational health and safety regulations.

• PhD or MSc with a minimum of 3 years' post MSc relevant work experience in Plant Taxonomy, Botany, Systematics or related fields.
• A publication record with a minimum of 2 scientific publications already published with a record of additional work in progress.
• Record of presenting research at national and/or international conferences.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with proposal writing, field-based research, and stakeholder coordination.
• Proven record of generating research funding and collaborations.
• Proven experience in working with large teams and on multiple projects at the same time.
• Proven track record of PhD and/or MSc student supervision in relevant fields of study.
• Must have a Driver's license Code 8 or 10.

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Enquires: Mr. NL. Letsoalo (012) 672 9370
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 06 October 2025
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