Job Description

Project Management & Coordination
The Researcher is responsible for management, coordination and delivery of research projects; these include aspects of:
Planning, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation, reporting.
Equipment and Consumables.
Human Resources.
Finances.
Risk Management and Mitigation.
Research, Development, and Innovation
The Researcher is responsible for conducting research, development and supporting innovation, these include:
Invention.
Translation.
Commercialisation.
Adoption and Use
Research Collaboration
The Researcher is responsible for supporting and establishing strategic research collaboration and identifying collaboration opportunities; these include:
Strategic Research partnerships / networks.
Intra-Inter Institutional Collaboration.
National Collaboration.
Human Capacity Development
The Researcher is responsible for supporting Human Capacity Development that includes:
Supervision/ co-supervision of students.
Mentoring staff and students.
Training staff and students to develop skills in analytical chemistry
Self-development.
Income generation
The Researcher is responsible for generating income by:
Writing research proposals and securing funding.
Offering analytical services to clients (internal and external) through analysis of samples using advanced analytical equipment.
Developing and validating new methods for providing additional services.

• PhD in Chemistry (Analytical Chemistry/ Natural Products Chemistry or related).

• At least 3 years' experience in chemical profiling of plant extracts, identification of chemical compounds (qualitative and quantitative analysis using LC-MS, GC-MS, etc.).
• 3 years' experience of research on Masters level.

• Proven record of peer reviewed scientific publications (3), relevant to chemical analysis of plant samples and identification of compounds.

• Proven record of writing proposals.

• Proven record for generating external income.

• Proven record of participating as a speaker at conferences.

• Proven record for initiation, planning and execution of research projects, personnel management and financial management of projects.

• Proven track record of mentoring and/or supervising/co-supervising students.

• Record of national and/or international partnerships and/or networks.

• Registration with a scientific and/or professional body will be an added advantage.

• Valid driver's license.

Enquiries: Dr D NAIDOO-MAHARAJ, Tel: (012) 808 8061
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION: 29 SEPTEMBER 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 (as well as competency and leadership assessments).
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