Job Description

• Develop, monitor and evaluate the national monitoring network for American Foulbrood (AFB) disease of honey bees.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of honey bee pests and diseases in South Africa.
• Oversee the experimental layout, data collection and analysis of pollination trials with honey bees in a range of horticultural and orchard crops in South Africa.
• Evaluate the pollination services provided by honey bees on various crops.
• Activity source new research opportunities and write proposals for funding.
• Publish research results in reputable scientific journals.
• Produce popular articles to create awareness regarding honey bee pests and diseases, pollination biology.
• Produce quarterly reports, annual reports and client reports.
• Provide mentoring supervision of research assistant staff and postgraduate students.
• Initiate, conduct, coordinate and manage research projects in compliance with set standards, client needs and specifications within budget and on time.
• Successful initiation/proposal and completion of research programmes/ projects contained in the business plan of the institute in line with the overall Corporate Program and Strategy of the ARC.
• Contribute to the image of the ARC through high quality research findings/ products in compliance with expected scientific standards.

• PhD degree with Entomology/Ecology (or similar) as the major or MSc with 5 years of relevant experience.
• Proven research record of accomplishment in Entomology / environmental science.
• Experience of field research in entomology / environmental science / honey bee research will be an advantage.
• Beekeeping skills and experience will be an advantage.
• Experience in facilitation in training events.
• Computer literacy.
• Proven record of publication of scientific papers, report writing, and compiling scientific and popular presentations as well as networking and co-ordination of projects at national level.
• Code B/EB driver's license required.
• Willingness to do fieldwork and to travel on fieldwork trips is a requirement. This post may require the incumbent to do field work in remote areas. Field trips may require occasional absence from home for 3 to 8 days at a time.

Enquiries: Mr M Allsopp, Tel: (021) 887 5090/1
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION: 17 NOVEMBER 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.

Skills Required