Job Description

Project Management & Coordination

The Researcher is responsible for conducting Research Projects across the Institute; these include conducting the following aspects of the projects; Research planning and Initiation. Equipment and Research Materials. Project Human Resources. Project Finances. Risk Management and Mitigation. Monitoring, Evaluation, reporting and project close out.

Research, Development, and Innovation

The Researcher is responsible for conducting Research, development and supporting innovation; these include supporting the following Research aspects; Invention. Translation. Commercialisation. Adoption and Use.

Research Collaboration

The Researcher is responsible for supporting strategic research collaboration and collaboration opportunities; these include Strategic Research partnerships / networks / collaborators. Intra-Inter Institutional Collaboration & Partnerships.

Human Capacity Building

The Researcher is responsible for supporting Human Capacity Development that includes support of Project staff and students. Self. Conduct independent sensory research, including consumer and trained sensory panels, which will include, but not be limited to, descriptive and discriminating analysis, time intensity, texture analysis, preference and acceptance testing, and methodology. Correctly apply scientific techniques and complete scientific and technical tasks promptly according to a set of quality standards. Efficiently plan and schedule analytical, sensory, and consumer services in accordance with scientific guidelines. Properly collect, process, and capture data. Responsible for accurate, timely, and reliable reporting of analytical results.


Ph.D. degree or an MSc with 3 years' applicable experience in Food Science, Food Technology. Consumer Science, and related fields. Specialised knowledge plus sensory, consumer research, and research principles. Good conceptual, analytical, and writing skills. Minimum 3-5 peer-reviewed publications. Technology Transfer: Participate in advisory services and supervision of students. Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage. Proven record of accomplishment for generating external income for projects in line with requirements at the Master's and PhD levels. In this respect proven record of writing proposals as part of master's and PhD studies. Proven record of participating as a speaker nationally as part of master's and PhD levels. Must be able to show competence in presenting research results. Proven record for financial management of projects. Proven track record of mentoring and supervising/co-supervising other researchers and students. Good communication skills (written and verbal). Computer literacy and proficiency in the MS Office suite. Shows awareness of Intellectual Property opportunities. A valid South African driver's license will be an added advantage.

Enquiries: Dr. M. Matandabuzo: Tel: (012) 672 9203

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 07 AUGUST 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.