Job Description

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.Duties and responsibilities:
Academic Administration

• Prepare, conduct, and coordinate most under and postgraduate Plant Breeding practical sessions.
• Order and manage practical material.
• Mark undergraduate practical reports.
• Capture marks and keep an accurate record of marks of all plant breeding modules.
• Manage all communication with students overseen in practical sessions.

Financial Administration

• Request and appraise quotations for procurement and purchase of equipment and consumables for laboratories, germplasm banks, and greenhouses.

Research Support

• Assist staff and students with greenhouse trials, molecular analysis, and germplasm storage and use.
• Supervise greenhouse workers, students, and research assistants.
• Provide training to interns and postgraduate students in molecular techniques (DNA isolation, PCR, and related techniques) and data analysis.
• In cooperation with other academic staff, perform and maintain laboratory procedures, and equipment calibration.
• Work independently or as a team to complete assigned tasks.
• Coordinate and execute general maintenance of plant breeding research facilities including laboratories, germplasm, cold room, and greenhouses, which include planting and harvesting, watering, fertilizing, applying chemicals, general cleaning, and looking after trails over weekends and holidays depending on the trial.
• Manage and maintain plant breeding computer laboratory and storage facilities.
• Ensure laboratory and greenhouse equipment are in good working order.
• Report equipment failure and arrange for repairs.
• Keep a record of division (Plant Breeding) assets, and of equipment for servicing and repairs.
• Liaise with the Finance department regarding tagging of departmental assets and the disposal of old equipment.
• Ensure laboratory compliance with safety regulations and oversee cleanliness in laboratories.
• Manage the divisional chemical storerooms and ensure safe chemical storage.
• Manage the disposal of laboratory waste, chemical waste, and broken glassware.

General Administration

• Provide administrative support to department academic staff.
• Participate in departmental committees.

Marketing

• Coordinate development of marketing material.
• Responsible for the arrangements of Open Days, Postgraduate Open Days, Research Days etc.

Inherent requirements:

• BSc Agric on NQF Level 8 or BSc Honours in Plant Breeding or closely related field on NQF Level 8.
• Minimum of two (2) year's relevant working experience relating to the duties and responsibilities.

Recommendations:

• MSc degree on NQF Level 9 in Plant Breeding or closely related field.
• Experience in the Oracle gradebook System will be an advantage.
• Experience in molecular plant breeding.
• Experience in using horizontal polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
• Experience in managing a molecular plant breeding laboratory.
• A valid driver's license.

CompetenciesRequired competencies:

• Results-oriented.

- The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
- The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.

• Strategic thinking.

- The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
- The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.

• Business Acumen.

- The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
- Proficient in using MS Office.

• Leading.

- The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others.
- The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

• Building coalitions.

- The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
- The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.Please ensure that all relevant documentation is attached to your application.

• A detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter.
• Copies of qualifications (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications).
• A copy of your identity document (ID or passport in the case of foreign nationals).
• Proof of registration with a Professional Body (if applicable).
• A copy of your driver's license (if applicable).
• Confirmation of employment from current employer / last employer if unemployed (only applicable to external applicants).

Assumption of duties:
1 June 2024Closing date:
26 May 2024Salary:
The annual remuneration package, including benefits is R 365 979.80 - R 459 263.33 per annum, depending on the budget available for the position, relevant work experience and qualifications.Fringe benefits:
(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus, and study benefits.Enquiries:
For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 7659 or email SejanamaneP@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 9857/ 9810/9813 for assistance.General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at : EEA13_EE Plan UFS 1 March 2022 (003).pdfThe University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.

University of the Free State