Job Description

• Laboratory support and sample management: monitoring and maintenance of seed samples,
• Germplasm bank equipment and facilities including lists of equipments and details of servicing: keeping detailed logs to ensure adherence to laboratory and field best practices, accession management including recording of all data in an electronic database of planted nurseries/breeding lines/cultivars and germplasm bank accessions, implementing quality control interventions, and producing reports,
• Preparation of seed and seedbed for planting,
• Supervising the planting of nurseries/breeding lines and cultivars,
• Maintenance of the plantings: weeding, pest control, disease control and watering of plants,
• Supervising the harvesting and threshing of nurseries/breeding lines/cultivars,
• Placing of seed in the drying room, monitoring of seed moisture content, and placing of dried seed in aluminium bags for long-term storage,
• Administration and related to germplasm bank including stock control for laboratory and germplasm bank consumables, health and safety compliance,
• Capacity development: training of interns, and students in germplasm bank practice, own capacity development by attending relevant courses and workshops,
• Germplasm bank equipment and facilities, including lists of equipment and details of servicing; keeping detailed logs to ensure adherence to laboratory best practice; sample management including recording of all data in an electronic database, implementing quality control interventions, and producing reports.

• A 3 year National Diploma or Bachelor of Science in Genetics/ Botany /Plant Breeding,
• Knowledge and understanding of germplasm bank operation requirements including the planting of nurseries, maintenance of seeds, standard laboratory practices and procedures,
• Operation of electronic database,
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite,
• Good written and verbal communication skills,
• A valid South African driver's license.

Enquiries: Dr. Eben Von Well, Tel: (058) 307-3473CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 21 FEBRUARY 2025A 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 drivers 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.

Agricultural Research Council