Researcher – DNA Marker Technologies (Three (3) Years Fixed-Term Contract) (Roodeplaat) Jobs

Researcher – DNA Marker Technologies (Three-Year Fixed-Term Contract) – Roodeplaat

Job Type: Contract

Qualification: PhD

Experience: 3 years

Location: Gauteng

Job Field: Research

About the Agricultural Research Council (ARC)

ARC Vision: “Excellence in Agricultural Research and Development”

The ARC’s vision reflects its core business and celebrates its unique role as the principal agricultural research institution in South Africa. It highlights the need to harness ARC capabilities to ensure it becomes an organization known for innovation and impact.

Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated Researcher to lead and support projects in DNA marker technologies, including molecular breeding, to assist breeding programs.

• Start new research projects and manage ongoing ones on DNA marker technologies and molecular breeding.
• Work with breeders to design and carry out molecular breeding experiments for various breeding programs.
• Stay updated on new developments in DNA marker technologies by reviewing recent publications and research reports.
• Find and secure new research opportunities, and help write proposals for research projects.
• Prepare progress reports for your own work and contribute to others’ reports, both internal and external.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data accurately.
• Share knowledge through peer-reviewed articles, popular publications, and other channels.
• Help create intellectual property (IP) and plant breeders’ rights (PBR).
• Supervise and mentor postgraduate students, research technicians, and assistants. Manage teams and mentees effectively.
• Supervise or co-supervise at least a few students and interns in the unit.
• Build networks by attending scientific events and working with farmer communities.
• Work under the guidance of senior researchers.

Requirements

• PhD in Plant Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Plant Breeding, or Genetics.
• At least 3 years of relevant research experience after completing your MSc, in a scientific research setting.
• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience in molecular biology, plant molecular markers, genomics, and the latest molecular breeding tools.
• Experience using bioinformatics and other tools for genetic data analysis.
• Skills in coding for data analysis are a plus.
• Good skills in collecting accurate data with attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• At least 3 peer-reviewed publications in the relevant field.
• Recognized nationally for your scientific expertise.
• Signs of progress toward international recognition, with high-quality, impactful results.
• Track record of securing funding for research projects from external sources.
• Ability to write research proposals independently at a PhD level, based on experience from postgraduate studies.
• Experience presenting research findings at national level during MSc and PhD work.
• Strong skills in communicating scientific ideas clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Proven experience mentoring and supervising researchers as well as postgraduate students.
• Ability to build and maintain national and international partnerships, with support from senior colleagues.
• Skills in strategic and operational planning, developed under senior guidance.
• Knowledge of health and safety rules and procedures.
• Valid Code B driver’s license.
• Registration with a scientific or professional body is an advantage.
• NRF rating is also an advantage.

Closing Date for Applications: 19 November 2025

Method of Application

Interested and qualified candidates should apply through the ARC’s official recruitment portal.