Researchers x 9 posts at ARC for skilled professionals (Grads: Microbiology/ Biotechnology/ Animal Health, Veterinary Technology)

The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is a premier science institution that conducts research with partners,

develops human capital and foster innovation in support of the agricultural sector. It

provides diagnostic, laboratory, analytical, agricultural engineering services, post-harvest

technology development, agrochemical evaluation, consultation and advisory services, food

processing technology services as well as various surveys and training interventions. Through its

wider network of research institutes and experimental farms, the ARC provides a strong scientific base and

a broadly distributed technology transfer capacity to the entire agricultural industry in South Africa.

The ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research (ARC-OVR) seeks to appoint a highly skilled,

experienced, and dynamic person to the following positions to work in the new project funded by the

National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development at Onderstepoort Pretoria

RESEARCHER (TWO (2) YEARS’ FIXED-TERM CONTRACT)

Requirements:

• PhD or MSc with 5 years minimum research experience in Microbiology/ Biotechnology or related

fields.

• Professional membership: SAVC registration.

• Knowledge of veterinary bacterial and viral pathogens and diseases.

• Good interpersonal skills.

• A driver’s license will be an added advantage.

Key Performance Areas:

• To render a quality proficiency test scheme (PTS) and Interlaboratory Comparison (ILC) service by performing general virological, bacteriological, serological, and molecular tests on veterinary samples in accordance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025.

• Selecting and/ or receiving samples for use in PTS and ILC exercises.

• Testing the samples using methods such as Enzyme linked immunosorbent Assay (ELISA); Haemagglutination Inhibition (HI), Microscopic slide Agglutination (MAT); Compliment Fixation Test (CFT), Milk Ring Test (MRT); Rose Bengal Test (RBT), Agar Gel Immuno- Diffusion (AGID), Virus and bacterial Isolation and culture, Virus Neutralisation Test (VNT); connectional and real time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Bacterial Typing etc.

• Recording results in the appropriate results and quality assurance and PTS/ILC books and software.

• Annotating samples analyte statuses, making aliquotes, freeze drying, and storing samples.

• Preparing PTS and ILC panels and dispatching them to participating laboratories.

• Providing research support by giving project inputs regarding technical details and carrying out assigned technical tasks.

Enquiries: Dr A Lubisi: Tel:( 012) 529 9233

RESEARCHER (TWO (2) YEARS’ FIXED-TERM CONTRACT)

Requirements:

• PhD or MSc with 5 years minimum research experience in the Biological Sciences.

• Excellent language and communication skills (written and verbal).

• Experience in molecular biology and sequencing.

• Publications in the relevant filed.

Key Performance Areas:

• Plan and undertake research in the field of avian influenza genome sequencing.

• Supports and assist the research team in special research projects.

• Publication of research in appropriate journals (non-peer reviewed popular articles, semi-scientific and peer-reviewed papers (in journals with high impact factor), and presentation at relevant national and/ or international scientific conferences.

• Participate in setting up proficiency panels.

• Participates in the marketing and disseminating of information (seminars, workshops, courses, radio TV etc).

• Builds and maintains relationships with national stakeholders and strategic partners to secure funds.

• Continually update knowledge and develop skills and translate knowledge of advances in the area into research activity.

• Participate in Programme and Institute-related administrative and other duties as requested by the line manager.

Enquiries: Tel Dr L Rotherham (012) 529 9250

RESEARCHER (TWO (2) YEARS’ FIXED-TERM CONTRACT)

Requirements:

• PhD or MSc with 5 years minimum research experience in veterinary tropical diseases, virology,

molecular biology, life sciences or related disciplines.

• A track record of publications and supervising MSc.

• Knowledge and experience in molecular biology techniques such as nucleic acid extraction, cDNA synthesis, specialised PCR techniques as well as trouble shooting of PCRs, cell culture, isolation of viruses in cell culture, serological techniques as well as DNA sequencing, including analysis and editing of sequences.

• Record of diagnostic and vaccine development research.

• Experience in diagnostic assays such as, virological, and serological assays.

Key Performance Areas:

• Plans and co-ordinates research activities within single or multidisciplinary team.

• Manage and contribute to national research projects.

• Managing project budget.

• Develops business cases for all project expenditure requirements.

• Supports senior research team in special research projects.

• Identifies and manages resource needs.

• Identifies risks and mitigation plans within the research focus area.

• Maintain and manage assets from research activities.

• Develops own capacity at an appropriate level.

• Identifies and participates in own learning opportunities.

• Adheres to company policy and safety guidelines.

• Performing all research work mainly in biosafety level 3 (BSL 3) laboratory and adhering to all rules and regulations thereof.

Enquiries: Dr J van Emmenes: Tel: 012 529 9524

RESEARCHER: VETERINARIAN (TWO (2) YEARS’ FIXED-TERM CONTRACT)

Requirements:

• Veterinary Degree (BVMCh/BVSc/BVM). Master’s degree in microbiology/ biotechnology or related fields will be an advantage.

• Professional membership: SAVC registration.

• Knowledge of veterinary bacterial and viral pathogens and diseases.

• Good interpersonal skills.

• A Valid driver’s licence will be an added advantage.

Key Performance Areas:

• To render a quality proficiency test scheme (PTS) and Interlaboratory Comparison (ILC) service by performing general virological, bacteriological, serological, and molecular test on veterinary samples in accordance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025.

• Production of PTS and ILC samples in animals.

• Testing the samples using methods such as Enzyme linked immunosorbent Assay (ELISA); Haemagglutination Inhibition (HI), Microscopic slide Agglutination (MAT); Compliment Fixation Test (CFT), Milk Ring Test (MRT); Rose Bengal Test (RBT), Agar Gel Immuno- Diffusion (AGID), Virus and bacterial Isolation and culture, Virus Neutralisation Test (VNT); connectional and real time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Bacterial Typing etc.

• Recording results in the appreciate results and quality assurance and PTS/ ILC books and software.

• Annotating samples analyte statuses, making aliquots, freeze drying and storing samples.

• Identifying PTS and ILC participants.

• Preparing PTS and ILC panels and dispatching them to participate laboratories.

• Analysing PTS and ILC results from participants and issuing reports to all participants.

Dr A Lubisi: Tel:( 012) 529 9233

RESEARCHER TECHNICIAN X 4 (TWO 2 YEARS’ FIXED-TERM CONTRACT)

Requirements:

• National Diploma or B-Tech in Veterinary Technology

• Professional membership: SAVC registration is compulsory.

• Knowledge of veterinary viral pathogens and diseases.

• Good interpersonal skills.

• A valid driver’s licence will be an added advantage.

Key Performance Areas:

• To render a quality proficiency test scheme (PTS) and Interlaboratory Comparison (ILC) service by performing general virological, bacteriological, serological, and molecular test on veterinary samples in accordance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025.

• Receiving samples, registering them, and taking them to the laboratories.

• Testing the samples using methods such as Enzyme linked immunosorbent Assay (ELISA); Haemagglutination Inhibition (HI), Microscopic slide Agglutination (MAT); Compliment Fixation Test (CFT), Milk Ring Test (MRT); Rose Bengal Test (RBT), Agar Gel Immuno- Diffusion (AGID), Virus and bacterial Isolation and culture, Virus Neutralisation Test (VNT) etc.

• Aliquoting, freeze drying and storing samples, and data capture.

• Assisting in all quality assurance (QA) in the laboratories.

• Providing diagnostic support by giving project inputs regarding technical details and carrying out assigned technical tasks.

Dr A Lubisi: Tel:( 012) 529 9233

RESEARCHER TECHNICIAN (TWO 2 YEARS’ FIXED-TERM CONTRACT)

Requirements:

• National Diploma or B-Tech in Animal Health.

• Professional membership: SAVC registration.

• Knowledge of and experience with general animal transboundary.

• Experience working in a quality management system environment.

• Experience with sampling of free roaming pigs.

Key Performance Areas:

• Compliance with entrance and exit procedures in animal holding areas.

• Removal/ cleaning of bedding as required.

• Ensuring that feed and water are available to animals, especially once cleaning is complete.

• Cleaning and disinfection of animal holding facilities, this includes the cleaning of storage areas, animal holding equipment, and animal enclosures.

• Cleaning of the water supply system to maintain its functioning.

• Correct disposal of wastes including animal bedding and manure according to QMS.

• Reporting and abnormality with the animals immediately to veterinarians.

• Assistance in other animal holding areas as required, and as trained.

• Preparation of animal holding areas/ enclosures for animal arrivals.

• Handling of animals for cleaning, as trained.

• Animal restraint for daily activities of the species.

• Animal restraint for specific procedures.

• Collection of various body fluids and tissues using various techniques.

• Offloading and loading of animals

• Assist with data entry.

• Compliance with any stock/ consumables management processes.

• Develops own capacity at an appropriate level.

• Identifies and participates in own learning opportunities.

• Adheres to company policy and safety guidelines.

• Performing all research work mainly in a biosafety level 3 (BSL3) laboratory and adhering to all rules and regulations thereof.

Enquiries: Dr J van Emmenes: Tel: (012) 529 9524

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 16 APRIL 2024

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) must be e-mailed to OVICV@arc.agric.za

NB: Non-RSA citizens with work permit must attach certified copies as well as the names and particulars of three (3) traceable referees.

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.

Post by ARC