DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FUNDED MSc BURSARY PROGRAMME: AGROMETEOROLOGY/PLANT PRODUCTION x2 POS[...]

Agricultural Research Council; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural research institution in Pretoria seeks a dedicated researcher to conduct community-based trials improving agrifood systems. You will analyze natural resources, develop models for seed producers, and contribute to scientific reporting. This role is essential for promoting climate-smart practices and sustainable agriculture in local communities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct community-based research trials to improve agrifood systems.
• Analyze natural resources and their influence on agroecosystems.
• Develop models to incentivize smallholder seed producers.

Job description

Responsibilities

• Conduct community-based research trials in agroecological zones to improve agrifood systems.
• Conduct analysis of natural resources, its influence on agroecosystems and climate-smart practices.
• Conduct research under natural and controlled climatic conditions.
• Develop innovative models to incentivize existing smallholder seed producers to expand seed production.
• Sampling and preservation of germplasm material from identified crops per farming community.
• Genotyping and phenotyping characterisation of selected germplasm material.
• Collect and analyse the primary and secondary data using qualitative and quantitative research tools.
• Crop modelling, climate data analysis, and development of agro-advisories.
• Make contribution in the writing of reports, scientific manuscripts, and popular papers.