Research Technician - Laboratory Instrumentation

Agricultural Research Council; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent agricultural research institution in Pretoria is seeking a candidate to install, maintain, and calibrate instrumentation for agricultural production measurement. Key responsibilities include conducting tests on crop performance and soil conditions, managing project budgets, and supervising junior staff. Candidates should demonstrate experience with agricultural instrumentation and a commitment to quality standards. This role offers an opportunity to contribute significantly to research efforts and capacity development.

Qualifications

• Experience with installation, calibration, and maintenance of agricultural measurement instrumentation.
• Ability to conduct experiments and analyze data.
• Strong project management skills and adherence to financial controls.

Responsibilities

• Install and maintain agricultural instrumentation.
• Conduct tests to evaluate crop and soil performance.
• Manage project budgets and report findings.

Job description

• Installs, calibrates, maintains, inspects and services/repairs instrumentation used in agricultural production measurement in the lab, field and glasshouses.
• Conduct field/lab/glasshouse tests and experiments to evaluate crop performance, soil conditions, and equipment efficiency.
• Plans and coordinates own work activities aligned with project plans.
• Supervises allocated HR resources.
• Assists in managing project budgets and adheres to financial controls.
• Conducts research support, diagnostics, and other services under supervision.
• Renders technical services and optimizes equipment/processes/systems.
• Provides input into the optimization of new technologies.
• Collects, captures, and processes data with basic analysis.
• Provides verbal and written reports on activities and results.
• Presents findings to stakeholders (including training/advisory roles).
• Adheres to quality standards.
• Complies with SHE/OHS regulations and procedures.
• Evidence of contributions to publications or presentations (e.g., farmers' days).
• Demonstrates measurable outcomes and project impact.
• Support capacity development and training of junior staff.