Research Assistant : Crop Protection (Four Years (4) Fixed Term Contract)

The Agricultural Research Council; Mbombela; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural research organization is looking for a Junior Research Assistant in Nelspruit to support research personnel and assist with data collection and maintenance of citrus plants. Successful candidates should have a Grade 12 certificate and at least 2 years of experience in a nursery or fruit farming environment. The position requires physical fitness and the ability to work under extreme weather conditions.

Qualifications

• 2 years experience in a nursery or fruit farming environment.
• Knowledge of citrus propagation techniques would be an added advantage.
• Prepare to work under extreme weather conditions and physically fit.

Responsibilities

• Render support to research personnel to ensure successful completion of projects.
• Conduct administrative support for technicians and researchers.
• Assist with basic activities related to research services.

Skills

Laboratory Experience

Data Collection

Biochemistry

Research Experience

Statistical Software

Education

Grade 12 / Senior certificate / Matric

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Overview

Description

Render support to research personnel to ensure successful completion of projects. Conduct administrative support for technicians and researchers. Assist with basic activities related to research services. Assist in data collection. General maintenance of citrus plants in glasshouses and tunnels. Weekly insect scouting and pest control. Operate small farm equipment. Reporting and recording problems. Provide verbal and written reports on work activities. Ensure deadlines are met through effective distribution of tasks. Good verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Render support to research personnel to ensure successful completion of projects.
• Conduct administrative support for technicians and researchers.
• Assist with basic activities related to research services.
• Assist in data collection.
• General maintenance of citrus plants in glasshouses and tunnels.
• Weekly insect scouting and pest control.
• Operate small farm equipment.
• Reporting and recording problems.
• Provide verbal and written reports on work activities.
• Ensure deadlines are met through effective distribution of tasks.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.

Requirements

• Grade 12 / Senior certificate / Matric.
• 2 years experience in a nursery or fruit farming environment.
• Knowledge of citrus propagation techniques would be an added advantage.
• Prepared to work under extreme weather conditions lift heavy equipment and physically fit.
• Able to work unsupervised and in a team setting.
• Comply with all occupational health and safety regulations.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Valid drivers license (Code 08 / EB) and experience in driving will be an added advantage

Enquiries

Equiries : Ms Zama Theledi Email :

Closing date

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS : 10 JULY 2025

A 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.

Equal opportunity and notices

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.

Job details

• Work Level: Junior
• Job Type: Contract
• Salary: Market Related
• Duration: 3 Years
• EE Position:
• Location: Nelspruit
• Required Experience: Junior IC

Key Skills

Laboratory Experience, Spss, Data Collection, DNA Isolation, Stata, Biochemistry, Qualitative Research Interviewing, Research Experience, Statistical Software, Molecular Biology, Research Laboratory Experience, Western Blot