The Agricultural Research Council invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for the latest research and bursary opportunities based in Pretoria. These vacancies are suitable for candidates with strong research, scientific, agricultural, plant science, entomology, irrigation water management and postgraduate academic backgrounds. Applicants must submit their applications before the relevant closing dates.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Employer | Agricultural Research Council |
| Closing Dates | 02, 03 and 11 June 2026 |
| Locations | Onderstepoort, Silverton and Roodeplaat, Pretoria |
| Application Method | ARC online application portal |
| Application Website | arcjobs.mcidirecthire.com |
Specialist Researcher: Entomology Ref No: ARC-OVR10/78
Department: ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research
Location: Onderstepoort, Pretoria
Job Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 11 June 2026
Salary: Market related
Requirements
Applicants must have a PhD or DSc Degree in Entomology, Parasitology or a related field.
Applicants must have more than eight years’ post-PhD experience in a relevant scientific research environment and a proven international record of accomplishment.
The position requires at least 25 peer-reviewed publications at the date of appointment and a proven track record of mentoring and supervising or co-supervising researchers and students. Applicants must have supervised at least 10 MSc or PhD students who have graduated by the time of appointment.
Relevant experience in epidemiology and vector biology is required. Experience in molecular biology will be advantageous, or applicants must be willing to become proficient in it.
An NRF rating of at least C3 or higher, registration with a scientific professional body, knowledge of statistical methods, GIS, research funding experience, administration and record-keeping skills will be added advantages.
Duties
The successful candidate will conduct independent research as an internationally recognised specialist, mainly in insect vector ecology and the pathogens they transmit.
Duties include initiating and managing research projects, sourcing funding, managing data, compiling reports, publishing scientific papers, presenting at national and international events, managing project budgets, developing research networks, supporting the National Collection of Insects of Veterinary Importance and providing diagnostics related to lice, fleas and other entomological pests.
The post also includes project management, scientific leadership, human capacity development, postgraduate supervision and compliance with safety, health and environmental policies.
Enquiries
Prof Ben Mans
Tel: 012 529 9200
MSc Student Bursary X2 Positions: Irrigation Water Management Ref No: ARC-NRE/98
Department: ARC-Natural Resources and Engineering
Location: Silverton, Pretoria
Job Type: Contract
Closing Date: 03 June 2026
Salary: Market related
Requirements
Applicants must have a BSc Degree in Agricultural Engineering or another undergraduate degree with emphasis on agricultural or irrigation water management.
Applicants must be highly motivated graduates with a strong academic background.
Good written and verbal communication skills are required. Applicants must also be willing to travel to farming communities and remote areas for intermediate periods.
Duties
The successful candidates will conduct research on agricultural and irrigation water management.
Duties include collecting, processing and interpreting data, making internal project recommendations, writing reports, policy briefs and scientific articles, supporting Irrigation and Agricultural Infrastructure Engineering research projects, and engaging with relevant stakeholders in affiliated research projects.
Enquiries
Dr Macdex Mutema
Tel: 012 842 4000
Researcher: Taxonomist Medicinal Plants Ref No: ARC-VIMP0991
Department: Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants
Location: Roodeplaat, Pretoria
Job Type: Three-Year Fixed-Term Contract
Closing Date: 02 June 2026
Salary: Market related
Note: This is a re-advertisement. Candidates who previously applied should not re-apply.
Requirements
Applicants must have a PhD and at least three years’ master’s-level research experience in Botany, Plant Taxonomy or a related discipline.
Applicants must also have at least three years’ post-MSc experience in a relevant scientific research environment, with a national record of accomplishment in plant identification, herbarium work and botanical fieldwork.
The position requires three to five peer-reviewed publications, knowledge of regional flora, familiarity with taxonomic tools and databases such as BRAHMS and GBIF, and knowledge of botanical nomenclature rules.
Applicants must have good verbal and written communication skills, MS Office proficiency, a valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel. Registration with a scientific professional body will be an added advantage.
Duties
The successful candidate will initiate research, conduct taxonomic and systematics research, identify and classify medicinal plants, develop and maintain databases of medicinal plant specimens, and develop taxonomic keys for species identification.
Duties also include writing and publishing scientific papers and reports, managing resources, supporting research collaboration and presenting at national and international conferences and workshops.
Enquiries
Dr MM Mofokeng
Tel: 012 808 8000
Senior Researcher: Entomology Ref No: ARC-VIMP09126
Department: Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants
Location: Roodeplaat, Pretoria
Job Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 02 June 2026
Salary: Market related
Note: This is a re-advertisement. Candidates who previously applied should not re-apply.
Requirements
Applicants must have a PhD in Entomology or related disciplines such as Crop Protection or Biotechnology.
Applicants must have five years’ relevant post-PhD experience in pest control of crops and must have authored or co-authored at least 12 peer-reviewed publications relevant to the position.
The position requires a proven record of project management, participation in national and international projects, building partnerships and networks, generating external income, and mentoring or supervising MSc and PhD students.
A valid driver’s licence is required. Experience in vegetable pests, registration with a scientific professional body and an NRF rating of at least C1 or higher will be added advantages.
Duties
The successful candidate will coordinate and support research projects across the institute.
Duties include project planning, management of research materials, human resources, finances, risk management, monitoring and evaluation, reporting and project close-out.
The candidate will also support research, development and innovation, including invention, translation, commercialisation, adoption and use. The post includes building strategic research partnerships, supporting collaboration, mentoring project staff and students, and contributing to human capacity development.
Enquiries
Dr Mariette Truter
Tel: 012 800 8000
Senior Researcher: Plant Breeding Ref No: ARC-VIMP09118
Department: Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants
Location: Roodeplaat, Pretoria
Job Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 02 June 2026
Salary: Market related
Note: This is a re-advertisement. Candidates who previously applied should not re-apply.
Requirements
Applicants must have a PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Biotechnology or a related discipline.
Applicants must have at least five years’ post-PhD experience in plant breeding and must have authored or co-authored at least 12 peer-reviewed publications relevant to the position.
Experience in molecular breeding of vegetable crops, including seed, fruit or leafy vegetables, will be an added advantage.
Applicants must have experience in generating external research income, mentoring or supervising students and research staff, and initiating, planning and executing research projects. Personnel management and financial management of projects are also required.
Registration with a scientific professional body, an NRF rating of at least C1 or higher and a valid driver’s licence will be advantageous.
Duties
The successful candidate will coordinate and support research project management across the institute.
Duties include project planning, equipment and research materials management, project human resources, project finances, risk management, monitoring, evaluation, reporting and project close-out.
The post also involves research development and innovation, commercialisation, adoption and use, research partnerships, institutional collaboration and human capacity development.
Enquiries
Dr Mariette Truter
Tel: 012 808 8281
Senior Researcher: In Vitro Propagation Ref No: ARC-VIMP 09111
Department: Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants
Location: Roodeplaat, Pretoria
Job Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 02 June 2026
Salary: Market related
Note: Candidates who previously applied do not need to re-apply.
Requirements
Applicants must have a PhD in Plant Physiology, Plant Biotechnology, Plant Production, Botany, Horticulture or a closely related field.
Applicants must have at least five years’ relevant experience in plant tissue culture-related research and at least 12 peer-reviewed scientific publications.
Experience in plant tissue culture method development and validation, project management, postgraduate student supervision or mentoring is required.
Experience in external income generation related to economic plants, including essential oil and industrial plants propagation and cultivation research, will be an added advantage.
Applicants must have agricultural research knowledge, communication skills, computer literacy and a valid driver’s licence.
Duties
The successful candidate will coordinate and support research projects at the campus.
Duties include planning, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation, reporting, managing equipment and consumables, human resources, finances, risk management and mitigation.
The candidate will also support research, development and innovation, including invention, translation, commercialisation, adoption and use. The post includes supporting strategic research partnerships, institutional collaboration, national collaboration and human capacity development.
Enquiries
Prof Stephen Amoo
Tel: 012 808 8000
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the ARC online vacancies portal.
To apply and view more details, visit the Agricultural Research Council official vacancies portal.
Applicants must submit a covering letter, detailed CV with at least three recent contactable referees, certified copies of certificates, supporting documents and a copy of driver’s licence where required.
Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation report.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Important Notes for Applicants
Appointments are subject to positive security clearance. Some appointments may also be subject to competency and leadership assessments.
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 of the Employment Equity Act.
Applicants who do not receive a response within four weeks after the closing date should regard their applications as unsuccessful.
The organisation reserves the right not to appoint.