40 Research Technician jobs in South Africa

• Prepare and process samples received by the laboratory's standard operating procedures.
• Support with associated research and assist with maintaining a biological repository.
• Maintain cultures for future use.
• Maintain sample information on LIMS and other relevant programs.
• Responsible for general laboratory administrative tasks.
• Responsible for stock control.
• Assist in a variety of research projects.
• Assist in technical preparations (compiling of SOPs, calibrating and servicing of equipment, etc.) necessary for the maintenance of the Quality Management System.

• Prepare and process samples received by the laboratory's standard operating procedures.
• Support with associated research and assist with maintaining a biological repository.
• Maintain cultures for future use.
• Maintain sample information on LIMS and other relevant programs.
• Responsible for general laboratory administrative tasks.
• Responsible for stock control.
• Assist in a variety of research projects.

• Assist in technical preparations (compiling of SOPs, calibrating and servicing of equipment, etc.) necessary for the maintenance of the Quality Management System.

• National Diploma in Microbiology /Biotechnology or related field.

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology /biotechnology or related field will be an added advantage.
• Experience in disease diagnosis, pathogen identification, molecular biology, basic bioinformatics, and biobanking will be an added advantage.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Presentation skills.
• Ability to work in a team and independently.
• A valid driver's license.

Enquiries: Mrs Puseletso Johnston: Tel:

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 24 SEPTEMBER 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 and 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 driver's 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.

• Pro-actively provide technical input within the context of the research projects.
• Provide timeous and reliable data, which supports the objectives of the research project.
• Provide training and supervision to subordinates.
• Participate in data collection, processing and interpretation of results.
• Correctly apply techniques within guidelines/standards/references.
• Ensure cost-effective utilisation of research resources.
• Complete purchase requisitions, obtain quotations and purchasing of required research materials and consumables following the financial prescriptions.
• Compile quarterly progress reports.
• Assist in hosting field days.
• Assist in communication with farmers and extension officers.
• Assist in commercialisation activities.
• Contribute to publications (e.g. popular publications).
• Participate in preparing/ giving presentations (e.g. at farmers' days, training events, conferences, etc.).
• Regulatory Compliance with the Health and Safety procedures

• Contribute towards professional development of subordinates and self.

• MTech. degree in Plant Breeding or Plant Production or related field (Crop Science or Agronomy or Plant Sciences), plus two years relevant experience.

• B. degree or B. Hons degree or B. Tech, or National Higher Diploma in Plant Production or related field (Crop Science or Agronomy or Plant Sciences), plus six years relevant experience.
• National Diploma (3 years) plus eight years relevant experience.
• Ability to set-up and manage research trials under field conditions.
• Experience in plant breeding techniques will be an added advantage.
• Advanced computer literacy (MS Office packages).
• Registration with relevant scientific body will be an added advantage.
• Valid drivers' licence

Enquries: Dr Kingstone Mashingaidze, Tel:

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 23 OCTOBER 2025

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 as well as the names and particulars of three (3) traceable referees must be attached. 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.

• Deliver technical assistance for research projects in the field of Entomology, as well as diagnostic and other services.
• Responsible for field and laboratory tasks generated by these projects, including trial site preparation, sampling, data collection, inspection of plant material identification of insects and pest control activities.
• The incumbent is, after appropriate training, expected to be able to recognize insect damage symptoms on deciduous fruit and vines in the Western Cape and be able to identify and quantify insects in the field and laboratory materials.
• The incumbent will be expected to plan own work activities, coordinate work activities and supervise allocated HR resources, if applicable.
• The incumbent regularly reports back through verbal/written reports to the supervisor and other project leaders on work activities and results.
• Assist with the delivery of well-customised technology transfer/ training programs and effective transfer of technology and promotion in the form of products, services, literature, information days, training courses and other events according to client needs.

• Ensure cost-effective maintenance and utilisation of infrastructure through optimal application, maintenance, and effective stock control for execution of research projects.

• National Diploma (3 years) in crop protection and/or crop production or equivalent NQF6 with 3 years applicable experience

• Experience in integrated pest management in the grape and deciduous fruit industry will be an advantage.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid SA driver's license.

Enquiries: Dr. R Knoetze, Tel:

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 12 SEPTEMBER 2025

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 and at least three contactable referees) must be attached on the form.

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.

• Prepare samples by freeze-drying and milling before analysis.
• Conduct analysis of chemical nature.
• Chemical analysis will include, but not be limited to, Protein, Crude fibre, Neutral Detergent Fibre, Acid Detergent Fibre, Acid Detergent Lignin, dietary fibre, etc.
• Correctly apply techniques within specified guidelines.
• Timeously complete technical tasks according to set quality and accreditation standards.
• Efficiently plan and schedule analytical services according to given instructions.
• Cost-effective and accurate sample analysis in compliance with target dates and available resources.
• Accurate, timeous, and reliable reporting of analytical results.
• Cost-effective stock control according to regulations.
• Maintain and ensure that equipment is in working order and in compliance with applicable quality standards.
• Timely reporting of equipment malfunctions.
• Assist in maintaining a clean laboratory in general.
• Maintaining an Occupational and Health Safety laboratory according to Good Laboratory Practice.
• Assist in maintaining the accreditation status, ISO/IEC 17025:2017 of the laboratory.

• Comply with financial policies/procedures.

• Grade 12 (or equivalent NQF 4) with 6 years relevant experience in Analytical Chemistry or Food Science and currently studying towards a diploma/degree with 2 years theory & the progress report.

• A diploma or degree in Analytical Chemistry or Food Science will be an added advantage.
• Good conceptual, analytical, and writing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Deliver accurate and high-quality analysis, paying close attention to detail.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and work systematically.
• Good communication skills.
• The ability to respect and maintain confidentiality.
• Skilled to work as part of the team as well as independently.
• Experience in ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and working in an accredited laboratory will be an advantage.
• In possession of a valid SA driver's license.

Enquiries: Ms. Boitsheko Mahapa Tel:

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 17 SEPTEMBER 2025

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 and at least three contactable referees) must be attached on the form. 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.

• Deliver technical assistance for research projects in the field of Nematology, as well as diagnostic and other services.
• Responsible for field and laboratory tasks generated by these projects, including trial site preparation, sampling, data collection, plant evaluations, nematode extractions from soil and plant material.
• The incumbent is, after the appropriate training, expected to be able to recognize plant-parasitic nematode damage symptoms on deciduous fruit and vines in the Western Cape and to identify and quantify plant-parasitic nematodes in suspensions extracted from soil and plant materials.
• The incumbent will be expected to plan own work activities, coordinate work activities and supervise allocated resources, if applicable.
• The incumbent regularly reports back through verbal/written reports to the supervisor and other project leaders on work activities and results.
• Assist with the delivery of well-customised technology transfer/ training programs and effective transfer of technology and promotion in the form of products, services, literature, information days, training courses and other events according to client needs.

• Ensure cost-effective maintenance and utilisation of infrastructure through optimal application, maintenance, and effective stock control for execution of research projects.

• National Diploma (3 years) in crop protection and/or crop production or equivalent NQF6 with 3 years applicable experience

• Experience in plant-parasitic nematode management in the grape and deciduous fruit industry will be an advantage.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid SA driver's license.

Enquiries: Dr. R Knoetze, Tel:

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 12 SEPTEMBER 2025

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 and at least three contactable referees) must be attached on the form.

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.

• The incumbent will partake in diagnostic activities on transboundary animal diseases with specific emphasis on serological, molecular and virological assays.
• The successful candidate will be responsible to supervise and perform diagnostics, manage data capture, analysis, interpret results and make recommendations with regards to the status of diagnostic samples.
• Implementing the smooth execution of experiments, data collection, and laboratory procedures.
• Managing laboratory equipment, ensuring its proper functioning and maintenance.
• Collaborate closely with researcher technicians, assisting in the design and implementation of experiments, troubleshooting technical issues, and managing the accuracy and reliability of data collected.
• Manage the coordination of activities and fostering a culture of safety and efficiency in the TAD diagnostic laboratories (Serology and Molecular diagnosis).

• Facilitate and enhance the research efforts of the institution by applying strong technical knowledge and ability, thereby contributing to the successful execution and outcomes of research projects.

• MTech/ MSc degree or equivalent NQF 9 plus 2 years applicable experience OR Honours/ BHSc degree or equivalent NQF 8/ BTech degree plus 6 years applicable experience OR National Diploma or equivalent NQF6 plus 8 years applicable experience.

• Experience in diagnostics laboratory services is a mandatory.
• Must be registered as a Veterinary Technologist and in good standing with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC).

Enquiries: Dr Faith Peta - Tel:

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 24 SEPTEMBER 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 and 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 driver's 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.

• Pro-actively provide technical input within the context of the research projects.


• Provide timeous and reliable data, which supports the objectives of the research project.


• Provide training and supervision to subordinates.


• Participate in data collection, processing and interpretation of results.


• Correctly apply techniques within guidelines/standards/references.


• Ensure cost-effective utilisation of research resources.


• Complete purchase requisitions, obtain quotations and purchasing of required research materials and consumables following the financial prescriptions.


• Compile quarterly progress reports.


• Assist in hosting field days.


• Assist in communication with farmers and extension officers.


• Assist in commercialisation activities.


• Contribute to publications (e.g. popular publications).


•  Participate in preparing/ giving presentations (e.g. at farmers' days, training events, conferences, etc.).


• Regulatory Compliance with the Health and Safety procedures


• Contribute towards professional development of subordinates and self.

• MTech. degree in Plant Breeding or Plant Production or related field (Crop Science or Agronomy or Plant Sciences), plus two years relevant experience.


•  B. degree or B. Hons degree or B. Tech, or National Higher Diploma in Plant Production or related field (Crop Science or Agronomy or Plant Sciences), plus six years relevant experience.


• National Diploma (3 years) plus eight years relevant experience.


•  Ability to set-up and manage research trials under field conditions.


• Experience in plant breeding techniques will be an added advantage.


•  Advanced computer literacy (MS Office packages).


• Registration with relevant scientific body will be an added advantage.


• Valid drivers’ licence

Enquries: Dr Kingstone Mashingaidze, Tel:

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 23 OCTOBER 2025

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 as well as the names and particulars of three (3) traceable referees must be attached. 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.

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-Agricultural Research Council (ARC-SG) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced and dynamic person to the following position at Stellenbosch:

RESEARCH TECHNICIAN: CROP PROTECTION: ENTOMOLOGY – STELLENBOSCH

Key Performance Areas:

• Project Management & Coordination - conduct entomological projects across the Small Grain production regions of South Africa, including planning, coordination and technical risk management.

• Research Support, Diagnostics and Other Services - conduct technical project aspects including Monitoring pests, Field trial management, Data collection, Translation and Commercialisation.

• Technology Transfer – conduct technology transfer initiatives with respect to Small Grain insects

• Scientific Status – ensure quality scientific standards are maintained.

• Safety, health, and Environment - assist with safety, health and environment compliance and standards, these include Regulatory Compliance, Lab safety and Hazardous material disposal activities.

• Human Capital Development - responsible for human capacity development, self-development.

Requirements

• A 3 Year National Diploma in entomology or equivalent.

• BSc degree will be an added advantage.

• 3-5 Years' experience.

• A valid South African Driver's licence.

• Communication skills (Verbal and Written).

• Sound understanding of the subject fields: entomology and plant production.

Enquiries: Dr VL Tolmay or

NB. Priority will be given to candidates in Western Cape Province

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 30 October 2025

Please use the link below to apply:

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 and at least three contactable referees) must be attached on the form.

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.