Researcher Assistant-Invitro GenBank (One Year Fixed Term Contract) (Roodeplaat) Job at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• Contribute to research by rendering desired support to research and technical personnel to ensure successful completion of research projects in compliance with applicable standards.
• Assist with in vitro propagation, monitoring and maintenance of plants.
• Assist with preparation of growth media and consumables according to protocols for tissue culture and glasshouse activities.
• Assist in optimizing research, technical and administrative processes in the laboratory and adheres to quality standards.
• Assist with the utilisation of material and equipment in a cost-effective manner and ensuring that relevant laboratory glassware and equipment is cleaned, maintained, and stored correctly.
• Assist with data collection, recording and providing verbal and written feedback on work activities to supervisor.
• Ensure that own and team deadlines are met.
• Assist with training of junior staff.
• Compliant with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) policies and procedures.
• Perform correct labelling, culturing and tracking of plant materials and conduct checks to limit errors and accidents.
• Pay attention to detail and be precise with repetitive work in order to limit/prevent occurrence of errors in Genebank processes.
• Compile and submission of work reports to supervisor.
• General cleaning and hygiene maintenance of all areas in the Laboratory.

Requirements

• Grade 12 with a minimum of three-year’s related experience or Grade 10 with 08 years related experience or 20 years related experience. 
• Experience in plant tissue culture, aseptic techniques or any other laboratory experience will be advantageous.
• Knowledge of laboratory operations and equipment, quarantine and nursery sanitation.
• Writing, reading skills and the ability to accurately record and label samples.
• Ability to work independently, in a team and being pro-active.
• Good written and oral communication skills;
• Knowledge of computer programs (Microsoft package, databases) would be an advantage.
• Driver’s license would be an advantage.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 16 JANUARY 2026