Description

• Identifies adaptive or new research needs (needs analysis).
• Conducts independent and specialized research as an internationally renowned specialist.
• Conceptualizes and initiates new projects / project definition and develop research plan and writes proposals.
• Leads trends in research with specialist knowledge, impact and influence. Test innovations through excellent quality research experiments and tests. 
• Manages/oversees data capture of own and oversee that of team members and shows specialized analysis, interpretation and recommendations. 
• Promote evidence-based policy making through sharing of research findings in manner that is accessible to the public and policy makers. 
• Markets research expertise at national and international platforms to increase visibility of the ARC brand in order to enhance income generation and innovation from partnerships.
• Builds national and international multi-disciplinary, multilateral and multi-institutional research collaboration networks.
• Identifies and pursue strategic research collaboration opportunities.
• Mentors’ fellow researchers and postgraduate students.

Requirements

• PhD or DSc in plant breeding, genetics, genomics or related discipline. A combination of one or more of these is an added advantage. 
• More than 10 years’ experience in a relevant scientific research environment, post Ph.D. and a proven international record of accomplishment
• At least 40 pear reviewed publications in recognized international journals.
• Managerial qualifications will be an added advantage. Proven track record of research project management.
• Proven record of accomplishment for generating external income for programme and projects in programme. Proven record of international funding and participation in international projects. At a minimum be the PI or SA lead. Proven record of accomplishment of research leadership as a principal researcher in the specialized field of expertise with extensive publication record. 
• Registration with scientific and professional bodies is an added advantage.
• Proven record of accomplishment of being an invited international speaker or being involved/invited as participant in international events of high importance. 
• Proven record of accomplishment that expertise and scientific standing is acknowledged at international level. Magnitude of measurable outcomes should be on international level with a clear record of accomplishment of high quality and high impact. The principal researcher leads an international field with high impact quality research.
• Proven track record of mentoring and supervising/co-supervising other researchers and students’ development. Supervise or co-supervise two Post docs, three x PhD and four x M.Sc. every 5 years with an emphasis on critical and scarce skills.
• Proven track record of building national and international partnerships and networks
• Proven track record of strategic and operational planning skills and expertise.
• NRF rating will be an added advantage.
• Valid drivers’ license.