Researcher: Plant Improvement (Biotechnology) (Nelspruit) needed at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• Initiate/manage research projects related to plant tissue culture.
• Write proposals and manage project budgets.
• Write publications/present research outcomes of relevance to subtropical fruit growers, industries and the scientific community.
• Provide leadership and mentoring to research technicians, assistants and students.
• Develop and optimise protocols for micropropagation of tropical and subtropical crops (from in vitro stage to acclimatisation).
• Manage operations in biotechnology laboratory as well as nursery (shade house and tunnel).
• Maintain gene banks for conservation purposes (in the nursery and in vitro).
• Liaise with growers, industry technical officers, national and provincial government.

Requirements

• PhD in Plant Biotechnology or Biological/Life/Natural Sciences with specialization in Plant Biotechnology (plant tissue culture).
• Minimum of 3 years applicable experience in research support in plant tissue culture applications.
• In depth knowledge of Plant Biotechnology with a particular emphasis on plant tissue culture technologies (micropropagation). Experience with cryopreservation will be an advantage.
• Technical knowledge of glasshouse/nursery management.
• Proven record of at least 3 scientific publications and presentations at scientific conferences.
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• Proven history of collaboration at national level.
• Proven history of mentoring and supervising/co-supervising researchers and students.
• Advanced Computer Literacy.
• Valid driver’s license.