Execute tasks in collaboration with researchers on breeding and evaluation of grapevine.
Assist with flower emasculation and pollination.
Embryo rescue procedures (tissue culture of seedless grape crosses). This includes Aseptic removal of rudimentary seeds from surface sterilized berries (crosses), culture & dissection of rudimentary seeds to remove embryos for further culture & development and transferring germinating embryos to glass jars.
Plant seedlings from glass jars to seed trays to harden-off plants from tissue culture.
Plant seedlings from seed trays to plastic plant bags.
Assist with tending to plants in greenhouses and tunnels (watering, weeding, fertigation).
Assist with monitoring of pests and diseases in tunnels and greenhouses.
Washing glassware and general cleaning of laboratory.
Correct use of equipment according to specification (autoclaves, stereo microscopes, laminar flow benches, etc.)
Keep equipment neat and clean.
Any other ad hoc tasks that may be reasonable to be assigned to the job incumbent.
Grade 10 with experience working in an environment where good hand-eye coordination skills are required.
Attention to detail and work accuracy is extremely important (rudimentary seeds and especially embryos are very small & very steady hands are needed to not damage embryos when dissecting rudimentary seeds).
Previous experience working in a tissue culture or other laboratory will be a recommendation.
Experience working in nurseries and with young plants (especially with grape plants) will be a recommendation.
Experience in a work environment where tasks are repetitive.
Excellent communication skills (mostly verbal but also written).
Valid driver’s licence recommended, but not excluding applicants.
Enquiries: Ms. P Burger, Tel: (021) 809 – 3021CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 18 SEPTEMBER 2025Competitive 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.
