POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP: PLANT VIROLOGY (4 YEARS FIXED TERM CONTRACT)

The Agricultural Research Council

2026/04/29   Roodeplaat


Job Ref #: PHP0656
Industry: Research
Job Type: Contract
Positions Available: 1
The ARC-Plant Health and Protection (ARC-PHP) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced and dynamic person to the following position at Roodeplaat, Pretoria.
Job Description
  • Conduct yeast two-hybrid assays to study plant-virus protein-protein interactions.
  • Generate maize mutants using T-DNA vector-based CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing.
  • Molecular analysis of target genes using PCR, Sanger and high-throughput sequencing.
  • Screen maize mutants for virus resistance.
  • Support MSc and PhD students.
  • Publish in reputable journals and present at scientific congresses.
Job Requirements
  • PhD in Plant Biotechnology/Plant pathology.
  • Experience in proteomics is mandatory.
  • Experience in plant transformation and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing is desirable.
  • Proven record of publication of scientific papers

Enquiries: Dr Tendekai Mahlanza, E: mahlanzat@arc.agric.za 

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 13 MAY 2026

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 (as well as competency and leadership assessments). 

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 organization reserves the right not to appoint.