Closing Date: 04 November 2025
Location: ARC–Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants (ARC-VIMP), Roodeplaat, Pretoria, South Africa
Company Name: Agricultural Research Council (ARC)
Apply Link: Apply via ARC Careers Page
Job Reference Number: ARC-VIMP09108
Department: 09 – RVOPI
Positions Available: 2
Job Type: Contract
Salary: Market Related
About the Internship Programme
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) invites applications from qualified candidates for internship positions within the Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants (ARC-VIMP) division in Roodeplaat, Pretoria.
These internships provide exposure to DNA marker technologies, molecular breeding, and genetic research, contributing directly to ongoing research and plant improvement projects.
Key Responsibilities
-
Contribute to research projects focusing on DNA marker technologies and molecular breeding.
-
Design and implement molecular breeding experiments in collaboration with breeders.
-
Stay updated with developments in DNA marker technologies through scientific literature.
-
Capture, analyse, and interpret genetic and experimental data.
-
Prepare and contribute to progress and research reports.
-
Support intellectual property (IP) and plant breeder’s rights (PBR) initiatives.
-
Supervise and mentor postgraduate students, research technicians, and assistants.
-
Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and popular publications.
-
Ensure compliance with SHE/OHS policies and organisational procedures.
Minimum Requirements
-
MSc in Plant Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Plant Breeding, or Genetics.
-
Strong background and experience in molecular biology and plant molecular markers.
-
Experience using genetic data analysis tools.
-
Excellent data collection accuracy and attention to detail.
-
Proven project planning and time management skills.
-
Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
-
Proficient in MS Office Suite, especially Excel.
-
Knowledge of health and safety procedures.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
-
A covering letter
-
Detailed CV
-
Certified copies of qualifications, ID, and driver’s licence
-
Supporting documents and three contactable referees
-
SAQA evaluation report (for foreign qualifications)
📌 Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Submission Details
Applications must be submitted with all attachments on the official ARC application form.
Enquiries:
Dr. I. Gazendam — Tel: (012) 808 8000
Important Notes:
-
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
-
If you do not receive feedback within 4 weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
-
The ARC reserves the right not to make an appointment.
-
Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups, in line with the ARC Employment Equity Plan.
-
Permanent appointments are subject to a six-month probation period.
Employment Equity Commitment:
The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the principles of the Employment Equity Act and promoting workplace diversity.