Professional Development Programme

The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is a Research and Development Institution of excellence in South Africa, which operates within the National System of Innovation. The ARC has a mandate for innovative and creative agricultural research, technology development and transfer aimed at the advancement of South African
agriculture. Its operations are overseen by the ARC Council, appointed by and accountable to the Minister of
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

The ARC is offering a limited number of opportunities to young and dynamic science graduates to participate in the Professional Development Programme. The primary objective of this programme is to develop
capacity within the candidates through exposure to research and development methodologies and their practical
application and to research management in an agricultural research environment.

Professional Development Programme

Successful candidates will be placed either at ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in the Western Cape, or at the ARC
Biotechnology Platform in Pretoria, under the guidance of a mentor (employed by ARC), on a fixed-term contract
basis. They will work on projects concerned with the molecular genetics or genomics of tree-fruit crops and will be
registered for MSc or PhD studies. They may be expected to attend some courses at the university concerned.

Applications may be made for a start in July 2010 or January 2011.

Requirements for participation: ● BSc Honours or MSc in eg Plant Science, Plant Pathology, Genetics,
Biotechnology or a related discipline ● Evidence of significant academic achievement in previous studies ● Interest in a long-term career in agricultural research ● Ability to appreciate diversity and facilitate change ● Excellent interpersonal skills and good professional conduct ● Proactive involvement in their own career development ● Total dedication to the mentorship process ● Ability to cope with pressure and interact effectively in sensitive situations.

Applications providing a detailed statement of interest, accompanied by a detailed CV (including certified
copies of certificates, academic records, supporting documents and nationality), should be forwarded to
the ARC-Central Office, PO Box 8783, Pretoria 0001, or hand-delivered at the reception at the ARC Building
at 1134 Park Street, Hatfield or faxed to (012) 430-5814, for the attention of Ms Lorraine Molope or e-mailed
to Nebreska@arc.agric.aza

NB: Experience/exposure to the duties and skills mentioned above will be taken into consideration in the selection process. Appointment is subject to appropriate reference checks.

The closing date for applications is 16 July 2010.

Applicants who do not receive any response from us four weeks after the closing date, must regard their applications as unsuccessful.

The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer but is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity. The company has the right not to appoint.