Bloemfontein: Senior Assistant Officer: Technical Research Officer (post level 12) (Contract appointment: 4 years) posted by University of the Free State

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: – Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered. The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED! To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation: A detailed Curriculum Vitae. Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation). A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals). Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only). Duties and responsibilities: Coordinate and support cultivation, harvesting, transport, storage and processing of medicinal plant material in line with Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP). Facilitate training and mentorship to rural communities involved in community-based commercial cultivation pilots and wild harvesting of medicinal plants. Provide ongoing technical guidance and resource management to community partners to improve productivity, quality, and sustainability of plant materials. Be involved and be trained in the African Medicines Innovations and Technologies Developments (AMITD) ongoing quality control training and in the accreditation process of AMITD laboratories and facilities, with specific focus on International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), GACP, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) systems, and quality assurance protocols. Responsible for aspects of documentation and archiving for audit purposes. Assist with basic quality control procedures at community post harvesting facilities. Contribute to research and development of herbal medicines and other botanical health products. Maintain project timelines, monitor progress, and ensure compliance with research protocols and community agreements. Liaise with cross-functional teams within the AMITD laboratory, including researchers, students, and partner stakeholders. Travel regularly to project sites and field locations across rural communities within South Africa and neighbouring countries. Inherent requirements: Bachelors degree/Advanced Diploma on NQF Level 7 or a three-year national diploma on NQF Level 6 in Agriculture or a related field. Minimum of one (1) years relevant experience, with demonstrated involvement in plant production, rural development, or research projects involving medicinal plants or horticulture. Proven experience in community engagement, capacity building, or training delivery, particularly in rural and semi-rural contexts. Knowledge of plant propagation tissue culture, nursery, and greenhouse maintenance. Valid drivers license and willingness to travel extensively to rural project sites (attach a copy). Recommendations: Postgraduate qualification in agriculture or rural development. Familiarity with project management tools and ability to monitor deliverables effectively. Understanding of indigenous knowledge systems and their integration into scientific research. Experience working in interdisciplinary or university-based research environments. Multilingualism in some of the South African languages Excellent communication, coordination, and interpersonal skills, self-driven and take initiative. Experience in community research Experience in commercial agriculture and medicinal plant propagation Required competencies: Results Orientated: – The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations. – The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations. Strategic Thinking: – The ability to deal with several activities at a time. – The ability to plan work and to follow plans. Business Acumen: – The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations. – Proficient in using MS Office. Leading: – The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm. – The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together. Building Coalitions: – The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people. – The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision. Assumption of duties: As soon as possible. Closing date: 3 March 2026 Salary: The annual remuneration package, including benefits is R388 426.59 R487 479.38 per annum, depending on the budget available for the position, relevant work experience and qualifications. Fringe benefits: (Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits. Enquiries: For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 2876 or email or . Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2558/9813 for assistance. General: The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at: ufs-employment-equity-plan_2025.pdf The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA. The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.