The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in South Africa is offering a range of exciting internship opportunities for 2024. These internships provide a fantastic platform for students and graduates to gain hands-on experience in various fields of agricultural research. The internships span multiple locations and specializations, each with its unique requirements and opportunities.
List of Agricultural Research Council Internships
1. INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME (Pretoria Central)
- Reference Number: ARC-NRE09
- Location: Pretoria Central
- Duration: 2 – 3 Years
- Closing Date for Applications: 13 August 2024
Description
This internship focuses on providing research support to Water Science projects. As an affiliated postgraduate student, you will:
- Engage with relevant stakeholders within research projects.
- Disseminate project results through publications and presentations at conferences.
- Assist with the installation, monitoring, and maintenance of field equipment.
- Collect, capture, process, and interpret field data, making internal project recommendations.
Requirements
- NQF Level 7 Advanced Diploma/Bachelor’s degree (BSc) in Agricultural/Environmental Sciences or a related field.
- Highly motivated graduates with a strong academic background.
- Willingness to travel to farmers’ sites.
- Good communication skills (written and verbal).
- Valid driver’s license (code 08/EB).
Enquiries: Dr. NA Araya, Email: IbraimoN@arc.agric.za
2. INTERNSHIP: PLANT PROTECTION (Stellenbosch)
- Reference Number: ARC-INFR043
- Location: Stellenbosch
- Duration: 1 – 2 Years
- Closing Date for Applications: 15 August 2024
Description
Interns will contribute to research projects in plant pathology, focusing on grapevine and fruit trees. Responsibilities include:
- Compiling and executing technical project plans.
- Assisting in microscopy, fungicide trials, isolations, and diagnostics of fungal diseases.
- Molecular identification of fungal pathogens.
- Collecting, capturing, processing, and interpreting technical data.
- Preparing reports and conducting contract research.
Requirements
- MSc in Plant Pathology or BSc Honours/BSc (Agric) in Plant Pathology.
- Capacity to conduct research.
- South African citizenship.
- Valid driver’s license (advantageous).
Enquiries: Tel: (021) 809 3393
3. INTERN: NEMATOLOGY (ONE YEAR (1) FIXED TERM CONTRACT) (Nelspruit)
- Reference Number: ARC-TSC03/06
- Location: Nelspruit
- Duration: 9 – 12 Months
- Closing Date for Applications: 8 August 2024
Description
This internship involves research support in the Nematology division focusing on Bush tea. Responsibilities include:
- Reporting to project manager and stakeholders.
- Disseminating project results through publications and presentations.
- Collecting, capturing, processing, and interpreting field data.
Requirements
- BSc (Hons) in Agriculture, Crop Protection, Plant Production, Agronomy, Horticulture/Environmental Sciences.
- Good communication skills (written and verbal).
- Willingness to travel to remote villages.
- Valid driver’s license (advantageous).
Enquiries: Dr. Grace Tefu, Email: Grace@arc.agric.za
4. INTERNSHIPS X38: KAONAFATSO YA DIKGOMO – BEEF RECORDING AND IMPROVEMENT SCHEME POSITIONS (TO BE PLACED IN ALL 9 PROVINCES) (1-YEAR CONTRACT) (Irene (Ap))
- Reference Number: AP007
- Location: Irene (Ap)
- Duration: 9 – 12 Months
- Closing Date for Applications: 6 August 2024
Description
These internships provide animal recording and improvement services to smallholder farmers. Responsibilities include:
- Training and recruiting farmers for the Kaonafatso ya Dikgomo Beef Recording and Improvement Scheme.
- Visiting farmers for beef recording and improvement.
- Training new participants in various phases of beef schemes.
- Collecting information to compile a database of herd statistics and performance indicators.
- Participating in the provincial farmer support team and compiling monthly reports.
Requirements
- National Diploma in Animal Production.
- Motivated and prepared to travel to farms and villages.
- Good human relations and communication skills (written and verbal).
Enquiries: Dr. DM Motiang, Tel: (012) 672-9147
5. INTERN-ANIMAL BREEDING & GENETICS (3 YEARS FIXED TERM CONTRACT) (Irene (Ap))
- Reference Number: PP008
- Location: Irene (Ap)
- Duration: 3 Years +
- Closing Date for Applications: 13 August 2024
Description
This internship involves:
- Planning and coordinating the integration of DNA technology across provinces.
- Assisting with sample data capturing, quality control, and database uploads.
- Participating in scientific technology transfer and supporting research staff.
- Engaging in departmental meetings, seminars, and workshops.
Requirements
- Advanced Diploma/BSc in Biotechnology/Diploma or Animal Science.
- Understanding of basic research principles.
- Good communication skills and proficiency in MS Office suite.
Enquiries: Dr. P Soma, Tel: (012) 672 9218
6. INTERNSHIP: DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES x2 (2 YEARS FIXED-TERM CONTRACT) (Onderstepoort)
- Reference Number: ARC-OVR10/06
- Location: Onderstepoort
- Duration: 2 Years
- Closing Date for Applications: 9 August 2024
Description
Interns will assist with:
- Receiving and cataloguing samples in the laboratory.
- Preparing samples, stains, culture media, and reagents.
- Performing microbiological assays for disease detection and identification.
- Keeping records and reporting on assignments.
Requirements
- BSc Hons in Microbiology or related field/B-Tech in Veterinary Technology.
- Background knowledge of Microbiology (Bacteriology, Serology, and PCR).
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Valid driver’s license (advantageous).
Enquiries: Dr. Tiny Hlokwe, Tel: (012) 529-9149
7. INTERN: AGRO-PROCESSING AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT (TWENTY-FOUR (24) MONTHS FIXED TERM CONTRACT) (Roodeplaat)
- Reference Number: ARC-VIMP098
- Location: Roodeplaat
- Duration: 1 – 2 Years
- Closing Date for Applications: 9 August 2024
Description
This internship involves assisting researchers in postharvest management, agro-processing, and product development. Responsibilities include:
- Capturing and processing technical data for analysis.
- Reporting activities to the supervisor.
- Managing laboratory facilities, materials, and equipment.
- Participating in scientific marketing events and technology transfer activities.
Requirements
- Advanced diploma (NQF 7) to master’s degree (NQF 9) in Food Science or a related field.
- Computer literacy and good communication skills.
- Planning and organizing skills.
- Compliance with HR policies and safety standards.
- Valid driver’s license (advantageous).
Enquiries: Dr. E Arendse, Tel: (012) 808 8000
Application Process
To apply for any of these Agricultural Research Council Internships, interested candidates should send their applications accompanied by a covering letter, detailed CV (including certified copies of certificates, supporting documents, and driver’s license) to the respective contacts listed. Non-RSA citizens must attach certified copies of their work permit and the SAQA evaluation report for foreign qualifications. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Applicants who do not receive any response within four weeks after the closing date should regard their applications as unsuccessful.
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The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in South Africa offers an impressive array of internship opportunities for 2024, designed to foster the next generation of agricultural researchers and professionals. These Agricultural Research Council Internships, which span various fields and specializations such as Water Science, Plant Protection, Nematology, Animal Breeding & Genetics, Diagnostic Services, and Agro-Processing, provide an excellent platform for students and graduates to gain invaluable hands-on experience.