Senior Assistant Officer x1
Job Details
Job Title: Senior Assistant Officer: Technical Research Officer (Post Level 12)
Job ID: 6367
Contract Type: Fixed-term contract (4 years)
Occupational Level: Semi-Skilled
Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
Organisational Unit: Faculty of Health Sciences → School of Clinical Medicine → Department of Pharmacology
Closing Date: 3 March 2026
Assumption of Duties: As soon as possible
Job Overview
University of the Free State (UFS) invites applications for the position of Senior Assistant Officer: Technical Research Officer (Post Level 12) on a four-year fixed-term contract. This role is based within the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, and plays a key role in supporting research, community engagement, and quality assurance activities related to medicinal plant production and herbal medicine development.
The successful candidate will work closely with rural communities, research teams, and laboratory partners to ensure sustainable cultivation practices, quality control, and compliance with international standards.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and support the cultivation, harvesting, transport, storage, and processing of medicinal plant material in accordance with Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP)
Facilitate training and mentorship for rural communities involved in commercial cultivation and wild harvesting of medicinal plants
Provide technical guidance and resource management support to improve productivity, quality, and sustainability
Participate in quality control training and accreditation processes within African Medicines Innovations and Technologies Development (AMITD), with focus on ISO, GACP, GLP, and quality assurance systems
Maintain documentation and records for audit and compliance purposes
Assist with basic quality control procedures at community post-harvesting facilities
Contribute to research and development of herbal medicines and botanical health products
Monitor project timelines, progress, and compliance with research protocols and community agreements
Liaise with researchers, students, laboratories, and partner stakeholders
Travel regularly to rural project sites across South Africa and neighbouring countries
Minimum Requirements and Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7), or a three-year National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in Agriculture or a related field
Minimum of one (1) year relevant experience in plant production, rural development, or medicinal plant research
Proven experience in community engagement, capacity building, or training delivery
Knowledge of plant propagation, including tissue culture, nursery, and greenhouse management
Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel extensively to rural areas
Recommended Skills and Experience
Postgraduate qualification in agriculture or rural development
Experience in project management and monitoring deliverables
Understanding of indigenous knowledge systems and their integration into scientific research
Experience in university-based or interdisciplinary research environments
Multilingualism in South African languages
Strong communication, coordination, and interpersonal skills
Experience in community-based research and commercial agriculture
Salary and Benefits
Annual remuneration: R388,426.59 – R487,479.38 per annum (depending on experience, qualifications, and budget availability)
Benefits include:
Pension scheme
Medical aid
Group life insurance
Housing allowance
Annual and sick leave
Service bonus
Study benefits (subject to conditions)
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online only via the official UFS vacancy website. Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.
Applicants must submit:
A detailed Curriculum Vitae
Certified copies of qualifications (including SAQA accreditation for foreign qualifications)
A copy of a South African ID or passport
Proof of current or previous employment (for external applicants)
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Closing Date: 3 March 2026
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.