SCIENTIST PRODUCTION GRADE A: AQUACULTURE

Department of Agriculture

Directorate: Animal Research and Technology Development Services

Reference number: DARDLEA/2026/08/21
Salary: R791 604 per annum, (all-inclusive package)
Centre: Cycad Building, Mbombela
Province: Mpumalanga
Closing date: 11 September 2026
Circular: No 31 of 2026

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Requirements

Grade 12 plus a Master’s (MSc) Degree (NQF Level 9) in Aquaculture/ Ichthyology or qualification within the related field as recognised by SAQA. At least four (4) years’ post-qualification experience in aquaculture research and compulsory registration with the SACNASP as a Professional Natural Scientist. Skills and Competencies: Theoretical and practical knowledge of aquaculture production systems, inland fisheries, breeding and aquatic animal health and welfare. Proven ability to carry out quantitative analysis and write peer-reviewed scientific publications and scientific reviews. Familiar with software applications and statistical analysis of data. Knowledge of animal ethics as it relates to animal and applied aquaculture research. Practical aquaculture breeding, aquatic animal handling and biosecurity skills. Good communication, analytical and problem solving and analysis skills. Must be computer literate (MS Word, MS Excel and MS PowerPoint). Must have a valid driver’s licence.

Duties

Undertake basic and applied aquaculture and inland fisheries research on priority species in line with the Aquaculture Research. Provide information on new technologies and research developments through continuous professional development. Perform scientific analysis and regulatory functions. Gather, interpret and statistically evaluate empirical and experimental data to inform policy and practice. Compile detailed technical and scientific reports, proposals, concept notes and policy briefs for departmental identity and consolidate sectoral needs for methodologies and decision-support tools in inland aquaculture and inland fisheries. Monitor and evaluate aquaculture research programmes and demonstrate activities. Support with optimising breeding and hatchery programmes. Maintain effective stakeholder and client relationships to promote adoption of best practices and evidence-based approaches. Mentor, train and supervise candidate scientists, interns, students and aquaculture technicians and provide structured learning and development opportunities to support growth of technical capacity in the sector.

Where to send your application

Applications must be submitted online through the link: https://erecruitment.mpg.gov.za

Enquiries

Ms. EM Mkhonza Tel No: (013) 759 4000 or Ms. MH Sekoma Tel No: (013) 759 4000

Taken from Public Service Vacancy Circular 31 of 2026, published by the Department of Public Service and Administration on 28 August 2026. Open the PDF to check this post against the original. Last checked 9 September 2026.

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