Job Description
South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI) a division of the South African Sugar Association (SASA) has a permanent opportunity seeking a motivated and technically skilled Assistant Research Officer (Entomology) to join our multidisciplinary Crop Biology Resource Unit (CBRC) based in Mount Edgecombe.
The South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI) is a world-class agricultural research institute within the South African Sugar Association (SASA). This role supports research aimed at improving the biosecurity and long-term sustainability of the South African sugarcane industry. This position will report to the Senior Entomologist.
Key Responsibilities:
Research
Conduct insecticide bioassays on priority sugarcane pests including Eldana, yellow sugarcane aphid, longhorn beetle, and other economically important pests
Perform entomological procedures such as pest rearing, dissections, colony maintenance, monitoring, microscopy, and specimen preservation
Source insect diets, plant material, and host tissue for bioassays
Conduct microbiological and molecular biology techniques
Record, analyse, and interpret research data using appropriate electronic tools and statistical methods
Contribute to proposal development and support research projects identified through the SASRI Programme of Work
Knowledge Exchange
Communicate research findings through internal reports, peer-reviewed publications, conference papers, and non-peer-reviewed outputs (technical notes, extension articles, newsletters, and industry summaries)
Present research at internal seminars, conferences, workshops, and industry forums
Training and Supervision
Train interns, students, and junior staff in laboratory, field, and entomological procedures
Mentor technical staff and research interns on relevant methodological aspects
Administration
Forecast material requirements and assist with preliminary project budgets
Procure consumables using the SASA online system and maintain records
Monitor expenditure on relevant cost codes and provide updates on request
Log maintenance requests and liaise with technical support services
Safety, Health & Environment
Complete SHE, first aid and fire extinguisher checklists
Ensure correct PPE usage and adherence to SHE procedures
Maintain chemical inventories and MSDS files within the entomology laboratories
Minimum Requirements:
Education and Experience:
BSc (Hons) or MSc with Entomology as a major subject.
Minimum two years' experience in entomology, microbiology, molecular biology, and laboratory-based research
Demonstrated ability to work across disciplines and within team-based research environments
Strong organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Computer literacy is essential
Code EB driver's license