Technical Assistant

University of Pretoria

Pretoria, Gauteng

Temporary, Part-time

Closing Date: 31 March 2026

UP Professional and Support

FORESTRY AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE

TECHNICAL ASSISTANT – 12 Month Contract

PEROMNES POST LEVEL 11

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.

The University of Pretoria’s commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

• Supporting the research conducted at the insect rearing facility of the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI);
• Rearing of insects and their biocontrol agents;
• Conducting experiments related to insects and their biocontrol agents, including biology studies, host specificity tests, rearing improvements etc;
• Arranging shipments of insects and/or biocontrol agents;
• Making, developing and improving artificial insect diets;
• Assisting with tours of FABI Biocontrol Facility and procurement processes;
• Compiling and updating rearing guides and SOPs;
• Complying with the rules of the insect quarantine and relevant SOPs;
• Providing Ad hoc assistance with projects where required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• BSc Honours Degree (Entomology, Ecology, Biological Sciences, Zoology or any other related degree) with at least 6 months of proven experience in the following:
  • Insect rearing and/or experimentation related to insects or biological control agents of insects.
• Valid Driver’s License.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Entomology;
• Professional attitude and results driven;
• Sound time management;
• Accuracy and ability to prioritise tasks;
• Problem solving.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• MSc Degree (Entomology, Ecology, Biological Sciences, Zoology or any other related degree) with proven experience in the following:
• Research;
• Developing experiments;
• Data capture & analysis;
• Report writing;
• Presentation skills.
• Working with artificial insect diets;
• Working with parasitoids;
• Rearing of insect parasitoids;
• Molecular Diagnostics.

• Member of a relevant professional society (Entomological Society of Southern Africa, Lepidopterists’ Society of Africa, etc)

PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments and/or psychometric testing as part of the selection process.

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines.

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za

In applying for this post, please attach:

• Cover letter;
• A comprehensive CV;
• Certified copies of qualifications;
• Driver’s License;
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

CLOSING DATE: 26 March 2026

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

ENQUIRIES:

Mr Trishan Moodley: trishan.moodley@up.ac.za, for application-related enquiries.

Ms Samantha Bush: Samantha.Bush@fabi.up.ac.za for post related content.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 30 June 2026, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.

By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.