Scientist Production (Grade A - C) at DALRRD

DUTIES:

• Develop and implement methodologies, policies, systems and procedures for liquor products.
• Identify gaps/shortfalls and develop appropriate interventions.
• Draft norms and standards, legislation, regulations, policies and guidelines for liquor products in terms of the Liquor Products Act.
• Maintain export and import procedures.
• Provide scientific advice and support. Develop working relations with the client base.
• Provide scientific data, information and advice to ensure appropriate intervention.
• Review scientific publications.
• Identify and consolidate needs for methodologies, policies, systems and procedures.
• Identify the need for new analysis methods / wine-making techniques, additives and updated information management systems i.e. Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Wine Online.
• To perform scientific analysis and regulatory functions.
• Conduct scientific analysis of liquor products.
• Gather and interpret data, evaluate results and disseminate information.

• Coordinate the routine testing of liquor products.
• Develop and customize scientific techniques.
• Perform sensorial evaluation of liquor products.
• Evaluate and interpret analytical results.
• Preparation of data and routine interpretation/analysis of scientific data.

Database and data management.

• Compile and issue reports.
• Coordinate waste management and discarding of samples.
• Perform health and safety audits and compliance checks.

Research and development.

• Continuous professional development to keep up with new technologies and procedures (Attendance of seminars, workshops, training, external or internal presentations/articles).
• Research/literature studies to improve expertise.
• Present research findings (method development, activities, oenological practices, etc). Liaise with relevant bodies/councils on science-related matters.

Conduct basic and applied research (linking with the findings of the literature review, proceed as follows):

• Identify resource needs - equipment, consumables, personnel, and lab space.
• Coordinate setting up the methods, validation of methods and validation reports.

Training of personnel.

• Implement a method for routine application.

Human capital development.

• Mentor, train and develop staff in order to promote skills/knowledge transfer and adherence to sound scientific principles and code of practices.
• Supervise scientific work and processes.
• Manage the performance and development of staff.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Applicants must be in possession of a Grade 12 Certificate and BSc Honours Degree in Food Science / Chemistry / Oenology / Botany / Viticulture / Microbiology or relevant qualification.
• Compulsory registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) as a Professional Scientist.
• 3-years of relevant experience in the field of liquor products and the use of the Wine Online certification system.

Job-related knowledge:

Public Service Regulations, Liquor Products Act of 1989 (Act No. 60 of 1989). Knowledge of liquor products norms and standards, national and international, Knowledge of wine cultivars and different types of liquor a defined in the  Liquor  Products  Act,  Knowledge of export and import procedures, compositional and labelling requirements of the Liquor Products Act, Knowledge of Wine Online export certification/information system,

Knowledge of consignee country requirements, for example, European Union, World Wine Trade Group, ASIA etc to evaluate logging of additional analyses samples and compliance of lab request submission. Knowledge of the comparison and validation of Wine of Origin Scheme certification information. Knowledge and experience in the evaluation of analytical profiles, labels and composition of liquor products. Knowledge on international agreements, conventions, bilateral agreements and experience in national and international liaison.

Knowledge and experience in the development of norms and standards and drafting of legislation. Knowledge of and experience in interpretation of national and international standards. Knowledge of and experience in the drafting of technical correspondence regarding compliance with specific requirements of the Liquor Products Act.

Knowledge in the operation of the following computer software packages: Microsoft Word, Excel, Microsoft Office and WOL. Knowledge of client liaison and handling of telephonic enquiries. Knowledge of legal compliance. Knowledge of wine cultivars and different type of liquor.

Job-related skills:

• Programme and project management skills, Scientific methodologies skills, Research and development skills, Legal compliance skills, Data analysis skills, Computer-aided scientific applications skills, Technical report writing skills, Creating a high-performance culture, Professional judgement,
• Presentation skills, Mentoring skills, Decision-making skills, Team leadership skills, Analytical skills, Creativity skills, Financial management skills, Customer focus and responsiveness skills, Computer literacy skills, People management, Planning and organising skills, Conflict management skills, Change management skills, Problem-solving and analysis skills,
• Wine Online help desk support and client liaison skills. A valid driver’s licence and the ability to drive. Sensorial evaluation skills. Preparation of samples for sensorial evaluation skills (liquor products) by compilation of the tasting list. Presentation of samples for sensorial evaluation by acting as chairperson, convener and presenter at the tasting panel. Liaison skills (national and international),
• Technical skills, Efficient communication skills (drafting in languages).

ENQUIRIES: Ms WJ Hanekom Tel No: (021) 809 0374

SALARY: R628 014 – R953 715 per annum, (Salary will be in accordance with the OSD requirements)

CENTRE: Stellenbosch