Job Title: Research Officer-Sugar Technologist
Reports to: Respective Programme Leader
Salary Scale: UR5(I)RS
Age limit: Not more than 40 years

Job Purpose:To support the planning, execution, and monitoring of sugarcane research activities, including laboratory analyses, field trials, data management, and technology dissemination.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Assist in the design, establishment, and management of sugarcane field trials, including planting, treatment application, and data collection.
2. Support laboratory-based research activities such as plant tissue culture, molecular diagnostics, soil and plant analysis, and disease/pest screening.
3. Maintain experimental protocols, ensure quality control, and adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
4. Operate and maintain research equipment, machinery, and specialized instruments for sugarcane research.
5. Conducts chemical and physical analysis of sugar, sugarcane and its byproducts
6. Conduct research on sugar waste management
7. Work closely with other disciplines in advancing sugar research
8. Collect, record, and verify research data from field and laboratory experiments.
9. Provide hands-on training to students, interns, and junior technicians involved in sugarcane research.
10. Conduct training to sugar value chain actors and students
11. Liaise with sugar companies, farmer associations, universities, and research institutions to support collaborative research.
12. Ensure proper maintenance and calibration of laboratory and field equipment.
13. Observe safety, ethical, and environmental standards in research operations.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences, Plant Science, Biotechnology, Food Technology, Food Chemistry, or related field plus a Master’s degree in any of the above fields.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in crop research, preferably in sugarcane or other industrial crops.
• Practical experience in field trial management, plant tissue culture, molecular diagnostics, or soil/plant analysis.
• Strong data management and statistical analysis skills.
• Familiarity with extension, technology dissemination, and stakeholder
• Proven record of publications in referred journals is an added advantage.
• Possession of a PhD is an added advantage.

Tenure: The tenure of office for all positions is a 5-year contract renewable upon satisfactory performance.

Application Procedures:

Interested persons with the above requirements should  download NARO Application Form here. Attach a recent passport photo and fill it in triplicate; attach detailed curriculum vitae with copies of academic certificates and testimonials to the undersigned not later than 5.00 pm on 3rd November 2025

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and notified via the NARO website, telephones and e-mail addresses as provided on the application form. Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide certified copies of their Academic Qualifications.

Only applications responding to this advertisement and its attendant timelines will be received.

The Director General, 
National Agricultural Research Organization, 
Plot 11-13, Lugard Avenue,
P.O.Box 295 
Entebbe - Uganda