Lead Soil Scientist

Placements24; Kimberley; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Professional development support

Competitive salary and benefits

State-of-the-art facilities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Soil Scientist for a prestigious agricultural research institute in Kimberley. You will lead advanced soil research, develop soil health strategies, and guide a multidisciplinary team in field and lab settings.

The role requires a Ph.D. in Soil Science or related field, 8+ years of research leadership, and a track record of grants and publications. Relocation may be supported for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Soil Science or closely related field.
• 8+ years progressive research experience in soil science, focused on agricultural applications.
• Leadership experience managing research projects and teams.
• Track record of securing grants and publishing in high-impact journals.
• Expertise in soil analysis, interpretation of soil tests, and statistics.
• Strong knowledge of soil biology, biogeochemistry and plant growth.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Laboratory and field research environment experience.
• Familiarity with Northern Cape agricultural issues is advantageous.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct advanced soil research with agricultural focus.
• Develop strategies for soil health, fertility, erosion control.
• Oversee sampling, lab analysis, and data interpretation.
• Mentor junior scientists, technicians, and research assistants.
• Manage budgets, write grants, secure funding.
• Publish in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Collaborate with agronomists and crop scientists to integrate soil health.
• Advise on land management for carbon sequestration and climate aims.
• Ensure lab safety and research integrity standards.
• Serve as SME to internal/external partners.

Skills

Leadership

Soil analysis

Statistical methods

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Soil Science

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious agricultural research institute in Kimberley, Northern Cape, is seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Soil Scientist. This senior role is critical for advancing the understanding and management of soil resources to promote sustainable agriculture and enhance land productivity. You will lead research initiatives, develop innovative soil management strategies, and provide expert guidance on soil health, fertility, and conservation. This role requires significant on-site presence for field research, sample analysis in laboratories, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. The successful candidate will be responsible for guiding junior scientists, securing research grants, and disseminating findings through publications and presentations. We are looking for a recognized expert with a passion for soil science and a proven track record of impactful research within the Northern Cape's unique agricultural context.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct advanced research on soil properties, processes, and dynamics, with a focus on agricultural applications.
• Develop and implement innovative strategies for soil health improvement, fertility management, and erosion control.
• Oversee soil sampling, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation for research projects and client consultations.
• Mentor and supervise junior soil scientists, technicians, and research assistants.
• Manage research budgets, write grant proposals, and secure funding for soil science projects.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international scientific conferences.
• Collaborate with agronomists, crop scientists, and other researchers to integrate soil health into broader agricultural systems.
• Advise on land management practices that enhance soil carbon sequestration and mitigate climate change impacts.
• Ensure adherence to laboratory safety protocols and research integrity standards.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for internal stakeholders and external partners on soil science-related matters.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Soil Science, Agronomy, Soil Chemistry, Soil Physics, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive research experience in soil science, with a significant portion focused on agricultural applications.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in managing research projects and teams.
• Proven track record of securing research grants and publishing in high-impact scientific journals.
• Expertise in soil analysis techniques, interpretation of soil test results, and advanced statistical methods.
• Strong understanding of soil biology, biogeochemistry, and their influence on plant growth and ecosystem function.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a laboratory and field research environment.
• Familiarity with the agricultural landscape and soil challenges of the Northern Cape is advantageous.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead groundbreaking research in soil science.
• Work within a renowned agricultural research institution.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and research equipment.
• Support for professional development, conference attendance, and further training.
• Potential to significantly influence sustainable land management practices.
• Relocation assistance may be provided.