Lead Soil Scientist — Soil Health & Sustainable Ag Research

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

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.