Senior Plant Pathologist - Disease Management

Placements24; O Mente; On-site; EUR 49,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement planning

Research grants

Job summary

Placements24 supports a leading agricultural research institution in Queenstown to recruit a Senior Plant Pathologist. You will identify, diagnose, and manage crop diseases, lead projects, and mentor staff across field and laboratory settings.

Ideal candidates hold a PhD with extensive post‑doctoral experience, strong molecular diagnostics skills (PCR/qPCR, sequencing), and excellent communication and collaboration abilities. On‑site role based in the Eastern Cape.

Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Pathology or related field is required.
• Minimum 8 years post-doctoral research experience in plant pathology.
• Experience diagnosing plant diseases and understanding pathogen biology.
• Molecular diagnostics expertise including PCR/qPCR and sequencing.
• Proven ability to design and manage complex research projects.
• Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Leadership and mentoring capabilities; driver’s license and fieldwork willingness.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field and laboratory research to diagnose plant diseases affecting crops.
• Develop and validate diagnostic tools and protocols for rapid disease ID.
• Design and implement integrated disease management strategies (IDM).
• Investigate epidemiology and population dynamics of key pathogens.
• Lead research projects, including design, data collection, and reporting.
• Supervise and mentor junior researchers and students in plant pathology.
• Collaborate with researchers and extension officers to disseminate findings.
• Publish research results in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Ensure biosafety and laboratory safety compliance.

Skills

Plant pathology expertise

Molecular diagnostics

Project management

Scientific writing

Leadership & mentoring

Fieldwork readiness

Driver's license

Education

PhD in Plant Pathology or closely related field

Tools

PCR

qPCR

Sequencing

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural research institution focused on crop health, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Plant Pathologist to join their team based in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. This pivotal role will focus on the identification, diagnosis, and management of plant diseases affecting key agricultural crops in the region. The successful candidate will lead research initiatives, develop effective disease control strategies, and provide expert advisory services to farmers and agricultural stakeholders. This is a hands-on, research-intensive position requiring a deep understanding of plant pathology, molecular diagnostics, and integrated disease management principles. You will play a crucial role in safeguarding crop yields and quality, contributing significantly to the agricultural economy of the Eastern Cape. The ideal candidate is a dedicated scientist with a passion for problem-solving and a commitment to advancing crop protection science.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct field and laboratory research to identify and diagnose plant diseases affecting various crops.
• Develop and validate diagnostic tools and protocols for rapid and accurate disease identification.
• Design and implement integrated disease management (IDM) strategies, including the use of resistant varieties, biological controls, and chemical treatments.
• Investigate the epidemiology and population dynamics of key plant pathogens.
• Manage research projects, including experimental design, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Supervise and mentor junior researchers, technicians, and students in the plant pathology unit.
• Collaborate with other researchers, agronomists, and extension officers to disseminate research findings and provide technical support.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present at national and international conferences.
• Ensure compliance with biosafety regulations and laboratory safety standards.

Requirements

• A PhD in Plant Pathology, Mycology, Bacteriology, Virology, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of post-doctoral research experience in plant pathology, with a proven track record of independent research and publications.
• Extensive experience in diagnosing plant diseases and understanding pathogen biology and ecology.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular diagnostic techniques (e.g., PCR, qPCR, sequencing).
• Proven ability to design, conduct, and manage complex research projects.
• Strong analytical, statistical, and data interpretation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in scientific writing and presentation.
• Leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to conduct fieldwork in various agricultural settings around Queenstown.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement planning, and research grants. This position provides opportunities for professional growth, attending scientific conferences, and collaborating with leading experts in the field. The role is based on-site in Queenstown, offering a rewarding career contributing to agricultural resilience and food security in the Eastern Cape.