Senior Plant Pathologist — Lead Plant Disease Research

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

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.