Senior Crop Protection Scientist — Field & Lab Research

Placements24; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement savings plan

Opportunities to attend internationals

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Crop Protection Scientist for a leading agricultural research institution in Randburg, Gauteng. The role combines laboratory work with field trials to develop and implement strategies for managing pests, diseases, and weeds that affect crop yields and quality.

You will design experiments, assess pesticides and IPM approaches, interpret data, and report findings to stakeholders. A strong background in entomology, plant pathology, or weed science, plus at least five years

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weed Science, Agronomy, or a related agricultural science field.
• Minimum of 5 years of research experience in crop protection.
• Demonstrated expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and statistical interpretation.
• Strong knowledge of pest/disease biology, lifecycles, and management strategies.
• Experience with field trial management and Good Experimental Practice (GEP).
• Proficiency in scientific writing and presentation.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to research sites in Gauteng and surrounding areas.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and manage field and laboratory experiments related to crop protection.
• Evaluate the efficacy of pesticides, biological control agents, and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
• Identify and diagnose plant diseases, insect pests, and weed problems in various crops.
• Collect and analyze experimental data, interpreting results to inform recommendations.
• Develop and refine protocols for pest and disease monitoring and forecasting.
• Prepare technical reports, research papers, and presentations for scientific and agricultural audiences.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including agronomists and farm managers.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and safety protocols.
• Stay current with scientific literature and advancements in crop protection.

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Crop Protection Scientist for a leading agricultural research institution in Randburg, Gauteng. The role combines laboratory work with field trials to develop and implement strategies for managing pests, diseases, and weeds that affect crop yields and quality.

You will design experiments, assess pesticides and IPM approaches, interpret data, and report findings to stakeholders. A strong background in entomology, plant pathology, or weed science, plus at least five years