Crop Protection Scientist - Research & Development

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 127,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a prominent agricultural research organization to hire a Crop Protection Scientist. The role focuses on protecting crops from pests, diseases, and weeds through lab and field trials in a hybrid setup, combining remote data analysis with on-site field research.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in entomology, plant pathology, or weed science, with 4–6 years of crop protection experience, and be able to contribute to product development and

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weed Science, Agronomy, or related field.
• 4–6 years of relevant crop protection research experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage lab and field experiments for evaluating crop protection products and strategies.
• Analyze data and interpret results to inform product development.
• Prepare research reports, publications, and technical documentation.
• Ensure compliance with GLP/GFP standards and safety regulations.
• Assist in IPM program development and product registration.

Skills

Experimental design

Data analysis (R/SAS)

Scientific writing

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Entomology

PhD in Plant Pathology

MSc in related discipline

Tools

Statistical software (R/SAS)

GLP knowledge

Field methods

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural research organization, is seeking a skilled Crop Protection Scientist to join their Research & Development team. This role focuses on developing and evaluating innovative solutions for protecting crops from pests, diseases, and weeds, ensuring optimal yield and quality. You will conduct laboratory and field trials, analyze data, and contribute to the development of new crop protection products and strategies. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background in entomology, plant pathology, or weed science, coupled with a passion for agricultural innovation. This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for a blend of remote data analysis and laboratory work with on-site field research activities in the **Queenstown, Eastern Cape, ZA** area. We are looking for a proactive scientist committed to advancing sustainable agricultural practices through cutting-edge research.

Key Responsibilities

Design, implement, and manage laboratory and field experiments for evaluating crop protection products and strategies. Conduct research on the biology, ecology, and management of agricultural pests, diseases, and weeds. Analyze experimental data using statistical methods and interpret results to draw conclusions. Contribute to the formulation and registration of new crop protection products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including chemists, agronomists, and regulatory affairs specialists. Prepare detailed research reports, scientific publications, and technical documentation. Stay current with scientific literature, industry trends, and emerging challenges in crop protection. Ensure compliance with safety regulations and good laboratory/field practice (GLP/GFP) standards. Assist in the development of integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Troubleshoot technical issues and provide scientific support to product development teams.

Requirements

Ph.D. or Master's degree in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weed Science, Agronomy, or a related discipline. Minimum of 4-6 years of relevant research experience in crop protection. Strong knowledge of pest, disease, and weed biology and management. Proficiency in experimental design, data analysis (statistical software like R or SAS), and interpretation. Experience with laboratory techniques relevant to crop protection research. Field research experience, including plot management and data collection. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to publish research findings. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team in a hybrid setting. Familiarity with regulatory requirements for crop protection products is a plus. Valid driver's license and willingness to travel for field research within the **Queenstown, Eastern Cape, ZA** region.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance and a retirement fund. Opportunities for professional growth and development are provided. Access to modern laboratory facilities and field research stations. This hybrid role offers a dynamic work environment, blending remote analysis with essential on-site research. Contribute to vital agricultural advancements in the **Queenstown, Eastern Cape, ZA** region. Join a respected organization dedicated to innovation in crop protection.