Senior Plant Pathologist - No Remote

Placements24; Queenstown; Remote; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Travel to conferences

Advanced research facilities

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Queenstown, NZ is seeking a Senior Plant Pathologist to lead investigations into plant diseases affecting key agricultural crops. You will apply advanced diagnostics, laboratory and field methods, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team on-site.

You will design field trials, interpret data, mentor researchers, and contribute to disease management strategies that support sustainable agriculture and food security.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Botany, Microbiology or closely related field.
• Minimum 7 years of plant pathology research experience with a strong publication record.
• Extensive knowledge of plant pathogens and their life cycles; strong experimental design.
• Hands-on experience with diagnostic techniques, molecular methods, and field trials.

Responsibilities

• Lead research on identifying, diagnosing, and managing plant diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes.
• Conduct lab experiments to characterize virulence factors and host-pathogen interactions.
• Design and execute field trials to evaluate disease control strategies.
• Develop and standardize diagnostic protocols for plant pathogens.
• Analyze data from lab and field studies and provide actionable recommendations.
• Collaborate with breeders, agronomists, and extension specialists on integrated disease management.
• Mentor junior researchers and provide technical guidance to field staff.
• Prepare scientific reports, grant proposals, and publications.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Data analysis

Communication

Collaboration

Laboratory techniques

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Pathology

Tools

Molecular methods

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural research institution, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Plant Pathologist to join their on-site research team. This critical role involves leading investigations into plant diseases affecting key agricultural crops, developing innovative disease management strategies, and contributing to the overall health and productivity of agricultural systems. You will be instrumental in identifying, diagnosing, and managing plant pathogens, utilizing advanced laboratory and field-based research methods. This position requires a deep understanding of plant-microbe interactions and a passion for applied agricultural science. You will work from our dedicated research facilities in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, ZA , collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and field technicians.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research projects focused on the identification, diagnosis, and management of plant diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes.
• Conduct laboratory experiments to characterize pathogen virulence factors, host-pathogen interactions, and disease epidemiology.
• Design and execute field trials to evaluate the efficacy of disease control strategies, including resistant cultivars and chemical/biological treatments.
• Develop and standardize diagnostic protocols for plant pathogens.
• Analyze and interpret data from laboratory and field studies, drawing conclusions and making recommendations.
• Collaborate with breeders, agronomists, and extension specialists to implement integrated disease management solutions.
• Mentor junior researchers and provide technical guidance to field staff.
• Prepare scientific reports, grant proposals, and publications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Botany, Microbiology, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in plant pathology research, with a strong publication record.
• Extensive knowledge of fungal, bacterial, viral, and nematode plant pathogens and their life cycles.
• Proven experience in experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Hands-on experience with diagnostic techniques, molecular methods, and field trial management.
• Strong leadership and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative, on-site research team.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off.
• Employees benefit from access to advanced research facilities, opportunities for professional development and travel to conferences, and a supportive work environment dedicated to agricultural innovation.
• This role provides a significant opportunity to contribute to sustainable agriculture and food security through impactful research conducted on-site, fostering close collaboration and hands-on scientific inquiry.
• Opportunities for career progression are available within our research division.