Plant Pathologist - Agricultural Disease Management

Placements24; Queenstown (MD); On-site; USD 33,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Plant Pathologist to join our R&D team in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. The role focuses on identifying, diagnosing, and managing diseases affecting key crops, with field and laboratory studies to understand disease cycles and develop control strategies.

The ideal candidate has a Masters or PhD in Plant Pathology or related field, at least four years of experience, and strong knowledge of fungal, bacterial, and viral pathogens, plus diagnostic and epidemiology skills.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Plant Pathology, Mycology, Bacteriology or Virology.
• Minimum 4 years' plant pathology research or disease management experience.
• Experience diagnosing plant diseases, preferably within the South African agricultural context.
• Knowledge of fungal, bacterial and viral pathogens and their life cycles.
• Lab techniques for pathogen isolation, identification and characterization.
• Strong understanding of plant physiology, crop science and epidemiology.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and research skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication; able to present technical information.
• Ability to work independently and in teams; valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Identify and diagnose plant diseases in Queenstown and surrounding areas.
• Conduct lab experiments to isolate, culture and identify pathogens.
• Design field trials to evaluate disease control methods.
• Develop integrated disease management strategies for key crops.
• Collaborate with researchers, agencies and industry partners.
• Maintain records of findings and recommendations.
• Provide technical advice to farmers and agronomists.

Education

Master's or PhD in Plant Pathology or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the agricultural sector, is seeking a dedicated Plant Pathologist to join their research and development team in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. This role is critical for identifying, diagnosing, and managing plant diseases that affect key agricultural crops in the region. The Plant Pathologist will conduct laboratory and field studies to understand disease cycles, develop effective control strategies, and provide expert advice to farmers and agronomists. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of fungal, bacterial, and viral pathogens, as well as expertise in diagnostic techniques and disease epidemiology. This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to contribute to crop protection and agricultural sustainability in the Queenstown, Eastern Cape area. We are committed to advancing agricultural science and supporting farmers in maintaining healthy and productive crops. Join our team of dedicated professionals and make a significant impact on food security and agricultural resilience.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and diagnose plant diseases affecting various agricultural crops in Queenstown, Eastern Cape and surrounding areas.
• Conduct laboratory experiments to isolate, culture, and identify plant pathogens.
• Design and execute field trials to evaluate the efficacy of fungicides, bactericides, and other disease control methods.
• Investigate disease cycles, epidemiology, and factors influencing disease development.
• Develop and implement integrated disease management strategies for key crops.
• Provide technical recommendations and support to farmers, agronomists, and extension officers on disease diagnosis and management.
• Stay current with scientific literature and advancements in plant pathology and crop protection.
• Maintain detailed records of diagnostic findings, research results, and recommendations.
• Collaborate with researchers, government agencies, and industry partners on disease surveillance and management initiatives.
• Contribute to the development of educational materials and training programs on plant diseases.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or PhD in Plant Pathology, Mycology, Bacteriology, Virology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in plant pathology research or applied plant disease management.
• Proven experience in diagnosing plant diseases, preferably within the South African agricultural context.
• In-depth knowledge of fungal, bacterial, and viral plant pathogens and their life cycles.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques for pathogen isolation, identification, and characterization.
• Strong understanding of plant physiology, crop science, and epidemiology.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and research skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in both laboratory and field settings.
• A valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Access to well-equipped laboratory facilities.
• Be part of a leading agricultural research and advisory service.
• Work in the agriculturally significant Queenstown, Eastern Cape region.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Support for continuous learning and research.
• Collaborative team environment.
• Contribution to sustainable agriculture.