Senior Crop Protection Scientist - Integrated Pest Management

Placements24; Glen (MS); Hybride; USD 36 000 - 61 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Résumé du poste

Our client, a leading agricultural R&D firm, seeks a Senior Crop Protection Scientist (IPM) to drive sustainable pest management strategies across crops through lab and field work. The role combines research, data analysis, and collaboration with agronomists and extension officers to translate findings into practical guidance.

The position emphasizes hybrid work, including laboratory research with periodic field evaluations, reporting, and dissemination of knowledge to growers and farm managers.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD with strong IPM emphasis.
• 5+ years of research in crop protection/IPM/biological control.
• Experience identifying pests, diseases, and weeds relevant to SA conditions.
• Experience designing field trials and analyzing experimental data.
• Familiarity with data analysis software and statistical methods.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsabilités

• Lead IPM strategy development and validation for key crops.
• Conduct field trials evaluating biological controls and sustainable pest methods.
• Monitor pest/disease incidence, forecast outbreaks, and advise proactive measures.
• Analyze crop health data, soil conditions, and weather for IPM decisions.
• Collaborate with agronomists and extension officers to share knowledge.
• Maintain pest/disease/weed databases and update protocols.
• Stay current with global crop protection research and regulatory practices.
• Prepare scientific reports and conference presentations.
• Contribute to development of new crop protection products and protocols.

Connaissances

IPM expertise

Field trial design

Data analysis

Statistical methods

Scientific writing

Team collaboration

Regulatory knowledge

Formation

Master's degree in Entomology/Plant Pathology/Weed Science

PhD in Entomology/Plant Pathology/Weed Science

Outils

R

SAS

Python

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural research and development firm based in Welkom, Free State, ZA, is seeking an innovative Senior Crop Protection Scientist specializing in Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This role is pivotal in developing and implementing sustainable strategies to manage pests, diseases, and weeds across a variety of crops, minimizing reliance on chemical interventions. The successful candidate will conduct cutting-edge research, analyze crop health data, and provide expert guidance to growers and farm managers. This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated scientist to contribute to the advancement of environmentally sound agricultural practices in the Free State province. You will work within a collaborative research environment, focusing on practical solutions for modern farming challenges. The position involves a hybrid work arrangement, combining laboratory research with field evaluations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research initiatives in the development and validation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies for key agricultural crops.
• Conduct field trials to evaluate the efficacy of novel biological control agents, biopesticides, and other sustainable pest management techniques.
• Monitor pest and disease incidence and distribution, forecasting potential outbreaks and recommending proactive control measures.
• Analyze crop health data, soil conditions, and weather patterns to inform IPM strategies and optimize crop protection recommendations.
• Collaborate with agronomists, plant breeders, and extension officers to disseminate knowledge and best practices to the agricultural community.
• Develop and maintain databases of pest, disease, and weed occurrences and their management.
• Stay updated on global research trends in crop protection, biological control, and sustainable agriculture.
• Prepare scientific reports, publications, and presentations for conferences and stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development of new crop protection products and protocols.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or PhD in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weed Science, or a closely related field with a strong emphasis on IPM.
• A minimum of 5 years of research experience in crop protection, IPM, or biological control within an agricultural context.
• Proven expertise in identifying and managing common agricultural pests, diseases, and weeds relevant to South African conditions.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and executing field trials and analyzing experimental data.
• Familiarity with various data analysis software and statistical methods.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific information clearly.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks governing pesticide use and agricultural practices in ZA.
• Willingness to engage in hybrid work, including periodic travel to field sites in the Welkom area and surrounding regions.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, commensurate with qualifications and experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment is provided.
• Opportunities for professional development, attending scientific conferences, and further specialization in crop protection are encouraged.
• This role offers the chance to drive innovation in sustainable agriculture within the vital farming sector of the Free State.