Senior Crop Protection Scientist - Integrated Pest Management

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Research facilities

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Crop Protection Scientist focused on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to lead research and field evaluations across crops. The role combines laboratory work with practical farm demonstrations and requires strong communication with growers and extension services.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in crop protection/IPM and a PhD or Master’s in Entomology, Plant Pathology, or Weed Science, plus regulatory knowledge for ZA.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in a relevant field with IPM emphasis.
• Minimum 5 years of research experience in crop protection/IPM/biological control.
• Experience designing field trials and analyzing experimental data.
• Familiarity with pests, diseases, and weeds relevant to SA conditions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in cross‑functional teams.
• Knowledge of pesticide regulatory frameworks in ZA.
• Willingness to travel to field sites and work in a hybrid setup.

Responsibilities

• Lead IPM strategy development and validation for key crops.
• Conduct field trials for biological controls and biopesticides.
• Monitor pest/disease incidence and forecast outbreaks.
• Analyze crop health data, soil and weather to inform IPM.
• Collaborate with agronomists and extension officers to share knowledge.
• Develop and maintain pest/disease/weed databases.
• Stay updated on global crop protection research trends.
• Prepare scientific reports and conference presentations.
• Contribute to development of new crop protection products.

Skills

IPM expertise

Field trial design

Data analysis

ZA pest knowledge

Scientific communication

Independent work

Team collaboration

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Master's degree in Entomology, Plant Pathology, or Weed Science

PhD in Entomology, Plant Pathology, or Weed Science

Tools

Statistical software (R/SAS)

Job description

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 . Join a dedicated team committed to advancing agricultural science in South Africa .