Agricultural Data Scientist - Crop Modeling Expert

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Annual leave

Professional development

International conferences

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Agricultural Data Scientist specializing in crop modeling to join their research division in Cape Town, Western Cape. The role focuses on developing, validating, and deploying advanced crop models to predict yields, optimize resources, and assess climate impacts for South Africa's agricultural sector.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in a quantitative agricultural field, has 5+ years of hands-on crop modeling experience (DSSAT/APSIM/AquaCrop), and is

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant quantitative field with a strong focus on crop modeling.
• 5+ years developing, calibrating, and applying crop simulation models.
• Proficiency in Python or R for data analysis and ML.
• Experience handling large geospatial datasets.
• Strong written publications and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain crop growth models using statistics and ML.
• Integrate weather, soil, remote sensing, and agronomic data into crop models.
• Validate models against observed field data.
• Forecast yields and assess risks for farming scenarios.
• Develop irrigation and management optimization algorithms.
• Collaborate with agronomists, plant breeders, and environmental scientists.
• Communicate complex findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Contribute to grants and research publications.

Skills

Data analysis

Statistical modeling

Machine learning

Scientific writing

Independent work

Education

PhD in Agricultural Science or related field

Tools

Python

R

Geospatial analysis

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a trailblazer in sustainable agricultural practices, is actively recruiting for an experienced Agricultural Data Scientist with expertise in Crop Modeling to join their esteemed research division in Cape Town, Western Cape. This critical role is designed for an individual passionate about harnessing the power of data to drive agricultural innovation and resilience. You will be instrumental in developing, validating, and deploying sophisticated crop models that predict yield, optimize resource allocation, and assess climate change impacts. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the agricultural landscape of South Africa by applying advanced analytical techniques to complex biological and environmental systems. We are looking for a candidate who thrives in a collaborative research environment and is dedicated to advancing agricultural science.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain advanced crop growth simulation models using statistical and machine learning techniques.
• Integrate diverse datasets, including historical weather data, soil properties, remote sensing information, and agronomic management practices, into crop models.
• Validate and calibrate crop models against observed field data, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
• Use crop modeling outputs to forecast crop yields, assess risks associated with different farming scenarios, and inform strategic decision-making.
• Develop algorithms for optimizing irrigation, fertilization, and other management practices based on model predictions.
• Collaborate closely with agronomists, plant breeders, and environmental scientists to refine model parameters and interpret results.
• Communicate complex findings and model capabilities to both technical and non-technical stakeholders through reports, presentations, and visualizations.
• Contribute to grant proposals and research publications related to crop modeling and agricultural data science.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Agricultural Science, Agronomy, Soil Science, Computational Science, or a related quantitative field with a strong focus on crop modeling.
• At least 5 years of hands‑on experience in developing, calibrating, and applying crop simulation models (e.g., DSSAT, APSIM, AquaCrop).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, with extensive experience in data analysis, statistical modeling, and machine learning libraries.
• Experience with handling and processing large agricultural datasets, including geospatial data.
• Strong understanding of plant physiology, soil science, and climate impacts on agriculture.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a research team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to publish research findings.
• Familiarity with the agricultural sector in Western Cape, South Africa, is a plus.

Benefits

• highly competitive salary, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, generous annual leave, and significant opportunities for professional development, including attending international conferences.
• Our client is committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative work culture in their Cape Town offices. Be a part of groundbreaking research that shapes the future of agriculture.