Agricultural Research Scientist

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an Agricultural Research Scientist for a world-renowned research institution in Cape Town. The role offers a hybrid model for lab and field work, focusing on crop resilience and food security.

You will lead projects, publish findings, and mentor junior researchers in a resource-rich environment. The ideal candidate holds a PhD in Agriculture or related field, 4+ years post-doctoral experience, and strong design and data-analysis skills with R/SAS/SPSS.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Agriculture, Agronomy, Plant Science, Soil Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of post-doctoral research experience in agricultural sciences.
• Proven track record of successful research project management and publication.
• Expertise in experimental design, statistical analysis, and scientific methodology.
• Proficiency in R, SAS, SPSS and data visualization tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute complex agricultural research experiments in plant breeding, soil science, and sustainable farming.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data using advanced statistics and software.
• Develop and test new agricultural techniques, technologies, and crop varieties.
• Write and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams of scientists and technicians.
• Manage research budgets, resources, and project timelines.
• Supervise and mentor junior researchers and laboratory staff.
• Contribute to grant writing and secure funding for future research.

Education

Ph.D. in Agriculture, Agronomy, Plant Science, Soil Science, or a closely related field

Tools

R

SAS

SPSS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a world-renowned agricultural research institution, is seeking a highly motivated Agricultural Research Scientist to join their innovative team in Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA . This role offers a hybrid work model, allowing for focused research in the lab and field, complemented by the flexibility of remote work for data analysis and report writing. The successful candidate will lead groundbreaking research projects aimed at enhancing crop resilience, optimizing agricultural practices, and promoting food security. You will be at the forefront of scientific discovery, contributing to solutions for the challenges facing modern agriculture. This is an exceptional opportunity for a passionate scientist to contribute to impactful research in a collaborative and resource-rich environment. Your work will directly influence the future of farming and food production.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute complex agricultural research experiments in areas such as plant breeding, soil science, and sustainable farming.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data using advanced statistical methods and software.
• Develop and test new agricultural techniques, technologies, and crop varieties.
• Write and publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present at national and international conferences.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams of scientists, agronomists, and technicians.
• Manage research budgets, resources, and project timelines effectively.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature, trends, and advancements in agricultural science.
• Ensure compliance with all safety protocols and ethical guidelines in research activities.
• Supervise and mentor junior researchers and laboratory staff.
• Contribute to grant writing and secure funding for future research projects.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Agriculture, Agronomy, Plant Science, Soil Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of post-doctoral research experience in agricultural sciences.
• Proven track record of successful research project management and publication in high-impact journals.
• Expertise in experimental design, statistical analysis, and scientific methodology.
• Proficiency in relevant research software (e.g., R, SAS, SPSS) and data visualization tools.
• Strong understanding of the biological and environmental factors influencing crop production.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly.
• Experience with field research and laboratory techniques.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment and independently manage research tasks.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and an attractive benefits package, including health coverage, retirement plans, and paid time off. Employees benefit from a stimulating research environment, access to cutting‑edge facilities, and opportunities for professional growth and career advancement. Be part of a team that is making a tangible difference in global food security and sustainable agriculture, based in the scenic city of Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA .