Agricultural Researcher - Soil Science

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive health coverage

Professional development budget

Cutting-edge research environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Agricultural Researcher specializing in Soil Science to join its Randburg, Gauteng-based R&D team. The role involves designing and conducting field and laboratory experiments, analyzing soil health and nutrient dynamics, and translating findings into practical strategies for sustainable crop productivity.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD or Master’s in Soil Science or related field, with at least six years of experience in agricultural research, strong expertise in soil

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in agricultural research, with a focus on soil science.
• Strong expertise in soil chemistry, physics, and microbiology.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and research data management software (R, SAS, SPSS).
• Experience in designing and conducting field trials and laboratory experiments.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and manage field and laboratory experiments related to soil properties, nutrient dynamics, and plant-soil interactions.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret complex datasets using statistical software and modeling techniques.
• Develop and refine methodologies for assessing soil health, fertility, and degradation.
• Research and evaluate the efficacy of various soil amendments, fertilizers, and conservation practices.
• Collaborate with agronomists, farmers, and other stakeholders to disseminate research findings and provide technical guidance.
• Prepare scientific reports, research papers for publication, and present findings at conferences.

Skills

Field & lab experiment design

Data analysis & interpretation

Scientific writing & reporting

Education

PhD or Master's degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or related field

Tools

R

SAS

SPSS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated and innovative Agricultural Researcher specializing in Soil Science to join their research and development team in Randburg, Gauteng. This role will involve conducting advanced research into soil health, fertility management, and sustainable agricultural practices. You will design and execute field and laboratory experiments, analyze data, and contribute to the development of new strategies to improve crop productivity and environmental sustainability. The ideal candidate possesses a strong scientific background, a passion for research, and the ability to translate complex findings into practical applications for the agricultural sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and manage field and laboratory experiments related to soil properties, nutrient dynamics, and plant-soil interactions.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret complex datasets using statistical software and modeling techniques.
• Develop and refine methodologies for assessing soil health, fertility, and degradation.
• Research and evaluate the efficacy of various soil amendments, fertilizers, and conservation practices.
• Collaborate with agronomists, farmers, and other stakeholders to disseminate research findings and provide technical guidance.
• Prepare scientific reports, research papers for publication, and present findings at conferences.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in agricultural research, with a focus on soil science.
• Strong expertise in soil chemistry, physics, and microbiology.
Proficiency in statistical analysis and research data management software (e.g., R, SAS, SPSS).
• Experience in designing and conducting field trials and laboratory experiments.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous budget for professional development, including conferences and training.
• Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in sustainable agriculture in South Africa.
• Collaborative and intellectually stimulating research environment.