Crop Protection Scientist

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly qualified Crop Protection Scientist to join its agricultural research team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA. The role blends on-site field and lab work with remote data analysis, report writing, and virtual collaboration.

The ideal candidate holds a Master's or PhD in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weed Science, or Agronomy and at least 5 years in crop protection research, with strong data analysis skills and excellent communication.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weed Science, or Agronomy.
• Minimum 5 years in crop protection research or related science.
• Experience designing field trials and analyzing complex datasets.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in hybrid settings.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage field and laboratory experiments to evaluate crop protection products and strategies.
• Identify and assess the impact of pests, diseases, and weeds on various agricultural crops.
• Develop and refine integrated pest management (IPM) programs, focusing on sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data, generating comprehensive reports and scientific publications.
• Stay current with the latest research, technologies, and regulatory developments in crop protection.
• Provide technical expertise and recommendations to farmers, agronomists, and product development teams.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including research, development, and regulatory affairs.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) or Good Experimental Practices (GEP).
• Evaluate the efficacy and environmental impact of new crop protection solutions.

Skills

Communication skills

Data analysis

Independent & collaborative

Driver's license

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weed Science, or Agronomy

Tools

SAS

R

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly qualified Crop Protection Scientist to join their innovative agricultural research team, based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA. This role focuses on developing and evaluating effective strategies for managing pests, diseases, and weeds that impact crop yield and quality. The Crop Protection Scientist will conduct research, design field trials, analyze data, and provide expert recommendations on the integrated management of agricultural threats. This position offers a hybrid work model, allowing for essential on-site field and lab work combined with remote opportunities for data analysis, report writing, and virtual collaboration. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background in entomology, plant pathology, or weed science, coupled with a passion for sustainable agriculture and problem-solving.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage field and laboratory experiments to evaluate crop protection products and strategies.
• Identify and assess the impact of pests, diseases, and weeds on various agricultural crops.
• Develop and refine integrated pest management (IPM) programs, focusing on sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data, generating comprehensive reports and scientific publications.
• Stay current with the latest research, technologies, and regulatory developments in crop protection.
• Provide technical expertise and recommendations to farmers, agronomists, and product development teams.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including research, development, and regulatory affairs.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) or Good Experimental Practices (GEP).
• Evaluate the efficacy and environmental impact of new crop protection solutions.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weed Science, Agronomy, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in crop protection research, field trials, or a related scientific role.
• Proven knowledge of pest, disease, and weed identification and management strategies.
• Experience in designing and conducting agricultural field experiments and analyzing complex datasets.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis software (e.g., SAS, R) and data management tools.
• Strong understanding of agricultural practices relevant to Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA, including common crops and challenges.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid environment.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel for field activities.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package.
• The hybrid work model provides a flexible approach to work and life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development, continuing education, and conference attendance are available.

Join an innovative team dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture and protecting crop health in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA region. Your contributions will play a vital role in ensuring food security and agricultural productivity.