Crop Protection Scientist

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Professional development

Modern facilities

Access to equipment

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane, Limpopo, is seeking a Crop Protection Scientist to advance research on pests, diseases, and weeds, integrating laboratory work with field trials.

You will develop IPM strategies, analyze data, and collaborate with farmers and extension services to improve regional crop health. This role offers a multidisciplinary team and access to modern facilities in a research-focused organization.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weed Science, or a related field within Crop Protection.
• Minimum of 4 years of research experience in crop protection.
• Strong knowledge of agricultural pests, plant diseases, and weed management.
• Experience in experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis.
• Familiarity with pesticide application techniques and safety protocols.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on the identification, biology, and control of key agricultural pests, diseases, and weeds.
• Design and manage field and laboratory experiments to evaluate the efficacy of crop protection agents and strategies.
• Develop and promote integrated pest management (IPM) programs tailored to local conditions.
• Collect and analyze data on pest incidence, disease severity, and weed infestation.
• Stay current with regulatory requirements and advancements in crop protection technology.
• Collaborate with farmers, extension services, and industry partners to implement effective control measures.
• Prepare scientific reports, publications, and presentations on research findings.
• Ensure the safe handling and application of pesticides and other control agents.
• Contribute to the training and education of stakeholders on crop protection best practices.

Skills

Research skills

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Entomology/Plant Pathology/Weed Science or related Crop Protection

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural research institute, is looking for a dedicated Crop Protection Scientist to join their team in **Polokwane, Limpopo**. This role is essential for developing and implementing effective strategies to manage pests, diseases, and weeds that threaten crop production. You will conduct research into the biology and ecology of agricultural pests and pathogens, evaluate the efficacy of various control methods (including chemical, biological, and cultural practices), and contribute to integrated pest management (IPM) programs. This hybrid role involves both laboratory-based research and field trials, requiring a scientific mindset and practical application. The successful candidate will have a strong background in entomology, plant pathology, or weed science, with a commitment to sustainable agriculture and minimizing environmental impact. You will work collaboratively with other scientists and extension agents to disseminate knowledge and best practices to farmers in the **Polokwane, Limpopo** region and beyond. This position offers a significant opportunity to contribute to crop health and agricultural productivity.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on the identification, biology, and control of key agricultural pests, diseases, and weeds.
• Design and manage field and laboratory experiments to evaluate the efficacy of crop protection agents and strategies.
• Develop and promote integrated pest management (IPM) programs tailored to local conditions.
• Collect and analyze data on pest incidence, disease severity, and weed infestation.
• Stay current with regulatory requirements and advancements in crop protection technology.
• Collaborate with farmers, extension services, and industry partners to implement effective control measures.
• Prepare scientific reports, publications, and presentations on research findings.
• Ensure the safe handling and application of pesticides and other control agents.
• Contribute to the training and education of stakeholders on crop protection best practices.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weed Science, or a related field within Crop Protection.
• Minimum of 4 years of research experience in crop protection.
• Strong knowledge of agricultural pests, plant diseases, and weed management strategies.
• Experience in experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis.
• Familiarity with pesticide application techniques and safety protocols.
• Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to conduct fieldwork in various locations within **Polokwane, Limpopo** and surrounding agricultural areas.
• Knowledge of South African agricultural conditions is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.
• Comprehensive health insurance plan.
• Retirement fund with employer contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and attendance at scientific conferences.
• Access to modern research facilities and equipment.
• Contribution to advancing sustainable crop protection practices in the region.
• A challenging and rewarding role within a research-focused organization in **Polokwane, Limpopo**.