Crop Protection Scientist

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Retirement savings plan

Opportunities to attend international

Hybrid work setup

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Crop Protection Scientist in Randburg, Gauteng to design and conduct field and laboratory research addressing pests, diseases, and weeds that affect crop yields. The role involves evaluating pesticides, biological controls, and IPM, with on-site field trials in the Randburg region.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or PhD in a relevant agricultural science field and has 5+ years of research experience, strong data analysis abilities, and excellent scientific writing

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weed Science, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of research experience in crop protection.
• Strong experimental design and data analysis skills.
• Knowledge of pest and disease biology and management.
• Excellent scientific writing and presentation abilities.
• Willing to travel to Gauteng sites.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage field and lab experiments on crop protection.
• Evaluate pesticides, biocontrols, and IPM strategies.
• Identify plant diseases and pest issues across crops.
• Analyze data and report findings with recommendations.
• Develop protocols for pest monitoring and forecasting.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations.
• Collaborate with agronomists and farm managers.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and safety standards.
• Stay current with scientific literature.

Skills

Experimental design

Data analysis

Statistical interpretation

Pest/disease biology knowledge

Scientific writing

Communication/presentation

Team collaboration

Problem-solving

Travel willingness

Education

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

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural research institution, is seeking a highly qualified Crop Protection Scientist to join their innovative team in Randburg, Gauteng. This role is dedicated to developing and implementing effective strategies for managing pests, diseases, and weeds that impact crop yields and quality. You will conduct field and laboratory research, evaluate new crop protection products and techniques, and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices. The ideal candidate possesses a strong scientific background in entomology, plant pathology, or weed science, coupled with practical research experience. This hybrid role involves both laboratory work and field trials, often requiring on-site visits within the Randburg, Gauteng area and surrounding agricultural regions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and manage field and laboratory experiments related to crop protection.
• Evaluate the efficacy of pesticides, biological control agents, and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
• Identify and diagnose plant diseases, insect pests, and weed problems in various crops.
• Collect and analyze experimental data, interpreting results to inform recommendations.
• Develop and refine protocols for pest and disease monitoring and forecasting.
• Prepare technical reports, research papers, and presentations for scientific and agricultural audiences.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including agronomists and farm managers.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and safety protocols.
• Stay current with scientific literature and advancements in crop protection.

Requirements

• A Master's or Ph.D. degree in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weed Science, Agronomy, or a related agricultural science field.
• Minimum of 5 years of research experience in crop protection.
• Demonstrated expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and statistical interpretation.
• Strong knowledge of pest/disease biology, lifecycles, and management strategies.
• Experience with field trial management and Good Experimental Practice (GEP).
• Proficiency in scientific writing and presentation.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to research sites in Gauteng and surrounding areas.

Benefits

• This position offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience, along with performance-based incentives. Our client provides comprehensive health benefits, a retirement savings plan, and significant opportunities for professional growth, including attending international conferences and contributing to cutting-edge agricultural research.

This role is ideal for a dedicated scientist looking to make a significant contribution to sustainable agriculture in Gauteng .