Crop Protection Scientist - Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement annuity

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Crop Protection Scientist (IPM) based in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. The role focuses on developing sustainable pest, disease and weed management strategies, conducting field trials, and delivering science-driven recommendations to growers and stakeholders.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or PhD in Entomology, Plant Pathology, or Weed Science with at least five years of IPM research experience, demonstrating good writing and collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weed Science, or related field with emphasis on crop protection.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant research experience in crop protection and IPM.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software (R/SAS) and data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct and manage field experiments to evaluate pest, disease and weed control methods with IPM focus.
• Collect, analyze and interpret data from field trials and lab studies.

Skills

Data analysis

Written communication

Verbal communication

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

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

Tools

R

SAS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural research and development organization based in **Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape**, is seeking a dedicated and innovative Crop Protection Scientist specializing in Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This role is crucial for developing and implementing sustainable strategies to manage pests, diseases, and weeds across various crops, minimizing environmental impact and maximizing yield. The scientist will conduct field trials, analyze data, and provide expert recommendations to growers and agricultural stakeholders. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background in entomology, plant pathology, or weed science, coupled with practical experience in IPM principles. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to sustainable agriculture in the **Eastern Cape** and beyond, working on cutting-edge research in a collaborative and impactful environment. You will be instrumental in fostering more environmentally friendly approaches to crop protection, reducing reliance on chemical interventions and promoting biodiversity. Your work will directly support farmers in maintaining crop health and productivity.

Key Responsibilities

Design, conduct, and manage field experiments to evaluate the efficacy of various pest, disease, and weed control methods, with a focus on IPM strategies. Collect, analyze, and interpret complex data from field trials and laboratory studies. Develop and refine integrated pest management programs tailored to specific crops and regional pest pressures. Research and identify biological control agents, cultural practices, and judicious use of approved chemical treatments. Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature, technological advancements, and regulatory changes in crop protection and IPM. Prepare detailed scientific reports, research summaries, and technical publication(s). Provide technical guidance and training to farmers, extension agents, and industry professionals on IPM best practices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including breeders, agronomists, and environmental scientists. Ensure adherence to all safety protocols and regulatory requirements in experimental design and execution.

Requirements

A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weed Science, or a related field with a strong emphasis on crop protection. Minimum of 5 years of relevant research experience in crop protection and IPM. Demonstrated experience in designing and executing field trials. Proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., R, SAS) and data interpretation. In-depth knowledge of IPM principles, pest and disease lifecycles, and sustainable agricultural practices. Excellent scientific writing and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team. A valid driver's license and willingness to travel to various research sites and farms in the **Port Elizabeth** area and surrounding regions. Familiarity with the agricultural challenges and crop types specific to the **Eastern Cape** is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, commensurate with qualifications and experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, a retirement annuity, and paid time off. Opportunities for professional growth through continued research, publications, and attendance at scientific conferences are provided. The organization fosters a collaborative research environment and supports innovation in sustainable agriculture. This role offers the chance to make a significant impact on agricultural practices in the **Eastern Cape**, contributing to more resilient and environmentally sound farming systems near **Port Elizabeth**.