Crop Scientist - Research & Development

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and retirement benefits

State-of-the-art facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg, North West, is seeking a Crop Scientist to join our R&D team. You will lead lab and field projects focused on crop physiology, genetics, and sustainable cultivation to develop high-yield, resilient varieties suited to local conditions.

The role requires designing experiments, analyzing data with R/SAS, and collaborating with breeders and researchers. A PhD or Master’s and 5 years of post-graduate experience are required, with relocation to Rustenburg encouraged.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree in Crop Science, Agronomy, Plant Biology, Genetics, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-graduate research experience in crop science.
• Experience with experimental design, data analysis, and statistical software (R, SAS).
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, genetics, and breeding techniques.
• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research setting.
• Field experience in conducting agricultural trials is essential.
• Based in or willing to relocate to the Rustenburg area.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct research experiments on crop performance, genetics, and physiology.
• Analyze experimental data using statistical methods and interpret results to draw scientifically sound conclusions.
• Develop and test new crop varieties with improved traits such as yield, disease resistance, and drought tolerance.
• Collaborate with breeders, agronomists, and other scientists on interdisciplinary research projects.
• Prepare research reports, scientific publications, and presentations for conferences.
• Manage laboratory equipment and field trial sites, ensuring accuracy and adherence to protocols.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature and technological advancements in crop science.
• Contribute to grant writing and the acquisition of research funding.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and ethical research practices.

Skills

Experimental design

Data analysis

Statistical software (R, SAS)

Plant physiology

Genetics

Breeding techniques

Scientific writing

Communication skills

Laboratory & field research

Relocation willingness

Education

PhD or Master’s in Crop Science / Agronomy / Plant Biology / Genetics

Tools

R

SAS

Molecular biology techniques

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering agricultural research institution, is looking for a dedicated and innovative Crop Scientist to join its Research & Development team in Rustenburg, North West . This role is central to advancing our understanding of crop physiology, genetics, and sustainable cultivation methods. The ideal candidate will have a strong academic background and a passion for scientific inquiry, contributing to the development of high-yield, resilient crop varieties suited for diverse environmental conditions. You will be involved in both laboratory and field-based research, collaborating with a team of experts to address the evolving challenges in modern agriculture. This position offers the chance to make a significant impact on food security and agricultural sustainability within North West and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct research experiments on crop performance, genetics, and physiology.
• Analyze experimental data using statistical methods and interpret results to draw scientifically sound conclusions.
• Develop and test new crop varieties with improved traits such as yield, disease resistance, and drought tolerance.
• Collaborate with breeders, agronomists, and other scientists on interdisciplinary research projects.
• Prepare research reports, scientific publications, and presentations for conferences.
• Manage laboratory equipment and field trial sites, ensuring accuracy and adherence to protocols.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature and technological advancements in crop science.
• Contribute to grant writing and the acquisition of research funding.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and ethical research practices.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Crop Science, Agronomy, Plant Biology, Genetics, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-graduate research experience in crop science.
• Proven experience in experimental design, data analysis, and statistical software (e.g., R, SAS).
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, genetics, and breeding techniques.
• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research setting.
• Field experience in conducting agricultural trials is essential.
• Based in or willing to relocate to the Rustenburg area.

Benefits

• This position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and significant opportunities for professional growth and continuous learning.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and a collaborative work environment are provided.
• Our client is committed to fostering scientific excellence and innovation in agriculture within North West .