Crop Scientist - Specializing in Dryland Farming

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 620,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape, ZA, seeks a Crop Scientist focused on dryland farming to advance sustainable agriculture in water-scarce environments. You will lead field trials, analyze data, and help translate research into practical guidance for local farmers. The role requires a Ph.D.

or Master's in Agronomy or related field, 3+ years of hands-on experience, and proficiency in SAS or R. You will collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams and contribute to grant proposals in

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Science, or related field with emphasis on dryland agriculture.
• Minimum 3 years hands-on field research in arid/semi-arid environments.
• Experience designing, executing, and analyzing field trials.
• Proficiency in SAS or R; strong scientific writing and communication.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct field experiments for dryland crops.
• Analyze data on crop performance, water use, and soil health.
• Develop drought-tolerant varieties and improved cultivation methods.
• Collaborate with agronomists and soil scientists on interdisciplinary projects.
• Manage research plots from planting to harvest.
• Translate results into practical farmer recommendations.
• Prepare scientific reports and presentations for conferences.
• Contribute to grant proposals for research funding.

Skills

Field trial design

Statistical analysis

SAS or R

Scientific writing

Independent work

Team collaboration

Dryland knowledge

Driver's license

Education

PhD or MSc in Agronomy / Crop Science

Tools

SAS

R

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural research institute situated in **Upington, Northern Cape, ZA**, is actively seeking a dedicated Crop Scientist with a specialization in dryland farming techniques. This vital role focuses on developing and implementing innovative strategies to enhance crop productivity and resilience in arid and semi-arid conditions, which are characteristic of the **Northern Cape, ZA** region. The successful candidate will be involved in field trials, data analysis, and the dissemination of research findings to support local farmers. We are looking for a scientist with a strong academic background, practical research experience, and a commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture in water-scarce environments. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to vital research that directly impacts food security and agricultural sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct field experiments to evaluate crop varieties and farming practices suitable for dryland conditions.
• Analyze experimental data to assess crop performance, water use efficiency, and soil health.
• Research and develop drought-tolerant crop varieties and improved cultivation methods.
• Collaborate with agronomists, soil scientists, and other researchers on interdisciplinary projects.
• Manage research plots, including planting, monitoring, data collection, and harvesting.
• Interpret research results and translate them into practical recommendations for farmers.
• Prepare scientific reports, publications, and presentations for conferences and workshops.
• Contribute to grant proposals for research funding.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Science, or a related field with a strong focus on dryland agriculture.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on research experience in crop physiology, genetics, or agronomy, preferably in arid/semi-arid environments.
• Proven ability to design, execute, and analyze field trials.
• Experience with statistical analysis software (e.g., SAS, R) and experimental design.
• Knowledge of soil-plant-water relationships and nutrient management in dryland systems.
• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a research team in field conditions in **Upington, Northern Cape, ZA**.
• A valid driver's license is required.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement fund benefits.
• The role provides excellent opportunities for professional growth, attending scientific conferences, and contributing to impactful research.
• You will be part of a dynamic research community in the **Upington, Northern Cape, ZA** region, working on solutions for critical agricultural challenges.