Development Lead Assistant

UPL; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agrochemical company in Pretoria is looking for a Development Lead Assistant to provide scientific support to development project leads. You will be responsible for maintaining and analyzing trial data, coordinating with contract research organizations, and conducting advanced research. The ideal candidate should have a BSc degree in Agricultural or Natural Sciences and experience in the agrochemical industry, along with strong analytical and time management skills.

Qualifications

• Experience in the agrochemical industry is required.
• Ability to maintain accuracy while under pressure.
• Must possess statistical understanding in biological context.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and analyze trial data and project development databases.
• Coordinate and monitor trial program planning with CROs.
• Conduct advanced agrochemical related research.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Data analysis

Time management

Attention to detail

Education

BSc degree in Agricultural or Natural Sciences

CropLife Basic Crop Protection Certificate

Job description

Overview

Job title: Development Lead Assistant

Job Location: Gauteng, Pretoria

Deadline: January 03, 2026

Role Summary

The purpose of this role would be to provide a scientific supportive role to the Development Project Leads : Insecticides; Herbicides; Fungicides & Bio-Solutions, on a day-to-day basis.

Responsibilities

• Trial Data Maintenance & Analysis: Locating and collating project and trial data and maintaining project development databases.
• Following up with CRO’s on trial reports and data so that all relevant information per project is available to the project Lead in an orderly and timely manner.
• Analysing and summarising trial data in a clear and concise manner to present the Lead with a quick overview of whether the data generated are consistent and conform to the protocol directive and registration guidelines.
• Must have the ability to observe and identify potential anomalies in data presented within the reports and be able to communicate this to the Project Lead in a meaningful way.
• Conducting advanced agrochemical related research for literature review purposes.
• Attend all Departmental meetings and record meeting minutes for record purposes.

Product Label Maintenance

• Constant monitoring & review of company portfolio labels for anomalies & mistakes and update where necessary

Managing Contract Research Organisations

• Trial programme planning in conjunction with Development Leads in order to ensure the timely planning of trial executions
• Co-ordinating the timely implementation of forecasted GEP & GLP trial plans in order to meet the expected execution dates relative to the season and application timing windows with CRO’s and study directors for GLP studies
• Management of CROs and expected outcomes with respect to required timelines for relevant reports / results to meet seasonal timings and planning of project timelines

Individual / Team

• Close liaison with Development Logistics Assistant in order to maintain R&D stock levels form the maintenance of sufficient stock levels to ensure sufficient product samples availability for trials

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required

Technical Requirements :

• BSc degree in Agricultural or Natural Sciences.
• Experience in agrochemical industry.
• CropLife Basic Crop Protection Certificate.
• Statistical understanding in a biological context

Behavioural Requirements

• Ability to prioritize and manage activities within set timelines.
• Ability to work independently, under intense pressure at times, but maintain a high level of accuracy
• Meticulous preciseness especially with written tasks.
• In-depth analytical thinking will be required to identify problems