Horticultural Research Scientist

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Hybrid work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Horticultural Research Scientist for a renowned horticultural research institution in Paarl, Western Cape. The role blends laboratory, greenhouse, and field trials with remote data analysis, contributing to crop improvement and sustainable practices.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s or PhD in plant science, 4+ years in horticultural research, and strong skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in horticulture, plant science, agronomy, botany, or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years in horticultural research in academic or industry settings.
• Experience in experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, genetics, and reproductive biology.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments related to plant breeding, crop physiology, pest and disease resistance, and horticultural management.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data using statistical software and methodologies.
• Develop and test new cultivars with desirable traits such as yield, quality, disease resistance, and climate adaptability.
• Investigate and implement sustainable horticultural practices, including water and nutrient management, and integrated pest control.
• Maintain detailed records of experiments, observations, and results.
• Prepare scientific reports and publications for peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
• Collaborate with scientists, technicians, and industry partners on research projects.
• Provide technical guidance to junior researchers and field staff.
• Stay current with advancements in horticultural science and technology.

Skills

Experimental design

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Horticulture/Plant Science/ Agronomy

Tools

Statistical software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned research institution focused on horticultural innovation, is seeking a talented Horticultural Research Scientist to join their team in Paarl, Western Cape . This hybrid role is dedicated to advancing the science of plant cultivation, focusing on developing improved crop varieties, sustainable growing techniques, and innovative horticultural practices. You will conduct rigorous scientific research, analyze experimental data, and contribute to the dissemination of findings through publications and presentations. The position requires a blend of laboratory work, greenhouse experiments, and field trials, complemented by remote data analysis and reporting. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in plant science, genetics, or a related horticultural discipline, coupled with a passion for discovery and practical application. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research that impacts the horticultural industry, balancing on-site research activities with remote analytical responsibilities in a collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments related to plant breeding, crop physiology, pest and disease resistance, and horticultural management.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data using statistical software and methodologies.
• Develop and test new cultivars with desirable traits such as yield, quality, disease resistance, and climate adaptability.
• Investigate and implement sustainable horticultural practices, including water and nutrient management, and integrated pest control.
• Maintain detailed records of experiments, observations, and results.
• Prepare scientific reports, research papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals, and presentations for conferences.
• Collaborate with other scientists, technicians, and industry partners on research projects.
• Provide technical support and guidance to junior researchers and field staff.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in horticultural science and technology.

Requirements

• A Master's or Ph.D. in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, Botany, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in horticultural research, either in an academic or industry setting.
• Proven experience in experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, genetics, and reproductive biology.
• Familiarity with common horticultural crops relevant to the region.
• Proficiency in relevant scientific software and data analysis tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a hybrid work setting.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement contributions. This hybrid role provides flexibility, combining on-site research activities with remote data analysis and reporting. Employees have access to excellent research facilities and opportunities for professional development, including attending scientific conferences and workshops. Join a dedicated team committed to advancing horticultural science and making a significant contribution to the industry.