Horticultural Research Scientist - Climate Resilience

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Development opportunities

Hybrid work model

Lab facilities

Impactful research

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town invites a dedicated Horticultural Research Scientist to advance climate-resilient crop varieties through laboratory and field work. This hybrid role combines in-depth genetics research with practical trials to improve food security in a changing climate.

You will design experiments, analyze data with R or SAS, publish findings, and collaborate across disciplines while contributing remotely to data analysis and report writing.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Horticulture, Plant Science, Genetics or related field.
• Experience in plant breeding, genetics and molecular biology techniques.
• Ability to design, conduct and manage experiments including field trials.
• Strong analytical skills; proficient in statistical software and data management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; publications track record.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on plant genetics and breeding to develop drought/heat/pest resistant cultivars.
• Design and execute controlled environment experiments and field trials.
• Collect and interpret complex biological and environmental data using statistics.
• Manage research projects from conception to completion within timelines and budget.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and technicians.
• Prepare publications, reports, and grant proposals.
• Stay current with literature and climate science advancements.
• Contribute to best practices for horticultural production under climate stress.

Skills

Statistics software

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Horticulture

Plant Science

Genetics

Tools

R

SAS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated Horticultural Research Scientist to focus on developing climate-resilient crop varieties and sustainable cultivation techniques. This hybrid role will involve both laboratory research and field trials, contributing to the advancement of food security in a changing climate. You will work within a state-of-the-art research facility in Cape Town, Western Cape , while also having the flexibility to contribute remotely to data analysis and report writing. This position is crucial for understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change on key horticultural crops, ensuring long-term viability and productivity for the agricultural sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research into plant genetics and breeding to develop cultivars with enhanced resistance to drought, heat, and new pest/disease pressures.
• Design and execute controlled environment experiments (greenhouses, growth chambers) and field trials to assess plant performance under various climate scenarios.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret complex biological and environmental data using advanced statistical methods.
• Manage research projects from conception to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines and budget.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, agronomists, and technicians.
• Prepare scientific publications, research reports, and grant proposals.
• Stay current with scientific literature and advancements in plant breeding, genetics, and climate science.
• Contribute to the development of best practices for horticultural production in challenging climatic conditions.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Horticulture, Plant Science, Genetics, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in plant breeding, genetics, and molecular biology techniques.
• Proven ability to design, conduct, and manage research experiments, including field trials.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in statistical software (e.g., R, SAS) and data management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of scientific publications.
• Experience with climate modeling or assessing plant responses to environmental stress is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team, both on-site and remotely.
• A passion for sustainable agriculture and addressing global climate challenges.

Benefits

• competitive salary
• benefits package
• health insurance
• a retirement fund
• opportunities for professional development and conference attendance
• hybrid work model provides a balance between structured research in our Cape Town facility and remote flexibility
• access to excellent laboratory facilities and resources
• the opportunity to make a significant impact on agricultural resilience
• join a team dedicated to scientific excellence and innovation in the heart of the Western Cape