Horticultural Research Scientist - Sustainable Practices

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical coverage

Retirement savings plan

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Horticultural Research Scientist for a leading agricultural research institution in Centurion. The role focuses on sustainable horticultural practices across crops, with design, execution, and analysis of trials to improve quality, yield, and resilience while reducing environmental impact.

The candidate will work in state-of-the-art facilities, collaborating with a team of scientists and technicians, and providing mentorship to junior researchers.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, or closely related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of post-doctoral research experience in horticulture or related discipline.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software and experimental design.
• Excellent scientific writing and oral communication skills.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory techniques and field trials.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and manage horticultural research experiments focused on sustainable practices, including water management and nutrient cycling.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data from field and laboratory trials using statistical software.
• Investigate plant responses to environmental conditions, soil types, and cultivation techniques.
• Develop protocols and methodologies for horticultural research and crop improvement.
• Document findings and prepare scientific reports, publications, and presentations.
• Maintain and operate research equipment, including greenhouses and lab instruments.
• Collaborate with scientists, technicians, and external partners on projects.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior researchers and interns.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and ethical guidelines in research.
• Contribute to grant writing and funding proposals.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Scientific writing

Oral communication

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Horticulture/Plant Science/Agronomy

Tools

R

SAS

SPSS

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leading agricultural research institution located in Centurion , is seeking a dedicated and innovative Horticultural Research Scientist . This position focuses on developing and implementing sustainable horticultural practices for diverse crop types. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, conducting, and analyzing research trials aimed at improving crop quality, yield, and resilience while minimizing environmental impact. This role requires a deep scientific understanding of plant physiology, soil science, and pest management, coupled with practical field experience. You will work in state-of-the-art laboratory and field facilities, collaborating with a team of experienced scientists and technicians. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research that addresses critical challenges in modern agriculture and food security. The role is primarily on-site, involving extensive fieldwork and laboratory analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and manage horticultural research experiments focused on sustainable practices, including water management, nutrient cycling, and integrated pest management.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data from field and laboratory trials using statistical software and methodologies.
• Investigate plant responses to various environmental conditions, soil types, and cultivation techniques.
• Develop new protocols and methodologies for horticultural research and crop improvement.
• Document research findings accurately and prepare scientific reports, publications, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Maintain and operate research equipment, including greenhouses, growth chambers, and laboratory instruments.
• Collaborate with other scientists, technicians, and external partners on research projects.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior researchers and interns.
• Ensure adherence to all safety protocols and ethical guidelines in research activities.
• Contribute to grant writing and funding proposals for future research initiatives.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of post-doctoral research experience in horticulture or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and conducting field and greenhouse trials.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, entomology, and plant pathology relevant to horticultural crops.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., R, SAS, SPSS) and experimental design principles.
• Excellent scientific writing and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented research environment.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory techniques and research equipment.
• Familiarity with sustainable agriculture principles and practices.
• A passion for scientific inquiry and a commitment to advancing horticultural knowledge.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and benefits package.
• Access to advanced research facilities and resources.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.
• Contribution to significant scientific advancements in agriculture.
• Relocation assistance provided for successful candidates.
• Retirement savings plan and comprehensive medical coverage.
• Collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment.