Horticultural Scientist - Crop Physiology

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Medical, dental, and retirement plans

Professional development and training

Access to world-class facilities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Horticultural Scientist specialized in Crop Physiology to lead physiological research on horticultural crops at a premier agricultural research facility. You will design controlled experiments, analyze complex data, and help develop cultivation techniques and crop improvement strategies.

You will publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, collaborate with breeders and agronomists, and mentor junior staff while contributing to high-impact research near Durban.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Physiology, Horticultural Science, Agronomy, or a closely related field.
• Post-doctoral research experience or a minimum of 5 years in horticultural crop physiology.
• Proven track record of independent research and publishing in reputable journals.
• Expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation of physiological data.
• Hands-on experience with physiological measurement techniques (gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, nutrient analysis).
• Knowledge of plant molecular biology is advantageous.
• Strong written and verbal communication; capable of working in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and manage controlled experiments on crop physiology (photosynthesis, respiration, nutrient uptake, water relations).
• Collect, analyze, and interpret physiological data using statistical methods and software.
• Develop and test hypotheses on crop growth, development, and stress responses.
• Contribute to breeding programs and cultivation practices with physiological insights.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication and present findings at conferences.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and manage resources efficiently.
• Mentor junior researchers and technicians.

Skills

Experimental design

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Physiology or closely related field

Tools

R

SAS

Job description

About the Role

About the Role Our client, a leading agricultural research institution dedicated to enhancing crop productivity and resilience, is seeking a highly qualified Horticultural Scientist specializing in Crop Physiology. This research-intensive role is based at their state-of-the-art facility and focuses on understanding the fundamental physiological processes of key horticultural crops. You will conduct cutting-edge experiments, analyze complex data, and contribute to the development of innovative cultivation techniques and crop improvement strategies. This position is ideal for a scientifically curious individual eager to make a significant impact on the future of food production.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and manage controlled experiments to investigate crop physiology, including photosynthesis, respiration, nutrient uptake, and water relations.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret physiological data using advanced statistical methods and scientific software.
• Develop and test hypotheses related to crop growth, development, and environmental stress responses.
• Contribute to the development of new crop varieties with improved physiological traits, such as drought tolerance or nutrient efficiency.
• Collaborate with plant breeders, agronomists, and other researchers to integrate physiological insights into breeding programs and cultivation practices.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present research findings at national and international conferences.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and manage research resources efficiently.
• Mentor junior researchers and technicians, providing guidance and scientific expertise.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Plant Physiology, Horticultural Science, Agronomy, or a closely related field.
• Post-doctoral research experience or a minimum of 5 years of research experience in horticultural crop physiology.
• Proven track record of conducting independent research and publishing findings in reputable scientific journals.
• Expertise in experimental design, data analysis (including statistical software like R or SAS), and interpretation of physiological data.
• Hands‑on experience with physiological measurement techniques (e.g., gas exchange analysis, chlorophyll fluorescence, nutrient analysis).
• Strong knowledge of plant molecular biology and genetics is advantageous.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex scientific concepts.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.

Benefits

Our client provides a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and retirement plans. Opportunities for continued learning and professional development are extensive, with support for attending conferences and workshops. Access to world-class research facilities and collaborations with leading scientists are integral to this role.

This position is located at our advanced research center near Durban , offering a dynamic and intellectually stimulating work environment.