Horticultural Scientist - Post-Harvest Technology

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Conference travel

Laboratory facilities access

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal seeks a seasoned Horticultural Scientist specializing in post-harvest technologies. The role blends on-site lab work with remote data analysis within a hybrid framework.

You will lead R&D aimed at extending shelf-life and quality of fresh produce, collaborate with growers and packhouses, and contribute to value-chain improvements across the Richards Bay region and beyond.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Horticulture, Food Science, Plant Science or related field with post-harvest focus.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant post-harvest R&D experience.
• Strong knowledge of fruit/vegetable physiology, ripening and storage.
• Experience with analytical techniques for quality attributes and data interpretation.
• Familiarity with refrigeration, controlled atmosphere and modified atmosphere storage.

Responsibilities

• Research and develop advanced post-harvest treatments and technologies for fruits, vegetables, and other horticultural commodities.
• Investigate methods to control physiological disorders, ripening processes, and microbial spoilage.
• Evaluate the efficacy of packaging materials, controlled atmosphere storage, and modified atmosphere packaging.
• Conduct laboratory experiments and pilot-scale trials to assess impact on quality and shelf-life.
• Analyze data on quality parameters, sensory attributes, and storage performance.
• Develop SOPs and standard operating procedures for post-harvest handling.
• Collaborate with growers, packhouses, and logistics providers to implement findings in Richards Bay and beyond.
• Stay updated with literature and advancements in post-harvest horticulture.
• Prepare technical reports, research papers and presentations for stakeholders.
• Contribute to product development and quality assurance initiatives.

Skills

Post-harvest physiology

Data analysis

Laboratory techniques

Hybrid collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in Horticulture/Plant Science (post-harvest focus)

Tools

Statistical software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the agricultural sector based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a highly skilled Horticultural Scientist to specialize in post-harvest technologies. This role focuses on improving the quality, shelf-life, and marketability of fresh produce through innovative scientific approaches. The successful candidate will contribute to research and development efforts aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing value chains. This position is ideal for a science-driven professional looking to apply their expertise in a region known for its agricultural output. The hybrid work model allows for a balance between on-site laboratory and field work and remote data analysis and reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and develop advanced post-harvest treatments and technologies for fruits, vegetables, and other horticultural commodities.
• Investigate methods to control physiological disorders, ripening processes, and microbial spoilage.
• Evaluate the efficacy of packaging materials, controlled atmosphere storage, and modified atmosphere packaging.
• Conduct laboratory experiments and pilot-scale trials to assess the impact of different treatments on produce quality and shelf-life.
• Analyze data on quality parameters, sensory attributes, and storage performance.
• Develop best-practice guidelines and standard operating procedures for post-harvest handling.
• Collaborate with growers, packhouses, and logistics providers to implement findings in the Richards Bay area and beyond.
• Stay updated with the latest scientific literature and technological advancements in post-harvest horticulture.
• Prepare technical reports, research papers, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to product development and quality assurance initiatives.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Horticulture, Food Science, Plant Science, or a related discipline with a focus on post-harvest physiology.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in post-harvest research and development.
• Strong understanding of fruit and vegetable physiology, ripening, senescence, and disease management.
• Proven experience with analytical techniques for assessing quality attributes (e.g., chemical analysis, texture analysis, sensory evaluation).
• Familiarity with various storage technologies (refrigeration, controlled atmosphere, modified atmosphere).
• Excellent data analysis and interpretation skills, proficiency in relevant software.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment.
• Experience in the KwaZulu-Natal agricultural sector is an advantage.
• Ability to conduct laboratory and field-based research.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to scientific rigor.

Benefits

• An attractive annual salary package of R .
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth.
• Access to well-equipped laboratories and research facilities in Richards Bay.
• Company-sponsored travel for conferences and workshops.