Horticultural Scientist - Protected Cultivation

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Research facilities

Conferences

Professional development

Competitive salary

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria, Gauteng, is seeking a Horticultural Scientist focused on protected cultivation. You will design, conduct, and evaluate experiments in greenhouse and other controlled environments to advance crop physiology and sustainability.

You will collaborate with researchers and farm managers to optimize nutrition, irrigation, lighting, climate control, and pest management while staying current with literature and industry trends.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy or related field with controlled environment specialization.
• Minimum of 5 years of research experience in horticulture focusing on protected cropping systems.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, entomology and plant pathology relevant to protected environments.
• Experience in experimental design, data collection and statistical analysis.
• Familiarity with greenhouse technology, hydroponics and other soilless systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting findings.
• Proficiency in scientific software and data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and analyze scientific experiments related to protected cultivation of various crops.
• Investigate and optimize plant nutrition, irrigation, lighting, and climate control systems in greenhouses and other controlled environments.
• Develop and implement integrated pest and disease management strategies for protected cropping systems.
• Monitor crop growth and development, assessing plant health, yield, and quality parameters.
• Research and evaluate new varieties, technologies, and cultural practices for protected cultivation.
• Collect, interpret, and report experimental data, preparing scientific reports and presentations.
• Collaborate with farm managers and technicians to ensure the practical application of research findings.
• Stay current with scientific literature and industry trends in horticulture and protected cultivation.

Skills

Research experience

Data analysis

Problem solving

Scientific communication

Team collaboration

Education

PhD or MSc in Horticulture

Tools

R

Python

Job description

About the Role

Our client is at the forefront of agricultural innovation, specializing in advanced horticultural techniques and sustainable food production. They are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Horticultural Scientist to focus on protected cultivation systems. This role is based on-site in Pretoria, Gauteng , and is crucial for driving research, development, and operational excellence in greenhouse and other controlled environment agriculture. The Horticultural Scientist will be responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating experiments related to crop physiology, nutrient management, pest and disease control, and environmental optimization within protected cultivation settings. You will work with state-of-the-art facilities and collaborate with a team of researchers, technicians, and farm managers to enhance crop yields, improve quality, and reduce resource consumption. This is an exceptional opportunity for a passionate scientist to contribute to the advancement of horticultural science in a practical, hands-on environment, playing a key role in shaping the future of food production. Your expertise will be vital in ensuring our client remains a leader in high-tech horticulture.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and analyze scientific experiments related to protected cultivation of various crops.
• Investigate and optimize plant nutrition, irrigation, lighting, and climate control systems in greenhouses and other controlled environments.
• Develop and implement integrated pest and disease management strategies for protected cropping systems.
• Monitor crop growth and development, assessing plant health, yield, and quality parameters.
• Research and evaluate new varieties, technologies, and cultural practices for protected cultivation.
• Collect, interpret, and report experimental data, preparing scientific reports and presentations.
• Collaborate with farm managers and technicians to ensure the practical application of research findings.
• Stay current with scientific literature and industry trends in horticulture and protected cultivation.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or M.Sc. in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, or a related field with a specialization in controlled environment agriculture or protected cultivation.
• Minimum of 5 years of research experience in horticulture, with a focus on protected cropping systems.
• Strong understanding of plant physiology, soil science, entomology, and plant pathology relevant to protected environments.
• Proven experience in experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis.
• Familiarity with greenhouse technology, hydroponics, and other soilless culture systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present scientific findings effectively.
• Proficiency in scientific software and data analysis tools.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a research team in a laboratory and greenhouse setting in Pretoria, Gauteng .

Benefits

• Attractive salary and potential for research grants.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Paid time off and public holidays.
• Access to cutting-edge research facilities and equipment.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending scientific conferences.
• A stimulating research environment focused on horticultural innovation.
• Be part of a team dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture in Gauteng .