Lead Horticultural Scientist - Remote Operations

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Remote work culture

Advanced research resources

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a Lead Horticultural Scientist to spearhead remote R&D in controlled environment agriculture, optimizing plant growth and nutritional content. You will design trials, mentor a team of scientists, and collaborate with engineers on automation and environmental controls.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in horticulture or related field, has extensive experience in CEA, hydroponics, and IPM, and demonstrates strong data analysis and leadership in a remote setting.

Qualifications

• PhD in Horticulture, Plant Science, Plant Physiology, or related field.
• 8+ years in horticultural R&D with focus on controlled environment agriculture.
• Proven remote or hybrid project leadership.
• Expertise in hydroponics, aeroponics, vertical farming, IPM.
• Strong stats and data visualization skills (R, SAS).
• Knowledge of plant genetics, breeding, physiology in CEA.

Responsibilities

• Design and oversee research trials for new crop varieties and growing systems in controlled environments.
• Develop and implement advanced nutrient management and irrigation strategies for hydroponic/aeroponic systems.
• Analyze datasets from environmental sensors and phenotyping to optimize conditions.
• Lead development and application of predictive models for plant growth and yield forecasting.
• Mentor a team of horticultural scientists and technicians to meet milestones.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate horticultural science with automation and environmental controls.
• Prepare scientific publications, technical reports, and presentations.
• Ensure compliance with safety and operational protocols within research environments.
• Stay current with trends and technologies in horticulture and sustainable agriculture.

Skills

Leadership

Statistical analysis

Data visualization

Education

Ph.D. in Horticulture or related field

Tools

R

SAS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in sustainable urban agriculture, is seeking an exceptional Lead Horticultural Scientist to spearhead their remote operations. This position is entirely remote, allowing you to contribute to groundbreaking horticultural research and development from anywhere in **South Africa**. You will be instrumental in designing and executing advanced horticultural programs, focusing on optimizing plant growth, improving nutritional content, and developing resilient plant varieties for controlled environment agriculture. This role demands a deep understanding of plant physiology, environmental controls, and data-driven decision-making. You will lead a dedicated team of scientists and technicians, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment. Your expertise will directly shape the future of vertical farming and controlled environment solutions, addressing global food security challenges with innovative scientific approaches.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and oversee research trials for new crop varieties and growing systems in controlled environments.
• Develop and implement advanced nutrient management and irrigation strategies for hydroponic and aeroponic systems.
• Analyze complex datasets from environmental sensors, spectral imaging, and plant phenotyping to identify growth patterns and optimize conditions.
• Lead the development and application of predictive models for plant growth and yield forecasting.
• Manage and mentor a team of horticultural scientists and technicians, ensuring project milestones are met.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate horticultural science with automation and environmental control technologies.
• Prepare scientific publications, technical reports, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety and operational protocols within research environments.
• Stay current with emerging trends and technologies in horticulture, plant science, and sustainable agriculture.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Horticulture, Plant Science, Plant Physiology, or a closely related field.
• At least 8 years of hands-on experience in horticultural research and development, with a significant focus on controlled environment agriculture (CEA).
• Demonstrated success in leading research projects and managing scientific teams, preferably in a remote or hybrid setting.
• Expertise in hydroponics, aeroponics, vertical farming, and integrated pest management (IPM) within CEA.
• Strong proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., R, SAS) and data visualization tools.
• Excellent understanding of plant genetics, breeding, and physiology relevant to CEA.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and guide a scientific team.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet tight deadlines in a remote capacity.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to scientific rigor.

Benefits

This remote leadership position offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package. You will be part of a pioneering company at the forefront of agricultural innovation, with ample opportunities for professional growth and impact. Benefits include flexible working hours, a supportive remote work culture, and access to advanced research resources. Our client is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where scientific excellence is celebrated and rewarded. Take on a challenging and rewarding role that directly contributes to creating a more sustainable and food-secure future, all from the comfort of your own home.