Lead Horticultural Scientist - Viticulture Specialist

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Professional development and training

Job summary

Placements24 in George, Western Cape, seeks a Lead Horticultural Scientist specialized in viticulture to lead grape cultivation research, mentor researchers, and guide large field trials for wine quality enhancement.

You will design experiments, analyze data, publish findings, and promote sustainable vineyard practices, while managing budgets and collaborating with industry partners.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Horticulture, Viticulture, Plant Science, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years in horticultural research; at least 5 years in leadership or senior role focused on viticulture.
• Expertise in grape physiology, soil science, pest and disease management in vineyards, and wine quality assessment.
• Experience managing research teams and leading projects from conception to completion.
• Proficient in statistical analysis software (R, SAS).
• Excellent written and verbal communication; track record of publications and conferences.
• Experience securing research grants and managing budgets.
• Deep understanding of the South African wine industry.
• Willingness to travel within the George region and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Direct and supervise research projects on grape varietal development and vineyard management.
• Mentor a team of horticulturalists, researchers, and field technicians.
• Design, implement, and analyze field experiments to optimize grape quality and yield.
• Disseminate best practices in viticulture and sustainable farming methods.
• Manage budgets and secure funding through grants.
• Conduct data analysis using statistical software and interpret results.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Oversee maintenance and calibration of viticulture equipment and facilities.
• Ensure safety and ethical guidelines in research activities.

Skills

Leadership experience

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Fieldwork readiness

Education

Ph.D. in Horticulture/Viticulture/Plant Science

Tools

R

SAS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned agricultural research institute based in the scenic region of George, Western Cape , is looking for an exceptional Lead Horticultural Scientist with a specialization in viticulture. This senior role is crucial for advancing grape cultivation techniques, enhancing wine quality, and promoting sustainable vineyard management. You will lead a team of researchers and technicians, manage large-scale field trials, and contribute significantly to the institute's reputation for horticultural excellence. This is an exciting opportunity for a visionary scientist to make a lasting impact on the South African wine industry, working within one of its most picturesque locations. The role requires a hands-on approach and a deep commitment to scientific rigor.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and supervise research projects focused on grape varietal development, vineyard nutrition, water management, and pest/disease control specific to the Western Cape climate.
• Lead and mentor a team of horticulturalists, researchers, and field technicians, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.
• Design, implement, and analyze complex field experiments to optimize grape quality and yield for wine production.
• Develop and disseminate best practices in viticulture, including sustainable farming methods, canopy management, and harvesting techniques.
• Manage research budgets, secure funding through grant applications, and maintain strong relationships with industry partners and wine producers.
• Conduct comprehensive data analysis using advanced statistical software and interpret results to provide actionable insights.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international scientific conferences.
• Oversee the maintenance and calibration of research equipment and facilities related to viticulture.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and ethical guidelines in research activities.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Horticulture, Viticulture, Plant Science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in horticultural research, with at least 5 years in a leadership or senior scientist role focused on viticulture.
• Demonstrated expertise in grape physiology, soil science, pest and disease management in vineyards, and wine quality assessment.
• Proven experience in managing research teams and leading scientific projects from conception to completion.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., R, SAS).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of publishing scientific papers and presenting at conferences.
• Experience in securing research grants and managing budgets.
• A deep understanding of the South African wine industry and its unique challenges and opportunities.
• Willingness to work in the field under various weather conditions and travel occasionally within the George region and beyond.

Benefits

• This position offers a highly competitive salary package, complemented by a comprehensive benefits scheme including medical and pension contributions, generous annual leave, and opportunities for professional development and further training.
• Employees will have the opportunity to attend international viticulture symposiums and contribute to global advancements in the field, based in the beautiful Western Cape .