Lead Horticulturalist & Crop Scientist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Retirement plan

Annual performance bonus

Professional development funding

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Horticulturalist & Crop Scientist to spearhead R&D in Cape Town, Western Cape. You will direct cutting-edge research on high-value crops, leading a team of scientists and technicians from lab to field.

The role requires a PhD with 8+ years of post-doctoral leadership, expertise in plant physiology, genetics, and crop management, and strong statistical analysis skills. Travel domestically and internationally may be required.

Qualifications

• PhD in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, or closely related field.
• Minimum 8 years of post-doctoral research experience with leadership responsibilities.
• Demonstrated expertise in plant physiology, genetics, breeding, and crop management for horticultural species.
• Proven ability to design and conduct complex field and lab experiments.
• Strong proficiency in statistical analysis software (R, SAS) and experimental design.

Responsibilities

• Direct research initiatives on development of new horticultural crops and improvement of existing ones.
• Mentor and lead multidisciplinary team of horticulturalists, agronomists, and researchers.
• Design and execute field trials and greenhouse experiments to evaluate performance and yield.
• Analyze data and prepare concise reports with actionable insights.
• Develop propagation, cultivation, and harvesting protocols for high-value crops.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards throughout R&D processes.
• Stay updated with scientific literature and regulatory changes in horticulture.
• Collaborate with commercial teams to align research with market demands.

Skills

Leadership

Team mentoring

Statistical analysis

Plant physiology

Crop management

Science communication

Travel willingness

Education

PhD in Horticulture or Plant Science

Tools

R

SAS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural research and development firm, is seeking a highly motivated Lead Horticulturalist & Crop Scientist to spearhead their operations in Cape Town, Western Cape. This pivotal role involves overseeing cutting-edge research into high-value crop cultivation, with a strong emphasis on sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices. You will lead a team of dedicated scientists and technicians, driving innovation from the laboratory to the field. The successful candidate will play a critical role in shaping the future of horticultural production for our organization, contributing to the development of novel crop varieties and advanced cultivation techniques. This position demands a passion for plant science, exceptional leadership skills, and a strategic vision for agricultural advancement. Join us in Cape Town, Western Cape and make a significant impact on the agricultural landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Directing research initiatives focused on the development of new horticultural crops and improvement of existing ones.
• Managing and mentoring a multidisciplinary team of horticulturalists, agronomists, and researchers.
• Designing and executing field trials and greenhouse experiments to evaluate crop performance, stress tolerance, and yield potential.
• Analyzing experimental data using advanced statistical methods and providing clear, concise reports.
• Developing and optimizing propagation, cultivation, and harvesting protocols for various high-value crops.
• Ensuring adherence to strict quality control standards throughout the research and development process.
• Staying abreast of the latest scientific literature, technological advancements, and regulatory changes in horticulture and crop science.
• Collaborating with the commercial teams to ensure research outputs align with market demands and business objectives.
• Managing research budgets and resources effectively.
• Representing the company at scientific conferences and industry events.

Requirements

• PhD in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of post-doctoral research experience in horticulture or crop science, with a significant portion involving leadership responsibilities.
• Demonstrated expertise in plant physiology, genetics, breeding, and crop management for a range of horticultural species.
• Proven experience in designing and conducting complex field and laboratory experiments.
• Strong proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., R, SAS) and experimental design principles.
• Excellent understanding of sustainable and organic farming practices.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, research-intensive environment.
• Experience with greenhouse management and controlled environment agriculture is a plus.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for research and professional development.

Benefits

This role comes with a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance, a generous retirement plan, and an annual performance bonus. Our client is committed to employee growth, offering substantial funding for professional development, conference attendance, and further academic pursuits. Employees also enjoy a progressive leave policy and a supportive work environment that values innovation and collaboration. Join our team in beautiful Cape Town, Western Cape and contribute to the advancement of global agriculture.