Lead Plant Scientist - Agritech

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Conferences

Modern labs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Lead Plant Scientist to spearhead innovative R&D at our Cape Town facility. This hybrid role blends hands-on laboratory work with strategic guidance, directing a team of researchers and shaping crop science initiatives in sustainable agriculture.

You will design protocols for breeding, physiology and genetics, analyze data with statistical software, and collaborate with agronomists and product developers to align research with market needs.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Science, Agronomy, Genetics, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in plant science research, with at least 2 years in a leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated expertise in plant physiology, genetics, and molecular biology techniques.
• Experience with statistical analysis software and data management tools.
• Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills, adaptable to a hybrid work model.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage a team of plant scientists and research technicians, fostering a productive and innovative research environment.
• Design and implement experimental protocols for plant breeding, genetics, and physiology research.
• Analyze experimental data using statistical software and interpret results to guide future research directions.
• Oversee the development and application of novel agricultural technologies and sustainable farming practices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including agronomists and product developers, to ensure research aligns with market needs.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Education

PhD in Plant Science / Agronomy / Genetics

Tools

Statistical software

Job description

Our client is seeking a visionary Lead Plant Scientist to spearhead innovative research in the Agritech sector, based in our dynamic Cape Town facility. This hybrid role requires a leader who can blend hands-on laboratory work with strategic guidance, driving advancements in crop science and sustainable agriculture. You will manage a team of researchers, oversee critical R&D projects, and contribute to the development of next-generation agricultural technologies. This position is perfect for an experienced scientist who is passionate about applying scientific rigor to solve global food security challenges and is eager to work in a collaborative, hybrid environment that balances remote flexibility with essential in-person collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage a team of plant scientists and research technicians, fostering a productive and innovative research environment.
• Design and implement experimental protocols for plant breeding, genetics, and physiology research.
• Analyze experimental data using statistical software and interpret results to guide future research directions.
• Oversee the development and application of novel agricultural technologies and sustainable farming practices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including agronomists and product developers, to ensure research aligns with market needs.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Plant Science, Agronomy, Genetics, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in plant science research, with at least 2 years in a leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated expertise in plant physiology, genetics, and molecular biology techniques.
• Experience with statistical analysis software and data management tools.
• Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills, adaptable to a hybrid work model.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with performance incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional growth and attendance at international conferences.
• Access to modern laboratory facilities and field research sites.
• A dynamic and forward-thinking work culture focused on sustainable innovation.