Lead Soil Scientist: Sustainable Ag Research & Leadership

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

R&D budget

Travel opportunities

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Soil Scientist based in Rustenburg, North West. You will lead a team of soil scientists and technicians, guide research on soil fertility, land management, and conservation, and provide expert consultation to support sustainable agriculture.

The role combines scientific rigor with practical application, requiring a PhD and 8+ years in soil science, proven leadership, and experience with soil-plant-environment interactions.

Qualifications

• PhD in Soil Science or closely related field with specialization in soil chemistry, physics, or biology.
• Minimum 8 years post-PhD experience in soil science, preferably in an agricultural setting.
• Proven experience leading scientific research teams and managing complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the soil science team, overseeing research projects and ensuring scientific integrity.
• Conduct advanced research on soil properties, fertility, health and nutrient cycling.
• Develop and implement soil management and conservation strategies to enhance crop productivity.
• Oversee soil testing, analysis, and data interpretation to provide actionable recommendations.
• Collaborate with agronomists and environmental scientists to integrate findings into farm plans.

Skills

Team leadership

Soil analysis

Data interpretation

GIS knowledge

Communication

Education

PhD in Soil Science

Tools

GIS

Laboratory management

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Soil Scientist based in Rustenburg, North West. You will lead a team of soil scientists and technicians, guide research on soil fertility, land management, and conservation, and provide expert consultation to support sustainable agriculture.

The role combines scientific rigor with practical application, requiring a PhD and 8+ years in soil science, proven leadership, and experience with soil-plant-environment interactions.