Plant Pathologist - Agricultural Research

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Advanced research facilities

International collaborations

Professional development

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly qualified Plant Pathologist to lead research initiatives at a prestigious agricultural research institute near Polokwane. The role involves identifying, diagnosing, and managing plant diseases affecting key crops, conducting laboratory and field studies, and developing disease management strategies.

You will contribute to publications and presentations, collaborate with researchers, extension agents, and farmers, and help advance crop protection and food security

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s in Plant Pathology, Botany, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of research experience with strong publication record.
• Proven expertise in diagnosing plant diseases and understanding pathogen life cycles.
• Proficiency in molecular techniques, microscopy, and lab safety protocols.
• Experience with experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in varying environmental conditions.

Responsibilities

• Identify and diagnose plant diseases through lab analysis and field observations.
• Research epidemiology, biology, and management of key pathogens.
• Develop and evaluate disease control methods (chemical, biological, cultural).
• Design and execute field trials to test disease management interventions.
• Analyze data and prepare detailed research reports and publications.
• Collaborate with researchers, extension agents, and farmers to disseminate findings.

Skills

Plant pathology

Molecular techniques

Microscopy

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Fieldwork

Experimental design

Laboratory safety

Education

PhD in Plant Pathology

Master's in Plant Pathology

Tools

PCR

Microscopy equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious agricultural research institute near Polokwane , is seeking a highly qualified Plant Pathologist to lead critical research initiatives. This role involves identifying, diagnosing, and managing plant diseases affecting key crops in the region. You will conduct laboratory and field studies, develop innovative disease management strategies, and contribute to publications and presentations in the field of plant pathology. This position offers the chance to work at the forefront of agricultural science, contributing to crop protection and food security in Limpopo province and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and diagnose plant diseases affecting various crops through laboratory analysis and field observation.
• Conduct research on the epidemiology, biology, and management of important plant pathogens.
• Develop and evaluate new methods for disease control, including chemical, biological, and cultural strategies.
• Design and execute field trials to test the efficacy of disease management interventions.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data, preparing detailed research reports and scientific publications.
• Collaborate with researchers, extension agents, and farmers to disseminate findings and provide technical guidance.

Requirements

• A PhD or Master's degree in Plant Pathology, Botany, or a related plant science field.
• Minimum of 5 years of research experience in plant pathology, with a strong publication record.
• Proven expertise in diagnosing plant diseases and understanding pathogen life cycles.
• Proficiency in molecular techniques, microscopy, and laboratory safety protocols.
• Experience with experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in various environmental conditions.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Access to advanced research facilities and equipment.
• Opportunities for collaboration with national and international research bodies.
• Support for professional development and attendance at scientific conferences.
• Work within a stimulating research environment in the Polokwane area.