Plant Pathologist - Agricultural Research

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Field site travel

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Plant Pathologist to join its agricultural research division in Stellenbosch. The role involves investigating plant diseases, developing diagnostic tools, and implementing disease management strategies to protect key crops and support food security.

You will work with scientists to design field trials, apply molecular diagnostics, and communicate findings to farmers and stakeholders. A Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s in Plant Pathology or related field.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in plant disease diagnosis and research.
• Experience with microscopy, culturing pathogens, and molecular diagnostics (PCR).

Responsibilities

• Diagnose plant diseases using morphological, molecular, and physiological techniques.
• Research pathogen biology, epidemiology, and host-pathogen interactions.
• Develop and validate methods for disease detection and quantification in field and lab.
• Evaluate efficacy of control measures (chemical, biological, cultural).
• Collaborate with agronomists, breeders, and farmers on disease management.
• Prepare reports and present findings at conferences and stakeholder meetings in Stellenbosch.

Skills

Plant pathology expertise

Laboratory techniques

Field trial design

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Ph.D. or Master’s in Plant Pathology

Tools

PCR

Microscopy

Molecular diagnostics

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for an experienced Plant Pathologist to join their agricultural research division based in Stellenbosch . This role involves investigating plant diseases, developing diagnostic tools, and implementing control strategies to protect vital crops. You will contribute to sustainable agricultural practices through cutting-edge research and field trials. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on food security and agricultural productivity. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of plant-disease interactions and a passion for applied research in a dynamic agricultural setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Diagnose and identify plant diseases affecting various crops using morphological, molecular, and physiological techniques.
• Conduct research experiments to understand pathogen biology, epidemiology, and host-pathogen interactions.
• Develop and validate new methods for disease detection and quantification in field and laboratory settings.
• Evaluate the efficacy of various control measures, including chemical, biological, and cultural practices.
• Collaborate with agronomists, breeders, and farmers to provide recommendations for disease management.
• Prepare research reports, scientific publications, and present findings at conferences and stakeholder meetings in Stellenbosch .

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Plant Pathology, Botany, or a related agricultural science discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in plant disease diagnosis and research.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques such as microscopy, culturing of pathogens, and molecular diagnostics (e.g., PCR).
• Experience in designing and conducting field trials for disease control evaluation.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology and crop production systems relevant to the region.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance incentives.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth and travel to field sites.
• Access to modern research facilities and experimental farms in Stellenbosch .
• A collaborative team environment focused on agricultural innovation.