Plant Pathologist: Agricultural Research & Field Trials

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

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.