Plant Pathologist - Crop Disease Management

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and life insurance

Retirement fund contribution

Professional development support

Travel expenses covered

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein, Free State, is seeking an experienced Plant Pathologist to advance crop disease management through laboratory research and field assessments. This hybrid role requires diagnosing diseases, designing field trials, and translating findings into practical strategies for farmers.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in Plant Pathology (or related field) with 5+ years of research experience, strong diagnostic skills, and the ability to communicate complex results clearly.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Botany, Agriculture, or a related biological science.
• Minimum of 5 years of research experience in plant pathology, with a focus on crop diseases.
• Strong knowledge of fungal, bacterial, viral, and other plant pathogens affecting agricultural crops.
• Proficiency in diagnostic techniques, including microscopy, culturing, and molecular diagnostic methods (e.g., PCR, ELISA).
• Experience in designing and conducting field trials and interpreting experimental data.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Willingness to travel to field sites within the Free State and other relevant agricultural areas.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis software is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose plant diseases affecting various agricultural crops through laboratory analysis (microscopy, culturing, molecular methods) and field observations.
• Conduct research to understand pathogen biology, epidemiology, and host-pathogen interactions.
• Develop and evaluate novel strategies for disease prevention, control, and management, including the use of chemical, biological, and cultural methods.
• Design and execute field trials to test the efficacy of different disease management approaches and products.
• Collect and analyze data from laboratory and field experiments, interpreting results and drawing conclusions.
• Prepare technical reports, research publications, and presentations on findings and recommendations.
• Provide expert advice and technical support to agronomists, growers, and other stakeholders on plant disease issues.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in plant pathology, diagnostics, and disease management technologies.
• Collaborate with internal research teams and external partners on disease-related projects.
• Maintain accurate records of experiments, observations, and sample inventory.

Skills

Analytical & problem-solving

Excellent written and verbal comms

Independent and collaborative

Willing to travel

Statistical software knowledge

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or related field

Tools

Microscopy

Culturing

Molecular diagnostics (PCR, ELISA)

Statistical analysis software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Plant Pathologist to join their agricultural research and development team, with a focus on crop disease management strategies. This hybrid role will involve both laboratory-based research and field assessments, requiring regular travel to agricultural sites in and around **Bloemfontein, Free State**. The Plant Pathologist will be instrumental in identifying, diagnosing, and developing control measures for plant diseases affecting key crops. This position requires a strong understanding of fungal, bacterial, viral, and other plant pathogens, as well as their epidemiology and management. You will contribute to the development of innovative solutions that protect crop health and maximize yields, supporting sustainable agricultural practices within the **Free State** region. The ideal candidate will possess excellent diagnostic skills, a rigorous scientific approach, and the ability to translate research findings into practical applications for farmers. This is a key role in safeguarding agricultural productivity and ensuring food security through advanced disease management.

Key Responsibilities

• Diagnose plant diseases affecting various agricultural crops through laboratory analysis (microscopy, culturing, molecular methods) and field observations.
• Conduct research to understand pathogen biology, epidemiology, and host-pathogen interactions.
• Develop and evaluate novel strategies for disease prevention, control, and management, including the use of chemical, biological, and cultural methods.
• Design and execute field trials to test the efficacy of different disease management approaches and products.
• Collect and analyze data from laboratory and field experiments, interpreting results and drawing conclusions.
• Prepare technical reports, research publications, and presentations on findings and recommendations.
• Provide expert advice and technical support to agronomists, growers, and other stakeholders on plant disease issues.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in plant pathology, diagnostics, and disease management technologies.
• Collaborate with internal research teams and external partners on disease-related projects.
• Maintain accurate records of experiments, observations, and sample inventory.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Botany, Agriculture, or a related biological science.
• Minimum of 5 years of research experience in plant pathology, with a focus on crop diseases.
• Strong knowledge of fungal, bacterial, viral, and other plant pathogens affecting agricultural crops.
• Proficiency in diagnostic techniques, including microscopy, culturing, and molecular diagnostic methods (e.g., PCR, ELISA).
• Experience in designing and conducting field trials and interpreting experimental data.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Willingness to travel to field sites within the **Free State** and other relevant agricultural areas.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis software is desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health and life insurance.
• Retirement fund contribution.
• Support for professional development, including attendance at scientific conferences.
• Access to well-equipped laboratory facilities.
• Opportunity to contribute to significant advancements in crop protection.
• Travel expenses covered for field assignments.