Plant Pathologist: Disease Research & Crop Protection

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Modern laboratory facilities

Professional development

Retirement fund and medical aid

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa’s Free State invites a seasoned Plant Pathologist to join a leading agricultural research and development firm in Welkom. The role focuses on identification, diagnosis, and management of plant diseases affecting key crops, with field trials and lab work.

You will develop disease control strategies, collaborate with researchers, and translate findings into practical solutions for farmers.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Botany, or related biological science discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in plant disease diagnosis and management.
• Proven experience in laboratory techniques (microscopy, culturing, molecular diagnostics).
• Familiarity with major crop diseases in the Free State region.
• Strong understanding of host–pathogen interactions and plant physiology.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose plant diseases via laboratory analysis and field observation.
• Research epidemiology and life cycles of plant pathogens.
• Develop and evaluate disease control strategies (chemical, biological, cultural).
• Design and implement field trials for new disease management products/techniques.
• Collect and analyze data from experiments and field studies.
• Provide technical support to farmers, agronomists, and extension officers.
• Stay updated on plant pathology advances and technologies.
• Prepare scientific reports, publications, and presentations.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams on agricultural challenges.
• Maintain accurate records of experiments and recommendations.

Skills

Plant pathology knowledge

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Independent and team work

Education

Master's or PhD in Plant Pathology

Botany or related biological sciences

Tools

Microscopy

Culturing

Molecular diagnostics

Job description

Placements24 in South Africa’s Free State invites a seasoned Plant Pathologist to join a leading agricultural research and development firm in Welkom. The role focuses on identification, diagnosis, and management of plant diseases affecting key crops, with field trials and lab work.

You will develop disease control strategies, collaborate with researchers, and translate findings into practical solutions for farmers.