Plant Pathology Lead - Crop Disease 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

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