Plant Pathology Specialist - Disease Management

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement planning

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Plant Pathology Specialist to lead remote diagnosis and disease management for agricultural operations nationwide. You will identify pathogens, develop IDM strategies, and guide farm managers and agronomists from a distance.

This role emphasizes autonomous work, strong lab skills, and ongoing learning as you stay current with disease forecasting and diagnostic techniques.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Plant Pathology, Mycology, Bacteriology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience diagnosing and managing plant diseases in agricultural settings.
• Strong knowledge of plant-pathogen interactions, disease cycles, and epidemiology.
• Proficiency in laboratory diagnostic techniques including microscopy and molecular methods (PCR, ELISA).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data.
• Superb written and verbal communication for remote consultation.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose plant diseases using visual symptoms, lab analysis, and client data.
• Develop IDM strategies including cultural controls, biocontrols, and chemicals.
• Provide expert remote consultation to farmers and agronomists on identification and control.
• Monitor disease trends and outbreaks; provide early warnings and preventative advice.
• Conduct research on pathogen biology, epidemiology, and fungicide/bactericide efficacy.
• Stay current with the latest research in plant pathology and diagnostic tech.
• Prepare technical reports, guidelines, and educational materials.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external research institutions on disease management initiatives.

Skills

Plant pathology knowledge

Remote consultation

Data analysis

Communication

Critical thinking

Education

Ph.D. or Master's in Plant Pathology

Tools

Microscopy

PCR

ELISA

Remote sensing tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled Plant Pathology Specialist to lead efforts in diagnosing and managing crop diseases. This fully remote role allows you to leverage your expertise from anywhere, contributing to the health and productivity of agricultural operations nationwide. You will be responsible for identifying pathogens, developing effective disease control strategies, and providing remote guidance to farm managers and agronomists. Your work will be critical in minimizing crop losses and ensuring the sustainability of agricultural production by combating the threat of plant diseases. This is an exciting opportunity to work independently and make a significant impact on agricultural outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Diagnose plant diseases using visual symptoms, laboratory analysis (microscopy, molecular assays), and client-provided data.
• Develop integrated disease management (IDM) strategies, including cultural practices, biological controls, and judicious use of chemical treatments.
• Provide expert remote consultation and recommendations to farmers, agronomists, and extension agents on disease identification and control.
• Monitor disease trends and outbreaks, providing early warnings and preventative advice.
• Conduct research on pathogen biology, epidemiology, and fungicide/bactericide efficacy.
• Stay current with the latest research in plant pathology, disease forecasting models, and diagnostic technologies.
• Prepare technical reports, guidelines, and educational materials for various audiences.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external research institutions on disease management initiatives.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Plant Pathology, Mycology, Bacteriology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in diagnosing and managing plant diseases in agricultural settings.
• Strong knowledge of plant-pathogen interactions, disease cycles, and epidemiology.
• Proficiency in laboratory diagnostic techniques, including microscopy and molecular methods (PCR, ELISA).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data.
• Superb written and verbal communication skills, essential for effective remote consultation.
• Experience with remote sensing and digital diagnostic tools is a plus.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage multiple projects effectively in a remote environment.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement planning, and opportunities for professional development. You will have the flexibility to work from anywhere, enjoying a great work-life balance while contributing to vital agricultural research and support. Join a team of dedicated professionals committed to advancing agricultural health and sustainability through remote expertise.