Principal Horticultural Scientist - Hydroponics & Aquaponics Specialist

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Professional dev funding

Hybrid work model

State-of-the-art facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a Principal Horticultural Scientist specializing in hydroponics and aquaponics. You will lead advanced CEA research, design scalable growing systems, and guide strategic expansion of CEA operations across urban farming initiatives.

The ideal candidate has a PhD with 10+ years in hydroponics/aquaponics, expertise in NFT/DWC, strong data analytics, and a proven track record in scientific publishing and leadership within multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• PhD in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agricultural Engineering with a CEA focus.
• Minimum 10 years of hydroponics/aquaponics research and leadership.
• Expertise in NFT, DWC and recirculating aquaponic systems.
• Strong analytical and statistical skills; experience with experimental design and data analysis software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including scientific writing.

Responsibilities

• Lead the research, design, and implementation of advanced hydroponic and aquaponic systems for commercial and research purposes.
• Conduct studies on plant physiology, nutrient management, and environmental controls within CEA.
• Develop and optimize growing protocols for high-value crops in different CEA systems.
• Analyze data from experiments and trials to drive system improvements and yield gains.
• Provide mentorship to junior scientists and technicians in CEA projects.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams for integrated systems.
• Stay abreast of global trends in hydroponics, aquaponics, and CEA.
• Prepare publications, reports, and grant proposals.
• Represent the company at industry conferences and workshops.

Skills

Hydroponics

Aquaponics

Controlled Environment Agriculture

Data analysis

Experimental design

Scientific writing

Education

PhD in Horticulture / Plant Science / Agricultural Engineering

Tools

NFT

DWC

Recirculating aquaponics

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking agricultural research and development firm located in **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal**, is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Horticultural Scientist with a specialization in hydroponics and aquaponics systems. This senior position is crucial for driving innovation in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and developing scalable solutions for urban and peri-urban farming. The successful candidate will lead research initiatives, design and optimize advanced growing systems, and contribute to strategic planning for the expansion of CEA operations. This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of food production in **South Africa**, leveraging cutting-edge technology to address food security and sustainability challenges. The scientist will work at the forefront of horticultural science in a dynamic and growing industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research, design, and implementation of advanced hydroponic and aquaponic systems for commercial and research purposes.
• Conduct in-depth studies on plant physiology, nutrient management, and environmental controls within CEA.
• Develop and optimize growing protocols for a variety of high-value crops in different CEA systems.
• Analyze data from experiments and field trials to drive system improvements and yield enhancements.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior scientists and technicians involved in CEA projects.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to ensure seamless integration of horticultural and technical components.
• Stay abreast of global trends, research, and technologies in hydroponics, aquaponics, and CEA.
• Prepare scientific publications, technical reports, and grant proposals.
• Represent the company at industry conferences and workshops.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agricultural Engineering, or a related discipline, with a strong focus on Controlled Environment Agriculture.
• A minimum of 10 years of research experience in hydroponics and/or aquaponics, with a demonstrated history of innovation and project leadership.
• Expertise in plant physiology, nutrient film technique (NFT), deep water culture (DWC), and recirculating aquaponic systems.
• Strong analytical and statistical skills, with experience in experimental design and data analysis software.
• Proven ability to manage complex research projects from conception to completion.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience in scientific writing and presentation.
• Experience with CEA automation and environmental control systems.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.
• Familiarity with the agricultural landscape in **Durban** and **KwaZulu-Natal** is an advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership. This role includes funding for professional development, conference attendance, and access to state-of-the-art research facilities. Employees will be part of a pioneering team dedicated to sustainable food production, working on impactful projects with a focus on innovation. The hybrid work model provides flexibility, balancing essential lab and facility work with remote research and analysis, contributing to a dynamic and productive work-life balance in **Durban**.