Principal Plant Pathologist

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid coverage

Annual leave + PD

State-of-the-art facilities

International travel opportunities

Retirement & life insurance

Job summary

Placements24 in George, Western Cape, is seeking a Principal Plant Pathologist to lead advanced research on crop diseases, develop diagnostics, and advise stakeholders across the agricultural sector. This is a senior field-and-lab role requiring strategic vision and collaboration with national and international partners.

You will oversee field trials, mentor scientists, publish findings, and help secure research funding while upholding biosafety standards.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Mycology, or closely related field.
• 8+ years of extensive research experience with strong publication record.
• Proven ability to diagnose fungal, bacterial, and viral plant pathogens.
• Experience with molecular diagnostics and bioinformatics workflows.
• Strong leadership, collaboration, and grant-writing capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct advanced research on plant diseases of regional crops.
• Develop molecular and classical diagnostic methods for pathogen ID.
• Study etiology, epidemiology, and host-pathogen interactions.
• Design and evaluate integrated disease management strategies.
• Conduct field trials and assess new control agents.
• Analyze data, publish findings, and report to stakeholders.
• Supervise and mentor junior scientists and staff.
• Collaborate with national/international institutions and agencies.
• Advise on policy and ensure biosafety compliance.

Skills

Plant pathology

Molecular diagnostics

Bioinformatics

Field trials

Leadership

Academic publishing

Grant writing

Communication

Mentorship

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Pathology

Tools

PCR

qPCR

DNA sequencing

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural research institute, is actively seeking a highly accomplished Principal Plant Pathologist to lead critical research initiatives from their facility in George, Western Cape . This senior position requires a seasoned professional dedicated to understanding, diagnosing, and managing plant diseases that affect South African agriculture. The successful candidate will spearhead innovative research projects focused on pathogen identification, disease epidemiology, and the development of sustainable disease management strategies. You will play a key role in advising stakeholders, including farmers and agricultural businesses, on best practices to mitigate crop losses and enhance yield. This role is central to ensuring the health and productivity of agricultural sectors within the region and beyond, contributing significantly to food security and economic stability. The work is field-oriented, laboratory-intensive, and involves extensive collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct advanced research on plant diseases affecting key agricultural crops in the region.
• Develop and implement molecular and classical diagnostic techniques for accurate pathogen identification and characterization.
• Investigate disease etiology, epidemiology, and host-pathogen interactions under various environmental conditions.
• Design and evaluate integrated pest and disease management strategies, including biological and chemical control methods.
• Conduct field trials to assess the efficacy of new control agents and resistant varieties.
• Analyze complex datasets, interpret findings, and communicate results through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and reports to stakeholders.
• Supervise and mentor junior scientists, post-doctoral fellows, and technical staff.
• Collaborate with national and international research institutions, government agencies, and the private agricultural sector.
• Contribute to policy development and provide expert advice on plant health issues.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant biosafety and ethical standards in research.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Mycology, Bacteriology, or a closely related agricultural science discipline.
• A minimum of 8 years of extensive research experience in plant pathology, with a strong publication record in reputable journals.
• Demonstrated expertise in identifying and diagnosing a wide range of plant diseases, including fungal, bacterial, and viral pathogens.
• Proficiency in molecular diagnostic techniques such as PCR, qPCR, DNA sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis of pathogen genomes.
• Strong understanding of plant-microbe interactions, plant physiology, and agricultural crop production systems.
• Proven ability to design, execute, and manage large-scale research projects, including field trials.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Experience in grant writing and securing research funding.
• Familiarity with agricultural extension services and farmer outreach programs.
• Willingness to undertake field work in diverse agricultural settings across George and surrounding areas.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive remuneration package reflecting the seniority of this role, along with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid coverage, including dependents, is provided.
• A generous annual leave allowance, coupled with additional paid time off for professional development, is standard.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment is guaranteed.
• Opportunities for international travel to present research and attend key conferences are available.
• A robust retirement fund and life insurance benefits are also included.
• This position offers unparalleled opportunities for professional impact and career advancement within the agricultural research community in George, Western Cape .