Remote Crop Modeling Specialist - Agricultural Innovation

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,493,000 - 2,488,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Remote work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Crop Modeling Specialist to develop and validate advanced crop models for yield prediction and climate adaptation. You will work with weather, soil, and satellite data, calibrate models and contribute to decision-support tools for global agriculture.

The role requires a Ph.D. or Master’s in a quantitative field, expertise in crop models (DSSAT, APSIM, AquaCrop) and strong programming skills in R/Python/MATLAB.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related quantitative field.
• Experience in developing, calibrating and applying crop simulation models (e.g., DSSAT, APSIM, AquaCrop).
• Strong programming skills in R, Python, or MATLAB for data analysis and model development.
• Solid understanding of statistics, machine learning and data science.
• Knowledge of plant physiology, soil science and agronomy.

Responsibilities

• Develop, calibrate and validate crop growth and yield simulation models using diverse data sources.
• Analyze model outputs to predict crop performance under varying environments and management practices.
• Collaborate with international teams to translate model findings into practical solutions.
• Design virtual experiments to test hypotheses and optimize farming strategies.
• Prepare technical reports and publications communicating findings.

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a global leader in agricultural technology and innovation, seeking a highly skilled Remote Crop Modeling Specialist to join their expanding team. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to work from anywhere while contributing to groundbreaking research in crop simulation and yield prediction. You will be responsible for developing, validating, and applying advanced crop models to support sustainable agriculture, food security initiatives, and climate change adaptation strategies. The ideal candidate possesses a strong quantitative background, expertise in agronomy or plant science, and extensive experience with statistical software and modeling techniques. This role is perfect for a self-motivated professional who thrives in a remote setting and is passionate about leveraging data to drive agricultural advancements worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, calibrate, and validate sophisticated crop growth and yield simulation models using various data sources (e.g., weather, soil, satellite imagery).
• Analyze model outputs to predict crop performance under different environmental conditions, management practices, and future climate scenarios.
• Collaborate with international research teams, agronomists, and data scientists to integrate model findings into practical agricultural solutions.
• Design and conduct virtual experiments using crop models to test hypotheses and optimize farming strategies.
• Prepare technical reports, scientific publications, and presentations to communicate research findings effectively.
• Contribute to the development of decision-support tools for farmers, policymakers, and agricultural businesses.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in crop modeling, agronomy, and climate science.
• Provide technical support and training to internal and external users of crop modeling software.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. or Master's degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related quantitative field.
• Demonstrated experience in developing, calibrating, and applying crop simulation models (e.g., DSSAT, APSIM, AquaCrop).
• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as R, Python, or MATLAB for data analysis and model development.
• Solid understanding of statistical methods, machine learning, and data science principles.
• Excellent knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, and agronomic principles.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage complex projects in a remote environment.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly.
• Experience with geospatial data analysis and GIS software is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and a generous retirement savings plan. As a fully remote position, we offer flexibility and autonomy in your work schedule. Continuous professional development is encouraged through online courses, virtual conferences, and access to cutting edge research platforms. Our client fosters a collaborative and inclusive global culture, valuing innovation and intellectual curiosity. This role provides the unique opportunity to make a global impact from the comfort of your home office, contributing to the future of sustainable agriculture.