Remote Crop Physiologist - Yield Optimization Specialist

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Crop Physiologist to join a fully remote team. You will leverage crop physiology expertise to model responses, optimize yield, and improve resource use efficiency on a global scale.

Collaborate with international researchers, design experiments, and develop quantitative models using R or Python. A Ph.D. in Crop Physiology or related field with 5+ years postdoctoral experience is preferred; strong scientific writing and remote-work capability are essential.

Qualifications

• PhD in crop physiology or related field with strong quantitative focus.
• Minimum 5 years post-doctoral experience in crop physiology and yield optimization.
• Proven ability to model physiological processes and analyze complex data.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and model crop physiological responses to environmental factors.
• Analyze field and controlled environment data to identify yield-limiting factors.
• Develop quantitative models to predict crop performance and optimize management.
• Collaborate with breeders, agronomists and data scientists to apply insights.
• Design experiments to enhance drought tolerance and nutrient use efficiency.
• Prepare scientific reports and presentations for stakeholders.

Skills

Post-doctoral research experience

Quantitative data analysis

Statistical modeling

Remote collaboration

Scientific writing

Education

Ph.D. in Crop Physiology / Plant Science / Agronomy

Tools

R

Python

Phenotyping data analysis

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in agricultural research and development, is seeking an innovative Remote Crop Physiologist to join their fully remote team. This pivotal role will focus on understanding and optimizing crop physiological processes to enhance yield, improve stress tolerance, and increase resource use efficiency. You will leverage advanced modeling techniques, analyze complex datasets from field trials and controlled environments, and collaborate with international researchers to develop strategic interventions. As a remote specialist, you will have the flexibility to work from anywhere, contributing to cutting-edge research that impacts global food production. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of plant physiology, strong quantitative skills, and a passion for applying scientific knowledge to solve real-world agricultural challenges. We are looking for a self-driven individual capable of driving research initiatives and fostering collaboration in a virtual setting. This role is essential for advancing the science of crop improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Investigate and model crop physiological responses to environmental factors (e.g., water, nutrients, light, temperature).
• Analyze data from field experiments, phenotyping platforms, and controlled environment studies to understand yield-limiting factors.
• Develop and apply quantitative models to predict crop performance and optimize management strategies.
• Collaborate with breeders, agronomists, and data scientists to integrate physiological insights into crop improvement programs.
• Design and interpret experiments focused on enhancing crop traits such as drought tolerance, nutrient use efficiency, and photosynthesis.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in crop physiology, molecular biology, and agricultural modeling.
• Prepare scientific reports, publications, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development of innovative approaches for crop yield optimization.
• Participate actively in virtual team meetings, research discussions, and project planning sessions.
• Provide expert advice on crop physiological aspects for various research projects.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Crop Physiology, Plant Science, Agronomy, or a related field with a strong quantitative focus.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral research experience focused on crop physiology and yield optimization.
• Proven expertise in plant physiological processes, including photosynthesis, respiration, water relations, and nutrient uptake.
• Strong quantitative skills, with experience in statistical analysis, modeling, and simulation of biological systems.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as R or Python for data analysis and modeling.
• Experience with experimental design and data interpretation from field and controlled environment studies.
• Excellent scientific writing and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a remote research team.
• Experience with phenotyping technologies and remote sensing data analysis is an advantage.
• A passion for applying scientific knowledge to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Benefits

This is a fully remote position, offering significant flexibility and autonomy. Our client provides a highly competitive salary, commensurate with your expertise and contributions.

• A comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, is offered.
• A robust retirement savings plan with employer matching is available.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, personal days, and holidays, is provided.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development through virtual conferences, online courses, and research collaborations are supported.
• Employees contribute to impactful global research that addresses food security challenges.
• This role offers the unique opportunity to advance crop science from your home office, with the company having research hubs, including one potentially near **Upington, Northern Cape, ZA**, but operating globally.