Remote Lead Plant Pathologist

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1.200.000 - 1.900.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Competitive salary

Fully remote

Conference access

Research tools

Zusammenfassung

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Plant Pathologist to spearhead remote R&D initiatives from Cape Town, focusing on diagnosing and managing diseases in key agricultural species.

You will develop advanced diagnostic tools, evaluate disease management strategies, mentor scientists, publish research, and collaborate with breeders and stakeholders in a global team.

Qualifikationen

• PhD in Plant Pathology, Mycology, or related field with focus on disease management.
• 8+ years post-doctoral research in plant pathology with leadership experience.
• Knowledge of plant-pathogen interactions and integrated pest management principles.
• Experience with molecular diagnostics (PCR, ELISA, sequencing).
• Strong communication skills and track record in publishing.

Aufgaben

• Lead research on identification, epidemiology, and control of plant diseases in major crops.
• Develop diagnostic techniques and molecular tools for rapid disease identification.
• Design and conduct field and lab experiments to evaluate fungicides and disease management strategies.
• Collaborate with breeders to develop disease-resistant varieties.
• Provide expert consultation and technical support to growers and teams.

Kenntnisse

Plant pathology

Data analysis

Remote collaboration

Grant writing

Leadership

Ausbildung

PhD in Plant Pathology

Tools

PCR

ELISA

Sequencing

Jobbeschreibung

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Lead Plant Pathologist to spearhead their research and development efforts in the **Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA** region, operating entirely remotely. This role is crucial for identifying, diagnosing, and managing plant diseases that affect critical agricultural and forestry crops. As a remote-first professional, you will leverage your extensive knowledge and analytical capabilities to develop innovative disease management strategies, contributing to the sustainability and productivity of the sector. You will be at the forefront of exploring new biological and chemical controls, enhancing disease resistance in crops, and advising stakeholders on best practices. This position requires a strong scientific background, exceptional research acumen, and the ability to communicate complex findings clearly to diverse audiences, all within a virtual collaboration framework. We are dedicated to providing a supportive and high-performing remote work environment for our team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research initiatives focused on the identification, epidemiology, and control of plant diseases affecting major agricultural and forestry species.
• Develop and implement advanced diagnostic techniques and molecular tools for rapid and accurate disease identification.
• Design and conduct field and laboratory experiments to evaluate the efficacy of fungicides, biological agents, and integrated disease management strategies.
• Collaborate with breeders to identify and develop disease-resistant crop varieties.
• Provide expert consultation and technical support to growers, agricultural consultants, and internal teams on disease management issues.
• Analyze pathogen populations, study resistance mechanisms, and predict disease outbreaks.
• Author scientific publications, grant proposals, and technical reports.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians, fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and collaboration.
• Stay current with global research trends, emerging plant diseases, and innovative control measures.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Mycology, or a closely related field with a strong emphasis on plant disease management.
• Minimum of 8 years of post-doctoral research experience in plant pathology, with demonstrated leadership capabilities.
• Extensive knowledge of plant-pathogen interactions, disease cycles, and integrated pest management principles.
• Proven experience in diagnostic techniques, including molecular methods (e.g., PCR, ELISA, sequencing).
• Strong understanding of agricultural practices in **Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA**, and its unique environmental challenges is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to secure research funding and manage research projects effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of publishing in high-impact journals.
• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical software.
• Must be highly organized, self-motivated, and adept at remote collaboration and project management.

Benefits

• This role comes with a highly competitive salary and benefits package, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• As a fully remote position, you will enjoy significant flexibility in your work schedule and location.
• Our client provides opportunities for professional growth, conference attendance, and access to state-of-the-art research tools and databases.
• You will be part of a global team dedicated to advancing agricultural science and ensuring food security through innovative disease management solutions.
• We offer a stimulating work environment that encourages creativity, scientific rigor, and impactful contributions to the field of plant pathology.