Remote Plant Pathologist - Global Research Lead

Placements24; Kempton Park; Remote; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Home office stipend

Company equipment provided

Health, dental, vision insurance

Professional development budget

Retirement contributions

Job summary

Placements24 invites a senior Plant Pathologist to lead global R&D efforts in diagnosing and managing plant diseases. This remote-first role supports collaboration with international scientists, guiding projects from discovery to publication while advancing plant health and food security from a home-based setting.

The candidate will oversee research strategies, mentor global teams, and contribute to tool development and epidemiological analyses using molecular and bioinformatics methods.

Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Pathology, Botany, Biology, or closely related field.
• 10+ years of research in plant disease diagnostics, epidemiology and management.
• Proven ability to lead projects and publish in top-tier journals.
• Experience with remote, international, multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage global research projects on plant diseases across crops and regions.
• Develop strategies for disease management using molecular, chemical, and biological controls.
• Analyze epidemiological data to predict outbreaks and inform safeguards.
• Collaborate remotely with international institutions and industry partners.
• Publish high-impact findings and present at international conferences.
• Provide remote expert consultation to regional teams.
• Mentor global team of junior researchers and technicians.
• Stay current with plant pathology and biotech advances.
• Contribute to development of new diagnostic tools.

Skills

Remote collaboration

Project leadership

Scientific communication

Data analysis

Bioinformatics

Grant writing

Education

PhD in Plant Pathology or related field

Tools

Statistical software

Bioinformatics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a globally recognized leader in agricultural research and development, operating with a fully remote-first model. We are seeking an exceptional Plant Pathologist to spearhead our global research initiatives. This senior role is designed for an expert in diagnosing and managing plant diseases, contributing significantly to the resilience and productivity of agricultural systems worldwide. Working remotely from Tembisa or any approved location, you will collaborate with an international team of scientists, leveraging digital tools and communication platforms to drive innovation. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of plant health from the comfort of your home office, contributing to global food security.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage global research projects focused on identifying, diagnosing, and controlling plant diseases across diverse crop types and regions.
• Develop innovative strategies and protocols for disease management, utilizing molecular, chemical, and biological control methods.
• Analyze epidemiological data to predict disease outbreaks and inform preventative strategies.
• Collaborate remotely with international research institutions, universities, and industry partners.
• Author and publish high-impact research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences.
• Provide remote expert consultation to regional teams on complex plant disease issues.
• Mentor and guide a global team of junior researchers and technicians.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in plant pathology, molecular biology, and agricultural biotechnology.
• Contribute to the development of new diagnostic tools and technologies.
• Ensure adherence to ethical research practices and data integrity.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Botany, Biology, or a closely related field.
• 10+ years of extensive research experience in plant disease diagnostics, epidemiology, and management.
• Demonstrated success in leading research projects and publishing in top-tier scientific journals.
• Expertise in various plant disease diagnostic techniques, including molecular methods.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a remote, international, and multidisciplinary team environment.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, adapted for remote collaboration.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software and bioinformatics tools.
• Experience with grant writing and securing research funding is a plus.
• A proactive and self-motivated approach to research and problem-solving.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of autonomy.

Benefits

• Annual salary package of R , commensurate with experience.
• Full remote work flexibility, allowing you to work from anywhere.
• Company-provided equipment and home office stipend.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous professional development budget for training and conferences.
• Contribution to retirement savings.
• Opportunity to lead groundbreaking research with global impact.