Remote Senior Plant Pathologist — Disease Management Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Health insurance

Retirement savings plans

Professional development funding

Access to advanced lab resources

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Plant Pathologist to lead disease management initiatives for key crops in Durban and beyond. You will diagnose diseases, design field trials, and develop integrated control strategies working with field teams and researchers across locations.

The role emphasizes independent work, remote collaboration, and staying current with literature and regulations. Strong publishing and communication skills are essential, with a focus on food security and regional impact.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Mycology, Bacteriology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral research experience in plant disease diagnosis and management.
• Demonstrated expertise in identifying and managing a wide range of plant pathogens (fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes).
• Strong knowledge of molecular diagnostic techniques and bioinformatics tools.
• Proven experience in designing and conducting field trials.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to publish research findings.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a remote setting.
• Experience in remote collaboration tools and virtual team management.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to scientific rigor.
• Familiarity with KwaZulu-Natal agricultural practices is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose plant diseases using laboratory techniques and field observations.
• Research epidemiology, biology, and control of plant pathogens relevant to SA agriculture.
• Develop and refine integrated disease management strategies including cultural, biological, and chemical methods.
• Design and manage field trials to evaluate new control agents and practices.
• Provide guidance to growers, extension agents, and stakeholders on disease identification and management.
• Stay current with literature, regulations, and tech advancements in plant pathology.
• Prepare research reports, publications, and extension materials.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners on disease control projects.
• Advise on quarantine measures and phytosanitary regulations.
• Contribute to strategic planning for disease management research in Durban and nationally.

Skills

Plant pathology

Molecular diagnostics

Bioinformatics

Field trials

Scientific publishing

Remote collaboration

Education

PhD in Plant Pathology / Mycology / Bacteriology

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Senior Plant Pathologist to lead disease management initiatives for key crops in Durban and beyond. You will diagnose diseases, design field trials, and develop integrated control strategies working with field teams and researchers across locations.

The role emphasizes independent work, remote collaboration, and staying current with literature and regulations. Strong publishing and communication skills are essential, with a focus on food security and regional impact.