Remote Soil Scientist - Agricultural Research

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,486,000 - 2,146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Flexible remote work

Global research network

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Soil Scientist to contribute to international soil health research and sustainable land management. The role is fully remote, requiring analysis of soil data, design of experiments, and development of soil health protocols.

You will collaborate with global teams to advance soil science and improve agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental impact. The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or PhD in a related field, with 4+ years in soil analysis or soil

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or related field.
• Minimum 4 years' experience in soil analysis or soil health research.
• Proven expertise in soil chemistry, physics and biology.
• Experience with lab analytical techniques and instrumentation.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software and GIS platforms (ArcGIS, QGIS).
• Strong research design and data interpretation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; remote collaboration experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth analysis of soil samples to assess physical, chemical, and biological properties.
• Design and interpret laboratory and field experiments related to soil management and fertility.
• Develop and implement protocols for soil data collection and quality control.
• Utilize GIS and other spatial analysis tools to map soil properties and identify trends.
• Research and evaluate innovative soil health practices, including cover cropping and no-till farming.
• Provide technical expertise and recommendations on soil-related issues to project teams and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with other scientists, agronomists, and field staff on research projects.
• Author and co-author scientific publications and reports on soil science research findings.
• Stay current with advancements in soil science, environmental science, and agricultural technology.
• Contribute to the development of soil health monitoring and assessment tools.

Skills

Analytical skills

Scientific communication

Data interpretation

Research design

Collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in Soil Science or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

Statistics software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an international agricultural research organization, is seeking a dedicated Remote Soil Scientist to contribute to vital research projects focused on soil health and sustainable land management. This position is fully remote, allowing you to work from any location. You will be responsible for analyzing soil data, conducting laboratory and field research (where applicable and coordinated remotely), and developing recommendations for improving soil fertility, structure, and nutrient cycling. Your work will play a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental impact. We are looking for a passionate scientist with a strong analytical aptitude and a commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture practices globally. This role offers the chance to make a significant contribution to global food security and environmental stewardship.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth analysis of soil samples to assess physical, chemical, and biological properties.
• Design and interpret laboratory and field experiments related to soil management and fertility.
• Develop and implement protocols for soil data collection and quality control.
• Utilize GIS and other spatial analysis tools to map soil properties and identify trends.
• Research and evaluate innovative soil health practices, including cover cropping, no-till farming, and organic amendments.
• Provide technical expertise and recommendations on soil-related issues to project teams and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with other scientists, agronomists, and field staff on research projects.
• Author and co-author scientific publications and reports on soil science research findings.
• Stay current with advancements in soil science, environmental science, and agricultural technology.
• Contribute to the development of soil health monitoring and assessment tools.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in soil analysis, soil health research, or sustainable land management.
• Proven expertise in soil chemistry, physics, and biology.
• Experience with laboratory analytical techniques and instrumentation.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software and GIS platforms (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS).
• Strong research design and data interpretation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex scientific information clearly.
• Experience working in a remote or distributed research environment is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of agricultural systems in various climates, particularly those relevant to South Africa.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers excellent flexibility and the opportunity to work on impactful global projects. Our client provides a competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, and retirement benefits. You will have access to a global network of researchers and opportunities for professional development, including attending virtual conferences and workshops. Our client is committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative remote work culture. We offer a supportive environment where your expertise is valued and your contributions to sustainable agriculture are recognized. Join us in advancing the science of soil for a healthier planet.