Senior Crop Protection Scientist

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary & annual bonus

Medical aid

Provident fund

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Crop Protection Scientist to join our agricultural research division in Cape Town, Western Cape. The role blends on-site laboratory work with remote data analysis and reporting, supporting pest and disease management across high-value crops.

You will lead projects, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance sustainable crop protection practices in South Africa.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant plant science field.
• 7+ years of post-doctoral research experience in crop protection.
• Experience designing and conducting field and laboratory trials.
• Extensive knowledge of pests, diseases, and weeds relevant to SA agriculture.
• Strong statistical analysis skills; proficient in R/SAS.
• Demonstrated ability to lead research projects and mentor teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; scientific writing proficiency.
• Willingness to travel; valid driver’s license; hybrid work flexibility.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and manage field and laboratory trials for evaluating new crop protection products and IPM strategies.
• Lead research projects to identify and mitigate threats from pests, diseases, and weeds in key crops.
• Analyze data, interpret results, and prepare comprehensive scientific reports and publications.
• Collaborate with product development, R&D, and field agronomist teams to implement protection strategies.
• Provide technical guidance on regulatory affairs related to crop protection chemicals and practices.
• Supervise and mentor junior researchers and technicians in the crop protection department.
• Stay current with literature, industry trends, and emerging threats in crop protection.
• Develop relationships with academic institutions, industry partners, and regulatory bodies.
• Contribute to sustainable agricultural practices that minimize environmental impact.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Leadership

Scientific writing

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in plant pathology / related field

Tools

R

SAS

ARM

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Crop Protection Scientist to join their esteemed agricultural research division based in Cape Town, Western Cape. This pivotal role will focus on developing innovative strategies and solutions for pest and disease management in a variety of high-value crops. The successful candidate will lead research initiatives, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and contribute to the company's reputation for excellence in agricultural science. This is a hybrid role, offering a blend of on-site laboratory work and remote data analysis/reporting, allowing for a balanced work-life integration within the beautiful Cape Town region.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and manage field and laboratory trials for evaluating new crop protection products and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
• Lead research projects focused on identifying, understanding, and mitigating threats from pests, diseases, and weeds affecting key agricultural crops.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and prepare comprehensive scientific reports and publications.
• Collaborate closely with product development, R&D, and field agronomist teams to ensure effective implementation of protection strategies.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance on regulatory affairs related to crop protection chemicals and practices.
• Supervise and mentor junior researchers and technicians within the crop protection department.
• Stay current with scientific literature, industry trends, and emerging threats in crop protection.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with academic institutions, industry partners, and regulatory bodies.
• Contribute to the development of sustainable agricultural practices that minimize environmental impact.

Requirements

• PhD in Plant Pathology, Entomology, Weed Science, Agronomy, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral research experience in crop protection.
• Proven track record in designing and conducting field and laboratory trials.
• Extensive knowledge of insect pests, plant diseases, and weed biology relevant to South African agriculture.
• Strong statistical analysis skills and experience with relevant software (e.g., R, SAS, ARM).
• Demonstrated ability to lead research projects and manage teams effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proficiency in scientific writing.
• Experience with regulatory processes for agricultural chemicals is highly desirable.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team in a hybrid work environment.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel for field trials and conferences.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, attractive annual bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, provident fund, and generous annual leave. Employees benefit from access to state-of-the-art research facilities and a supportive work environment that fosters professional development. The hybrid work model provides flexibility, allowing for a healthy work-life balance in the scenic city of Cape Town. Opportunities for international collaboration and continuous learning are abundant. Join a team that is at the forefront of agricultural innovation.