Senior Crop Protection Scientist

Placements24; Johannesburg; Ibrido; ZAR 1.200.000 - 1.800.000; Tempo pieno

Vantaggi offerti da questo lavoro

Competitive salary

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement fund with company contrib.

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional growth opportunities

Relocation assistance

Employee assistance program

Descrizione del lavoro

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Crop Protection Scientist for our Randburg, Gauteng research team. You will lead field and lab trials, design IPM strategies, and evaluate new crop protection solutions to safeguard yields and quality.

The role blends on-site laboratory work with remote data analysis, requiring PhD-level expertise and 7+ years' experience, plus strong analytics and collaboration with R&D, regulatory, and breeders.

Competenze

• Ph.D. in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weed Science, Agronomy, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in crop protection research and development.
• Experience in designing and conducting efficacy trials for pesticides/biologicals.
• Strong knowledge of pesticide modes of action, toxicology, and environmental fate.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to work hybridly.

Mansioni

• Design and execute field and laboratory research trials for crop protection products.
• Investigate pest, disease, and weed biology and their impact on crops.
• Develop and validate IPM strategies and assess environmental impact.
• Analyze trial data and prepare reports and recommendations.
• Collaborate with R&D, marketing, and regulatory teams on product development.
• Stay current with scientific advances and regulatory changes in crop protection.
• Provide technical training to field staff and clients.
• Contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and manage project budgets.

Conoscenze

Analytical skills

Communication

Independent worker

Hybrid work familiarity

Team collaboration

Formazione

PhD in Entomology

PhD in Plant Pathology

Strumenti

Statistical software

Laboratory techniques

Field trial methods

Descrizione del lavoro

About the Role Our client, a leading innovator in agricultural solutions, is seeking an experienced Senior Crop Protection Scientist to join their research team in **Randburg**, Gauteng. This role is pivotal in developing and implementing effective strategies for managing pests, diseases, and weeds that impact crop yields and quality. You will lead research initiatives, conduct field and laboratory trials, and contribute to the development of new crop protection products and integrated pest management (IPM) programs. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of entomology, plant pathology, weed science, and pesticide chemistry. This hybrid position allows for a balance of remote data analysis and report writing with on-site laboratory work and field trials. You will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including plant breeders, agronomists, and regulatory affairs specialists. We are looking for a proactive scientist with strong analytical skills, a passion for sustainable agriculture, and a proven track record in crop protection research. Your insights will be critical in ensuring the health and productivity of crops, safeguarding food security, and promoting environmentally sound farming practices. The challenge lies in developing adaptable solutions to evolving agricultural threats in diverse environments. This role offers an exciting opportunity to influence the direction of crop protection technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Designing and executing field and laboratory research trials for crop protection products.
• Investigating pest, disease, and weed biology and their impact on various crops.
• Developing and validating integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
• Evaluating the efficacy, safety, and environmental impact of new crop protection solutions.
• Analyzing trial data and preparing comprehensive research reports and recommendations.
• Collaborating with R&D, marketing, and regulatory teams to support product development and registration.
• Staying current with scientific advancements and regulatory changes in crop protection.
• Providing technical expertise and training to field staff and clients.
• Contributing to the development of sustainable agricultural practices.
• Managing budgets and resources for research projects.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weed Science, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in crop protection research and development.
• Proven experience in designing and conducting efficacy trials for pesticides and biological control agents.
• Strong knowledge of pesticide modes of action, toxicology, and environmental fate.
• Expertise in statistical analysis of experimental data and use of relevant software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid work setting.
• Experience with laboratory techniques and field research methodologies.
• Familiarity with South African agricultural practices and pest/disease challenges.
• Commitment to innovation and sustainable agriculture.

Benefits

• Competitive salary up to R per annum.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement fund with company contribution.
• Hybrid work arrangement providing flexibility.
• Opportunities for professional growth and conference participation.
• Access to well-equipped laboratories and field research stations.
• Generous annual leave and paid holidays.
• Work on cutting-edge crop protection technologies.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
• Employee assistance program.