Senior Crop Protection Scientist

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Crop Protection Scientist based in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. You will lead R&D in integrated pest, disease and weed management and guide field trials across diverse crops.

The role requires a Ph.D. or Master’s in Plant Pathology, Entomology, Weed Science, Agronomy or related field, and 7+ years in crop protection. Travel within the Western Cape and beyond with collaboration across agronomy, regulatory, and sales teams.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s in Plant Pathology, Entomology, Weed Science, Agronomy, or a related discipline.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in crop protection research and development.
• Experience in designing and managing field trials and analyzing complex datasets.
• Strong knowledge of pest, disease, and weed biology and management strategies.
• Experience with statistical analysis software (SAS, R, JMP).
• Excellent scientific writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to lead independently and manage a team.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the Western Cape and beyond.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Lead the R&D of pest, disease, and weed management strategies.
• Design, execute, and manage field trials for crop protection products and methods.
• Analyze experimental data using statistical software and interpret results.
• Develop and refine IPM programs for specific crops and environments.
• Stay updated on scientific advances, regulatory changes, and industry trends.
• Provide expert guidance to growers, sales teams, and R&D colleagues.
• Collaborate with regulatory affairs to ensure compliance and registration.
• Author scientific reports, publications, and presentations.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies and tools for crop protection.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians.

Skills

Team leadership

Critical thinking

Independent work

Scientific communication

Education

Ph.D. or Master’s in Plant Pathology, Entomology, Weed Science, Agronomy, or related

Tools

SAS

R

JMP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in agricultural innovation, is looking for a Senior Crop Protection Scientist to be based in Mossel Bay , Western Cape . This critical role involves leading research and development efforts in integrated pest and disease management strategies to safeguard crop health and maximize yield for a diverse range of agricultural products. The Senior Crop Protection Scientist will be responsible for designing and conducting field trials, analyzing results, and developing science-based recommendations for crop protection solutions. This position requires a deep understanding of entomology, plant pathology, and weed science, combined with a passion for advancing sustainable agricultural practices. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including agronomists and field technicians, to implement effective protection programs across the company's operations in the Western Cape . This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the resilience and productivity of agriculture in a key growing region of South Africa .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of innovative strategies for managing pests, diseases, and weeds affecting agricultural crops.
• Design, execute, and manage field experiments to evaluate the efficacy and safety of crop protection products and methods.
• Analyze experimental data using statistical software and interpret results to draw scientifically sound conclusions.
• Develop and refine integrated pest management (IPM) programs tailored to specific crops and environmental conditions.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements, regulatory changes, and industry trends in crop protection.
• Provide expert technical guidance and support to growers, sales teams, and R&D colleagues.
• Collaborate with regulatory affairs specialists to ensure product compliance and registration.
• Author scientific reports, research publications, and presentations.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies and tools for crop protection.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians within the crop protection team.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Plant Pathology, Entomology, Weed Science, Agronomy, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in crop protection research and development.
• Proven track record of successfully managing field trials and analyzing complex datasets.
• In-depth knowledge of pest, disease, and weed biology and management strategies.
• Experience with statistical analysis software (e.g., SAS, R, JMP).
• Strong scientific writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and lead a team effectively.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the Western Cape and occasionally to other regions.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including performance incentives, comprehensive medical aid, a robust retirement fund, and ample annual leave.
• We provide excellent opportunities for professional growth, attending international conferences, and continuous skill development.
• The working environment is collaborative and supportive, fostering scientific excellence.