Senior Crop Protection Scientist - Agrochemical Research

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Relocation assistance

Hybrid work arrangements

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Crop Protection Scientist to lead R&D efforts in Vereeniging, Gauteng. The role covers discovery, development, and optimization of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides with an emphasis on lab work, greenhouse studies, and field trials.

You will guide projects, oversee efficacy trials, and contribute to regulatory submissions, leveraging your deep knowledge of pest biology and chemical efficacy.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant crop science discipline is required.
• Post-doctoral research experience in crop protection or agrochemical development is essential.
• Strong publication record and experience in collaborative research settings are expected.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute lab, greenhouse, and field trials to test new agrochemical compounds.
• Investigate modes of action and resistance mechanisms in pests, diseases, and weeds.
• Collaborate with formulation chemists to develop stable product formulations.
• Analyze data, interpret results, and prepare scientific reports.
• Contribute to regulatory submission dossiers for agrochemical products.
• Mentor junior scientists and represent the company at conferences.
• Ensure compliance with safety, ethics, and research policies.

Skills

Experimental design

Statistical analysis

Data interpretation

Scientific writing

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Entomology

Ph.D. in Plant Pathology

Ph.D. in Weed Science

Ph.D. in Agronomy

Tools

R

SAS

DOE (Design of Experiments)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the agrochemical industry, is seeking a Senior Crop Protection Scientist to join their research and development division based in **Vereeniging, Gauteng**. This role is central to discovering, developing, and optimizing novel crop protection solutions, including herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides, designed to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. You will lead research projects, conduct efficacy trials, and contribute to the registration process of new agrochemical products. This position requires a deep scientific understanding of pest and disease biology, chemical efficacy, and formulation science, combined with a passion for innovative agricultural solutions. The role involves a mix of laboratory work, greenhouse studies, and field trials, offering a dynamic research environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong publication record and experience in collaborative research settings within the **Vereeniging, Gauteng** region. Our client is dedicated to advancing crop protection technology and seeks a scientist who can make significant contributions to the future of sustainable agriculture.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute laboratory, greenhouse, and field trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of new agrochemical compounds.
• Investigate the modes of action and resistance mechanisms of pests, diseases, and weeds affecting key crops.
• Collaborate with formulation chemists to develop stable and effective product formulations.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and prepare comprehensive scientific reports.
• Contribute to the preparation of regulatory submission dossiers for new agrochemical products.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements, regulatory changes, and market trends in crop protection.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians, guiding their research activities.
• Represent the company at scientific conferences and industry meetings.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, safety procedures, and ethical research practices within the **Vereeniging** research facilities.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weed Science, Agronomy, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral research experience in crop protection or agrochemical development.
• Proven expertise in experimental design, statistical analysis, and data interpretation related to efficacy trials.
• Strong knowledge of pesticide chemistry, biological modes of action, and resistance management strategies.
• Experience with various application techniques and equipment for agrochemicals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong publication record.
• Ability to manage multiple research projects simultaneously and work effectively in a team environment.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements for agrochemical registration is highly desirable.
• Willingness to travel for field trials and conferences as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement plan.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within R&D.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and research equipment.
• Allowance for professional development, including attendance at scientific conferences.
• A stimulating work environment focused on scientific innovation and sustainability.
• Potential for hybrid work arrangements, balancing laboratory and remote tasks.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.