Senior Crop Protection Scientist - Remote Research

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first

Fully remote

Home office stipend

Flexible hours

Parental leave

Performance bonuses

Health insurance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Crop Protection Scientist to lead remote research in crop protection. You will design experiments, mentor junior scientists, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate findings into practical farmer solutions.

This remote-first role emphasizes sustainable methods, data-driven decision making, and active publication and regulatory contribution, with opportunities to influence product development while working from anywhere, including Stellenbosch,

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Entomology, Weed Science, Agronomy, or a related discipline.
• 8+ years post-doctoral research in crop protection with a strong publication record.
• Strong expertise in experimental design and data analysis using statistical software.
• Experience in laboratory, greenhouse, and potentially field research environments.
• Ability to work independently in a remote research setting and mentor others.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; mentoring experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage research projects for novel crop protection solutions (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides).
• Investigate the biology and ecology of target pests, pathogens, and weeds to inform protection strategies.
• Develop and validate screening assays for efficacy and safety of candidate compounds.
• Analyze complex data using advanced statistics and present findings to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with formulation chemists and product teams to optimize delivery systems.
• Stay updated on literature, industry trends, and regulatory developments in crop protection.
• Mentor and guide junior scientists and research associates.
• Contribute to strategic direction of the crop protection research pipeline.
• Prepare publications, patent applications, and regulatory submission documents.
• Manage budgets and resources effectively for assigned projects.

Skills

Experimental design

Data analysis

Mentoring

Scientific communication

Remote collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Pathology

Tools

Statistical software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in agricultural innovation, is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Crop Protection Scientist to join their esteemed research division. This position is a fully remote opportunity, allowing you to contribute your expertise from anywhere in the world. You will lead groundbreaking research into the development of advanced crop protection solutions, focusing on sustainable and environmentally sound methods to combat pests, diseases, and weeds. Your work will involve designing and executing complex experimental protocols, analyzing data, and translating findings into practical applications for farmers. As a senior member of the team, you will also mentor junior scientists, contribute to strategic research planning, and collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product development and regulatory affairs. Our client is deeply committed to a remote-first working model, providing state-of-the-art digital collaboration tools and fostering a supportive virtual environment. This is a premier opportunity for a seasoned scientist to drive innovation in crop protection and make a substantial impact on global food security, operating remotely and contributing to research efforts connected to Stellenbosch, Western Cape, ZA .

Key Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and manage research projects focused on identifying and developing novel crop protection solutions (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides).
• Investigate the biology and ecology of target pests, pathogens, and weeds to inform protection strategies.
• Develop and validate screening assays for evaluating the efficacy and safety of candidate compounds.
• Analyze complex experimental data using advanced statistical methods and present findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with formulation chemists and product development teams to optimize product performance and delivery systems.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature, industry trends, and regulatory developments in crop protection.
• Mentor and guide junior scientists and research associates.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the crop protection research pipeline.
• Prepare scientific publications, patent applications, and regulatory submission documents.
• Manage research budgets and resources effectively for assigned projects.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Entomology, Weed Science, Agronomy, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of post-doctoral research experience in crop protection, with a strong publication record.
• Demonstrated expertise in experimental design, data analysis (statistical software proficiency required), and interpretation.
• Proven experience in laboratory, greenhouse, and potentially field research environments.
• Deep understanding of plant-insect interactions, plant-pathogen interactions, or plant-weed interactions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex scientific concepts.
• Experience in leading research projects and mentoring junior scientists.
• Familiarity with molecular biology techniques relevant to crop protection is a plus.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and thrive in a remote research setting.
• Strong collaborative spirit and experience working effectively in virtual teams.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings plan.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
• Access to cutting-edge research facilities and technologies.
• Fully remote work environment with flexible hours.
• Home office stipend and technology support.
• Paid time off and parental leave.