Senior Crop Yield Scientist | R&D Leader in Sustainable Ag

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension fund

Professional development

Research facilities

Paid leave

Conference travel

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg invites a Senior Agricultural Scientist to join its research team. You will lead cutting-edge studies on crop physiology, soil science, and agronomy to boost yields while advancing sustainable farming practices.

The role emphasizes field trial design, data-driven insights, and collaboration with farmers and researchers. Strong communication and project leadership are essential for success in this critical regional program.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Agronomy, Crop Science, Agricultural Science, Plant Science or related field
• 5–7 years of progressive agricultural R&D experience with a proven yield improvement
• Strong experimental design and data analysis skills (ANOVA, regression)
• Experience with GIS and precision agriculture tools
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; able to lead projects
• Knowledge of KwaZulu-Natal agricultural context is a plus

Responsibilities

• Conduct research into crop physiology, soil science, and agronomy to identify factors influencing yield
• Design, implement, and manage field trials to test new crop varieties, fertilizers, and pest control strategies
• Analyze experimental data using statistical software to draw insights and recommendations
• Develop and refine best practices for sustainable agriculture, focusing on water conservation, soil health, and biodiversity
• Collaborate with farmers, agronomists, and other stakeholders to disseminate research findings and provide technical guidance
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in agricultural science, technology, and regulatory changes
• Prepare detailed reports, scientific publications, and presentations on research outcomes
• Mentor junior scientists and provide technical leadership within the R&D department

Skills

Statistical analysis

GIS

Precision agriculture

Project management

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in Agronomy / Crop Science / Agricultural Science

Tools

GIS software

Statistical software (R/SAS)

Job description

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg invites a Senior Agricultural Scientist to join its research team. You will lead cutting-edge studies on crop physiology, soil science, and agronomy to boost yields while advancing sustainable farming practices.

The role emphasizes field trial design, data-driven insights, and collaboration with farmers and researchers. Strong communication and project leadership are essential for success in this critical regional program.