Senior Entomologist - Pest Management Research

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Professional development funding

Fieldwork opportunities

Research labs access

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Entomologist to lead our pest management research initiatives in a hybrid role, combining remote research with on-site work at our Polokwane facility and field visits.

The candidate will drive IPM strategies, supervise experiments, publish findings, and collaborate with agronomists to translate research into practical crop protection solutions for farmers in the region.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Entomology or related field with extensive pest management research.
• Proven ability to design and analyze field and lab experiments.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.

Responsibilities

• Lead research on biology, ecology, and management of key agricultural insect pests.
• Develop and refine IPM strategies emphasizing sustainability.
• Conduct lab and field studies to test insecticides and biological controls.
• Monitor pest populations and assess damage across farms.
• Collaborate with agronomists and plant pathologists for holistic protection.
• Mentor junior researchers and technicians.
• Present findings at conferences and publish peer-reviewed papers.
• Stay updated on entomology and agricultural tech.

Skills

IPM knowledge

Statistical analysis

Scientific publications

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Entomology

Tools

R

SPSS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior Entomologist to lead their pest management research initiatives. This hybrid role combines remote research and analysis with necessary on-site work at their Polokwane facility and in the field. You will be at the forefront of developing innovative and sustainable strategies to manage insect pests that threaten agricultural crops. This involves conducting detailed research into insect biology, behavior, and population dynamics, as well as evaluating the efficacy of various control methods, including biological, chemical, and cultural approaches. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of entomological principles, integrated pest management (IPM), and a proven track record of scientific research and publication. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, agronomists, and extension specialists to translate research findings into practical solutions for farmers. This position is crucial for advancing crop protection and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research projects on the biology, ecology, and management of key agricultural insect pests.
• Develop and refine integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, emphasizing sustainable and environmentally sound approaches.
• Conduct laboratory and field studies to evaluate the efficacy of insecticides, biological control agents, and cultural control methods.
• Monitor insect populations and assess damage levels in various agricultural settings.
• Identify new and emerging pest threats and develop proactive management plans.
• Analyze research data using statistical methods and interpret findings to inform recommendations.
• Author and co-author peer-reviewed scientific publications and present research at conferences.
• Collaborate with agronomists, plant pathologists, and other specialists to ensure holistic crop protection strategies.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior researchers and technicians.
• Stay current with advancements in entomology, pest management, and agricultural technologies.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Entomology or a closely related field (e.g., Applied Entomology, Insect Ecology).
• Minimum of 8 years of postgraduate research experience in agricultural entomology or pest management.
• Extensive knowledge of insect biology, behavior, and pest-host interactions relevant to agriculture.
• Proven experience in designing, conducting, and analyzing field and laboratory experiments.
• Strong statistical analysis skills and proficiency with relevant software (e.g., R, SPSS).
• Demonstrated ability to publish research in high-impact scientific journals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid environment.
• Willingness to conduct fieldwork in various weather conditions and travel to the Polokwane facility.
• A passion for sustainable agriculture and contributing to food security.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous annual leave and paid holidays.
• Funding for professional development, including conference attendance and training courses.
• Access to well-equipped research laboratories and field equipment.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Opportunities for collaboration with leading agricultural research institutions.
• Supportive and innovative work environment in Polokwane .
• Contribution to significant advancements in crop protection.
• Potential for leadership growth within the research department.