Senior IPM Scientist: Field Trials & Leadership

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Training & conferences

Well-equipped facilities

Job summary

A prominent agricultural research institute in Polokwane seeks a Senior Crop Protection Scientist to lead the IPM program, coordinating field trials and guiding stakeholders. The role emphasizes sustainable pest, disease, and weed management to improve regional yields in Limpopo.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD with IPM focus and at least 7 years of crop protection research experience, plus leadership abilities and strong data skills to drive impact across laboratories and farms.

Qualifications

• PhD in Entomology, Plant Pathology or Weed Science with IPM emphasis.
• Minimum 7 years of crop protection research experience, IPM program work.
• Deep knowledge of pest biology, ecology, and SA agriculture.
• Experience designing/leading field trials and analyzing datasets.
• Strong communication, leadership, and project management skills.
• Willingness to travel and valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Lead IPM research for major field crops in Limpopo.
• Design and execute field experiments for pest, disease, weed control.
• Monitor pest populations and develop forecasting models.
• Develop IPM best-practice guidelines for farmers and extension.
• Conduct risk assessments for new control agents and technologies.
• Collaborate with scientists, researchers and government agencies.
• Manage budgets, supervise field technicians, mentor staff.
• Analyze data and prepare reports, publications and presentations.
• Stay updated on regulatory changes in crop protection.

Skills

IPM program development

Leadership

Field trials design

Data analysis

Communication

Education

PhD in Entomology, Plant Pathology, or Weed Science

Tools

Statistical software

Job description

A prominent agricultural research institute in Polokwane seeks a Senior Crop Protection Scientist to lead the IPM program, coordinating field trials and guiding stakeholders. The role emphasizes sustainable pest, disease, and weed management to improve regional yields in Limpopo.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD with IPM focus and at least 7 years of crop protection research experience, plus leadership abilities and strong data skills to drive impact across laboratories and farms.