Senior Plant Pathologist

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Competitive salary and benefits

Access to research resources

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Plant Pathologist to lead research on plant diseases, develop diagnostics, and guide field and laboratory experiments from a fully remote setup within South Africa. The role emphasizes epidemiology, molecular techniques, and data-driven disease control strategies.

You will collaborate with breeders and agronomists, publish findings, and mentor staff while contributing to food security and sustainable agriculture. Remote work flexibility is a key benefit.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Botany, Microbiology, or closely related field.
• 8+ years of post-doctoral research in plant pathology with a strong publication record.
• Proficiency in molecular diagnostic techniques and bioinformatics tools.
• Experience in designing and conducting field trials and laboratory experiments.
• Excellent analytical, statistical, and data interpretation skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with ability to present scientific information clearly.
• Proven ability to work independently and lead research projects in a remote environment.
• Experience with remote collaboration tools and platforms is essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on identification, biology, and epidemiology of plant pathogens affecting key agricultural crops.
• Develop and implement diagnostic techniques, including molecular, serological, and cultural methods, for accurate disease identification.
• Design and execute field and laboratory experiments to evaluate disease management strategies and crop resistance.
• Analyze data from experiments and field observations to generate actionable insights and recommendations.
• Stay abreast of emerging plant disease threats and contribute to proactive disease surveillance programs.
• Collaborate with plant breeders, agronomists, and extension specialists to integrate disease management solutions into farming practices.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences.
• Mentor junior researchers and technicians in plant pathology.
• Provide expert advice and technical support on plant disease issues to internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to policy development and recommendations related to plant health and biosecurity.

Skills

Post-doctoral research experience

Analytical skills

Written and verbal communication

Independent work / leadership

Remote collaboration tools

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or related field

Tools

Molecular diagnostics (PCR, qPCR, sequencing)

Bioinformatics tools

Field trial design

Statistical analysis

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized agricultural research institute, is seeking an experienced Senior Plant Pathologist to contribute to their vital work in disease management and crop protection. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from Bloemfontein or anywhere in South Africa. You will be responsible for identifying, diagnosing, and managing plant diseases that affect major agricultural crops. This role involves extensive research, laboratory analysis, and field diagnostics, as well as developing and disseminating strategies for disease prevention and control. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of plant-pathogen interactions, epidemiology, and molecular diagnostic techniques. You will play a key role in safeguarding crop yields and ensuring food security. This position requires a rigorous scientific approach, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to communicate complex findings effectively to a diverse audience, including researchers, farmers, and policymakers.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on the identification, biology, and epidemiology of plant pathogens affecting key agricultural crops.
• Develop and implement diagnostic techniques, including molecular, serological, and cultural methods, for accurate disease identification.
• Design and execute field and laboratory experiments to evaluate disease management strategies and crop resistance.
• Analyze data from experiments and field observations to generate actionable insights and recommendations.
• Stay abreast of emerging plant disease threats and contribute to proactive disease surveillance programs.
• Collaborate with plant breeders, agronomists, and extension specialists to integrate disease management solutions into farming practices.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences.
• Mentor junior researchers and technicians in the field of plant pathology.
• Provide expert advice and technical support on plant disease issues to internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to policy development and recommendations related to plant health and biosecurity.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Botany, Microbiology, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of post-doctoral research experience in plant pathology, with a strong publication record.
• Demonstrated expertise in diagnosing plant diseases and understanding pathogen life cycles and virulence factors.
• Proficiency in molecular diagnostic techniques (e.g., PCR, qPCR, sequencing) and bioinformatics tools.
• Experience in designing and conducting field trials and laboratory experiments.
• Excellent analytical, statistical, and data interpretation skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present scientific information clearly.
• Proven ability to work independently and lead research projects in a remote environment.
• Experience with remote collaboration tools and platforms is essential.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and benefits package.
• Full remote work flexibility, allowing for a dynamic work-life balance.
• Opportunity to conduct groundbreaking research in plant pathology.
• Access to advanced laboratory facilities and research resources (as needed remotely).
• Professional development and opportunities for career advancement.
• Contribute significantly to global food security and sustainable agriculture.