Senior Plant Pathologist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Lab facilities access

Professional development

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane is seeking a Senior Plant Pathologist to join its R&D team on a hybrid basis, focusing on diagnosing, researching, and managing plant diseases affecting key crops in Limpopo. The role translates science into practical disease management for growers and stakeholders.

You will lead field trials, mentor junior researchers, and collaborate with national and international partners, requiring a PhD and extensive experience in PCR/ELISA and microscopy, with travel to field

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Botany, Microbiology, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in plant pathology research and field diagnostics.
• Proven expertise in identifying and managing a wide range of plant diseases in agricultural settings.
• Experience with molecular diagnostic techniques (PCR, ELISA) and microscopy.
• Strong publication record in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel for field work and site visits.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose plant diseases affecting various crops through field surveys, laboratory analysis, and molecular techniques.
• Conduct research on the epidemiology, biology, and control of plant pathogens.
• Develop and implement integrated disease management strategies, including resistant varieties, biological controls, and chemical treatments.
• Lead field trials to evaluate the efficacy of new disease control agents and practices.
• Provide expert advice and technical support to growers, agricultural extension officers, and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate with national and international research institutions on plant disease issues.
• Mentor junior researchers and laboratory technicians.

Skills

Plant pathology

Molecular diagnostics

Field diagnostics

Analytical thinking

Publication track record

Communication

Travel willingness

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Pathology / related field

Tools

PCR

ELISA

Microscopy

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly qualified Senior Plant Pathologist to join their research and development team in Polokwane, with a hybrid work arrangement. This role is critical for identifying, diagnosing, and managing plant diseases that affect key agricultural crops in the region. You will lead research initiatives, develop effective disease management strategies, and provide expert consultation to growers and agricultural stakeholders. This position requires a strong scientific background, extensive experience in plant pathology, and the ability to apply research findings to practical agricultural challenges in Limpopo. You will contribute to ensuring crop health and productivity through advanced scientific understanding and intervention.

Key Responsibilities

• Diagnose plant diseases affecting various crops through field surveys, laboratory analysis, and molecular techniques.
• Conduct research on the epidemiology, biology, and control of plant pathogens.
• Develop and implement integrated disease management strategies, including the use of resistant varieties, biological controls, and chemical treatments.
• Lead field trials to evaluate the efficacy of new disease control agents and practices.
• Provide expert advice and technical support to growers, agricultural extension officers, and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate with national and international research institutions on plant disease issues.
• Mentor junior researchers and laboratory technicians.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Botany, Microbiology, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in plant pathology research and field diagnostics.
• Proven expertise in identifying and managing a wide range of plant diseases in agricultural settings.
• Experience with molecular diagnostic techniques (e.g., PCR, ELISA) and microscopy.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel for field work and site visits, complementing remote analysis and reporting.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility between remote and on-site work.
• Access to well-equipped research laboratories and field trial sites.
• Support for professional development, including conference attendance.
• Opportunity to work on significant challenges in crop protection.