Senior Plant Pathologist - Advanced Crop Disease Research

Placements24; Klerksdorp; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Relocation assistance

Conference attendance

Professional development

Laboratory facilities access

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Plant Pathologist to lead disease diagnosis, research, and management across crops in Klerksdorp, North West. The role emphasizes guiding growers and stakeholders, advancing plant health, and developing innovative control strategies.

The position requires a PhD in Plant Pathology or related field, with extensive post-doctoral experience and strong publication records. Field work and leadership are essential components of this role.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or closely related field.
• Minimum 7 years of post-doctoral research experience in plant pathology with publications.
• Extensive knowledge of fungal, bacterial, viral and nematode pathogens affecting major crops in the North West.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory and field diagnostics to identify plant pathogens across crops.
• Develop and implement integrated disease management programs.
• Design and execute experiments on pathogen biology and host-pathogen interactions.
• Analyze data and generate reports with disease-control recommendations.
• Collaborate with agronomists, plant breeders and extension officers to share knowledge.
• Stay updated with literature, new diseases, and control technologies.
• Supervise and mentor junior researchers and technicians.
• Manage laboratory equipment, consumables and biosafety protocols.
• Contribute to grant writing and research funding.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Scientific writing

Oral communication

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Pathology

Botany or Microbiology (related)

Tools

Microscopy

Molecular diagnostics (PCR, sequencing)

Culturing

Statistical analysis software

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Plant Pathologist to lead disease diagnosis, research, and management across crops in Klerksdorp, North West. The role emphasizes guiding growers and stakeholders, advancing plant health, and developing innovative control strategies.

The position requires a PhD in Plant Pathology or related field, with extensive post-doctoral experience and strong publication records. Field work and leadership are essential components of this role.