Senior Plant Pathologist - Disease Management

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and retirement benefits

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Plant Pathologist to lead disease management programs in Polokwane, Limpopo. This role combines laboratory research with on-site diagnostics and client consultations across the Limpopo province.

Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or related field, with at least seven years' experience in plant pathology research and disease management, including diagnostic expertise and field trial design. Hybrid work and travel are expected.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or related field with a strong focus on plant diseases.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in plant pathology research and applied disease management.
• Proficiency in diagnosing fungal, bacterial, viral, and nematode diseases; skills in molecular diagnostics and microscopy.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and identify plant diseases across diverse crops.
• Develop and implement IPM/IDM strategies.
• Conduct research on pathogen biology, epidemiology, and host-pathogen interactions.
• Design and manage field and lab experiments to test control agents and resistant varieties.
• Analyze data from experiments and field observations; provide recommendations.
• Collaborate with agronomists, farmers, and stakeholders for disease management advice.
• Prepare scientific reports, publications, and technical guidelines.

Skills

Scientific writing

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Independent and collaborative work

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or related

Tools

Molecular diagnostics

Microscopy

Laboratory techniques

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural research institute, is seeking a Senior Plant Pathologist to lead their disease management programs in **Polokwane, Limpopo**. This critical role involves diagnosing plant diseases, developing effective control strategies, and conducting research to enhance crop resilience. You will work with a variety of important crops relevant to the **Limpopo** region, contributing to food security and agricultural sustainability. The position offers a hybrid work model, balancing laboratory research and analysis with on-site field diagnostics and client consultations across the province.

Key Responsibilities

• Diagnose and identify plant diseases affecting a wide range of agricultural crops.
• Develop and implement integrated pest and disease management (IPM/IDM) strategies.
• Conduct research on pathogen biology, epidemiology, and host-pathogen interactions.
• Design and manage field and laboratory experiments to evaluate disease control agents and resistant varieties.
• Analyze data from experiments and field observations to draw conclusions and make recommendations.
• Collaborate with agronomists, farmers, and other stakeholders to provide timely disease management advice.
• Prepare scientific reports, publications, and technical guidelines for diverse audiences.
• Stay abreast of emerging plant diseases and innovative disease management technologies.
• Manage laboratory facilities and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Mentor junior researchers and field technicians.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Botany, or a related discipline with a strong focus on plant diseases.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in plant pathology research and applied disease management.
• Demonstrated expertise in diagnosing fungal, bacterial, viral, and nematode diseases of agricultural crops.
• Proficiency in molecular diagnostic techniques, microscopy, and other laboratory methods.
• Experience in designing and conducting field trials and interpreting experimental data.
• Strong understanding of epidemiology and crop protection principles.
• Excellent scientific writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
• Experience with hybrid work models and remote collaboration tools is a plus.
• Willingness to travel to field sites in **Limpopo** and surrounding areas.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and research grants.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development, attending conferences, and publishing research.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and research resources.
• Significant impact on agricultural productivity and sustainability in **Limpopo**.
• A dynamic research environment with opportunities for collaboration.
• A hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility and on-site engagement.