Senior Plant Pathologist - Disease Management Expert

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Life assurance

Professional development opportunities

Research facilities access

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg, Gauteng, is seeking a Senior Plant Pathologist to lead disease identification, diagnosis, and management across key crops. You will design IDM strategies, supervise lab staff, and collaborate with farmers and extension services to safeguard yields.

The role requires a Ph.D. or Master's, 8+ years in plant pathology, expertise in fungal, bacterial, viral pathogens, and molecular diagnostics; strong writing and communication; readiness to work in field and lab and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Plant Pathology or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in plant pathology research and diagnostics.
• Proven expertise in fungal, bacterial, and viral plant diseases.
• Familiar with molecular techniques (PCR/sequencing).
• Strong knowledge of IDM and pest management principles.
• Led research projects and supervised staff.
• Excellent scientific writing and oral communication skills.
• Familiarity with South African agricultural sector and Gauteng crop diseases.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose plant diseases through field and lab observations.
• Conduct research on epidemiology, aetiology, and management of plant pathogens.
• Develop and refine molecular and traditional diagnostic techniques.
• Design and implement integrated disease management (IDM) strategies.
• Investigate outbreaks and provide timely recommendations for disease control.
• Supervise laboratory personnel and manage research projects.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Collaborate with researchers, agronomists, and industry stakeholders.
• Develop training materials and conduct workshops for farmers and extension agents.
• Contribute to national and regional plant health initiatives.

Skills

Plant pathology

Molecular diagnostics

Research leadership

Laboratory techniques

Field diagnostics

Scientific writing

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Pathology

Master's in Plant Pathology or related

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural research institute located in Randburg , Gauteng, is seeking a highly specialized Senior Plant Pathologist. This critical role will focus on the identification, diagnosis, and management of plant diseases affecting a wide range of crops crucial to South African agriculture. The Senior Plant Pathologist will lead research initiatives, develop innovative disease control strategies, and provide expert guidance to farmers and agricultural extension services. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of fungal, bacterial, viral, and other plant pathogens, along with advanced knowledge of molecular diagnostics and integrated disease management (IDM) principles. You will be instrumental in safeguarding crop health, minimizing yield losses, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices by preventing and controlling devastating plant diseases. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to agricultural resilience and food security within the region. Join a respected institution dedicated to advancing agricultural science and supporting the farming community. Your expertise will be key in protecting crops from emerging and existing disease threats.

Key Responsibilities

• Diagnose plant diseases affecting various crops through field and laboratory observations.
• Conduct research on the epidemiology, aetiology, and management of plant pathogens.
• Develop and refine molecular and traditional diagnostic techniques for plant diseases.
• Design and implement integrated disease management (IDM) strategies.
• Investigate outbreaks and provide timely recommendations for disease control.
• Supervise laboratory personnel and manage research projects related to plant pathology.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences.
• Collaborate with other researchers, agronomists, and industry stakeholders.
• Develop training materials and conduct workshops for farmers and extension agents.
• Contribute to national and regional plant health initiatives.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Plant Pathology, Botany, Microbiology, or a related agricultural science field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in plant pathology research and diagnostics, with a focus on agricultural crops.
• Proven expertise in identifying and managing fungal, bacterial, and viral plant diseases.
• Experience with molecular diagnostic techniques (e.g., PCR, sequencing) is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of crop physiology, agronomy, and integrated pest management principles.
• Demonstrated experience in leading research projects and supervising staff.
• Excellent scientific writing and oral communication skills.
• Familiarity with the South African agricultural sector and common crop diseases in Gauteng and surrounding regions.
• Ability to work effectively in a laboratory and field setting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• This includes a comprehensive medical aid plan, a pension fund, and life assurance.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development, including attending international conferences and specialized training, are provided.
• Employees have access to well-equipped research laboratories and field facilities.
• This role offers significant potential for career advancement within a leading agricultural research institution.
• Generous annual leave and paid sick leave are included.
• Join a collaborative and innovative research environment dedicated to advancing agricultural science.
• We are committed to fostering the professional growth of our employees.