Senior Plant Pathologist - Disease Management Specialist

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Health insurance

Retirement savings plans

Professional development funding

Access to advanced lab resources

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Plant Pathologist to lead disease management initiatives for key crops in Durban and beyond. You will diagnose diseases, design field trials, and develop integrated control strategies working with field teams and researchers across locations.

The role emphasizes independent work, remote collaboration, and staying current with literature and regulations. Strong publishing and communication skills are essential, with a focus on food security and regional impact.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Mycology, Bacteriology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral research experience in plant disease diagnosis and management.
• Demonstrated expertise in identifying and managing a wide range of plant pathogens (fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes).
• Strong knowledge of molecular diagnostic techniques and bioinformatics tools.
• Proven experience in designing and conducting field trials.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to publish research findings.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a remote setting.
• Experience in remote collaboration tools and virtual team management.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to scientific rigor.
• Familiarity with KwaZulu-Natal agricultural practices is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose plant diseases using laboratory techniques and field observations.
• Research epidemiology, biology, and control of plant pathogens relevant to SA agriculture.
• Develop and refine integrated disease management strategies including cultural, biological, and chemical methods.
• Design and manage field trials to evaluate new control agents and practices.
• Provide guidance to growers, extension agents, and stakeholders on disease identification and management.
• Stay current with literature, regulations, and tech advancements in plant pathology.
• Prepare research reports, publications, and extension materials.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners on disease control projects.
• Advise on quarantine measures and phytosanitary regulations.
• Contribute to strategic planning for disease management research in Durban and nationally.

Skills

Plant pathology

Molecular diagnostics

Bioinformatics

Field trials

Scientific publishing

Remote collaboration

Education

PhD in Plant Pathology / Mycology / Bacteriology

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural research and development firm operating in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Plant Pathologist to spearhead their disease management programs. This critical role involves identifying, diagnosing, and developing strategies to control plant diseases affecting key crops in the region and beyond. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of fungal, bacterial, viral, and nematode pathogens, as well as integrated disease management principles. You will be instrumental in protecting agricultural output from disease-related losses, contributing significantly to food security and economic stability. This position offers the chance to work remotely, providing expert consultation and research direction from anywhere, while collaborating with field teams and researchers across various locations. Your work will directly impact the resilience and productivity of agricultural systems in KwaZulu-Natal and nationally.

Key Responsibilities

• Diagnose plant diseases using advanced laboratory techniques and field observations.
• Conduct research on the epidemiology, biology, and control of plant pathogens relevant to South African agriculture.
• Develop and refine integrated disease management strategies, including cultural, biological, and chemical control methods.
• Design and manage field trials to evaluate the efficacy of new control agents and practices.
• Provide technical guidance and support to growers, extension agents, and other stakeholders on disease identification and management.
• Stay current with the latest scientific literature, regulatory changes, and technological advancements in plant pathology.
• Prepare research reports, scientific publications, and extension materials.
• Collaborate with internal R&D teams and external partners on disease control projects.
• Advise on quarantine measures and phytosanitary regulations to prevent the introduction and spread of exotic pathogens.
• Contribute to strategic planning for disease management research and initiatives in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Mycology, Bacteriology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral research experience in plant disease diagnosis and management.
• Demonstrated expertise in identifying and managing a wide range of plant pathogens (fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes).
• Strong knowledge of molecular diagnostic techniques and bioinformatics tools.
• Proven experience in designing and conducting field trials.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to publish research findings.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a remote setting.
• Experience in remote collaboration tools and virtual team management.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to scientific rigor.
• Familiarity with agricultural practices in KwaZulu-Natal is advantageous.

Benefits

• competitive salary
• performance-based bonuses
• health insurance
• retirement savings plans
• We support continuous professional development, including funding for conferences and further training.
• Employees have access to advanced laboratory resources and cutting-edge research tools.

Join a dynamic and forward-thinking organization dedicated to advancing agricultural science and ensuring crop health in Durban and beyond.

This role allows for significant autonomy and the ability to shape critical research agendas.