Senior Plant Pathologist - Disease Management Specialist

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Performance-based annual bonus

Medical aid and retirement fund

Paid time off and study leave

Professional development opportunities

Access to state-of-the-art facilities

Relocation assistance

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Plant Pathologist for our client, a leading agricultural research institution in East London, Eastern Cape. The role focuses on identifying, diagnosing, and developing strategies to control plant diseases affecting key crops in the region.

You will conduct field surveys, laboratory analyses, and host-pathogen interaction studies, mentor junior scientists, manage research projects, and collaborate with national and international networks to advance crop health and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Botany, or related field.
• At least 8 years of progressive plant pathology research and diagnostics.
• Proven ability to identify and diagnose diverse plant diseases.
• Experience in experimental design, statistics, data interpretation.
• Excellent lab and field diagnostic skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and writing abilities.
• Willingness to travel to research sites and farms.
• Driver's license and ability to travel.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose plant diseases in field and lab.
• Identify causal agents (fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes).
• Research epidemiology, host-pathogen interactions, and disease cycles.
• Develop and evaluate integrated disease management strategies.
• Design and conduct field experiments to test control measures.
• Provide technical advice and training to farmers and extension agents.
• Maintain detailed records of surveys, results, and data.
• Publish and present findings; manage projects and budgets.

Skills

Plant pathology

Diagnostics

Field work

Laboratory skills

Statistical analysis

Written communication

Public speaking

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Botany, or related field

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural research institution in East London, Eastern Cape, is seeking a dedicated Senior Plant Pathologist with expertise in disease management. This vital role focuses on identifying, diagnosing, and developing effective strategies to control plant diseases affecting key agricultural crops in the region. You will conduct extensive field surveys, laboratory analyses, and host-pathogen interaction studies. The Senior Plant Pathologist will work closely with agronomists, breeders, and farmers to implement integrated disease management programs that minimize crop losses and reduce reliance on chemical treatments. The position is based in East London, Eastern Cape, offering a dynamic research environment and opportunities to contribute significantly to agricultural productivity and sustainability. We are looking for a scientist with a strong theoretical foundation and practical experience in plant pathology, coupled with excellent diagnostic and problem-solving skills. Your research will be critical in safeguarding crop health and ensuring food security in the Eastern Cape. This role involves managing research projects, mentoring junior scientists, securing research funding, and disseminating findings through publications and presentations. You will play a key role in anticipating emerging disease threats and developing proactive management solutions. Collaboration with national and international research networks will be integral to staying at the forefront of plant disease research.

Key Responsibilities

• Diagnose plant diseases affecting various agricultural crops in the field and laboratory.
• Identify causal agents (fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes) of plant diseases.
• Conduct research on disease epidemiology, host-pathogen interactions, and disease cycles.
• Develop and evaluate integrated disease management strategies, including biological and chemical control methods.
• Design and conduct field experiments to test efficacy of control measures.
• Provide technical advice and training to farmers, agronomists, and extension agents.
• Maintain detailed records of disease surveys, diagnostic results, and experimental data.
• Stay abreast of new advancements in plant pathology and disease control technologies.
• Author scientific publications and present research findings at conferences.
• Manage research projects, including budget, timelines, and personnel.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Botany, or a related plant science field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in plant pathology research and diagnostics.
• Proven expertise in identifying and diagnosing a wide range of plant diseases.
• Strong knowledge of fungal, bacterial, viral, and nematode pathogens affecting agricultural crops.
• Experience in experimental design, statistical analysis, and data interpretation.
• Excellent laboratory and field diagnostic skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and writing abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research team.
• Experience mentoring junior researchers or technicians is a plus.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to research sites and farms.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Performance-based annual bonus.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Generous paid time off and study leave.
• Opportunities for professional development, workshops, and conferences.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory and research facilities.
• Collaborative research environment with leading scientists.
• Opportunity to contribute to agricultural sustainability and food security in the Eastern Cape.
• Relocation assistance may be provided.
• Potential for career advancement within the institution.