Senior Plant Pathologist & IDM Innovation Lead

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

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