Senior Plant Pathologist — Lead IPM & Field Diagnostics (Hybrid)

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

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.