Senior Researcher - Crop Science and Agronomy

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and wellness benefits

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Access to advanced research facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Researcher to join our Crop Science and Agronomy division in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. You will design and execute field and laboratory experiments to improve crop yields, disease resistance, and farming practices, collaborating with a team of scientists.

The role requires a PhD or Master’s in a related field, 5+ years of research experience, and strong data analysis skills. Travel to field sites and proficiency with modern agtech are valued in this position.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, Crop Science, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant research experience in crop science or agronomy, with emphasis on experimental design and data analysis.
• Proven experience in conducting field trials and interpreting results.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, and integrated pest management.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software and experimental design principles (R/SAS/SPSS).
• Experience with modern agricultural technologies, such as precision agriculture or remote sensing, is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to publish research findings.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to field sites.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage field and greenhouse trials to evaluate crop performance.
• Conduct laboratory analyses on plant tissues, soil samples, and environmental data.
• Analyze experimental data using statistical software to interpret results.
• Develop and refine best practices for crop management including planting, irrigation, and pest/disease control.
• Stay abreast of scientific advancements in crop science, genetics, and agronomy.
• Contribute to development of new crop varieties and breeding programs.
• Prepare technical reports and research papers for publication and conferences.
• Collaborate with breeders, agronomists, and product developers.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and environmental standards.
• Supervise and mentor junior researchers and technical staff.

Skills

Plant physiology

Soil science

Experimental design

Data analysis

Communication

Education

PhD or Master’s in Agronomy/Plant Science

Tools

R

SAS

SPSS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in agricultural innovation, is seeking a highly motivated Senior Researcher to join their Crop Science and Agronomy division in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This role is critical for driving advancements in sustainable agriculture through rigorous scientific research. You will be responsible for designing and executing field and laboratory experiments to improve crop yields, enhance disease resistance, and optimize agricultural practices. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of plant biology, agronomy, and modern agricultural technologies. This position offers a significant opportunity to contribute to food security and sustainable farming methods within a highly respected organization. You will work within a state-of-the-art research facility and collaborate with a team of dedicated scientists and agronomists. The Stellenbosch location provides a unique backdrop for agricultural research.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage field and greenhouse trials to evaluate crop performance under various conditions.
• Conduct laboratory analyses on plant tissues, soil samples, and environmental data to assess crop health and response to treatments.
• Analyze experimental data using statistical software to interpret results and draw scientifically sound conclusions.
• Develop and refine best practices for crop management, including planting, irrigation, fertilization, and pest/disease control.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements in crop science, genetics, and agronomy.
• Contribute to the development of new crop varieties and breeding programs.
• Prepare technical reports, research papers for publication, and presentations for scientific conferences.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including breeders, agronomists, and product developers.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety regulations and environmental standards.
• Supervise and mentor junior researchers and technical staff.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, Crop Science, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant research experience in crop science or agronomy, with a strong emphasis on experimental design and data analysis.
• Proven experience in conducting field trials and interpreting results.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, and integrated pest management.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., R, SAS, SPSS) and experimental design principles.
• Experience with modern agricultural technologies, such as precision agriculture or remote sensing, is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to publish research findings.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Passion for sustainable agriculture and improving food production.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to field sites as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Generous annual leave and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, including access to training and conferences.
• Access to advanced research facilities and experimental resources.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment dedicated to agricultural innovation.
• Contribution to impactful research in food security and sustainability.
• Potential for career advancement within a leading agricultural science company.