Senior Soil Scientist - Agricultural Research

Placements24; George; Hybride; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 800 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Competitive salary

Cutting-edge facilities

Career growth

Relocation assistance

Medical aid

Conference attendance

Résumé du poste

Placements24 invites applications for a Senior Soil Scientist role with a prestigious agricultural research institution in George, Western Cape. The position combines on-site fieldwork and a hybrid work model to advance sustainable soil management.

You will mentor junior researchers, publish in leading journals, and collaborate with government agencies, industry partners, and farmers to translate findings into practical recommendations for farming practice.

Qualifications

• PhD in Soil Science or closely related field.
• 7+ years post-doctoral research with a strong publication record.
• Expertise in experimental design, field sampling, and lab analysis.

Responsabilités

• Lead advanced soil research and supervise junior scientists.
• Design field and laboratory experiments to assess soil health.
• Develop models for soil water dynamics and carbon sequestration.
• Publish findings and present at conferences; mentor team.

Connaissances

Soil chemistry

Field sampling

Data analysis

R & SAS

Mentoring

Formation

PhD in Soil Science

Outils

R

SAS

Modeling software

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client is a prestigious agricultural research institution seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Soil Scientist to lead groundbreaking research initiatives. This role is based in George , Western Cape , offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of sustainable soil management practices in one of South Africa's most diverse agricultural regions. The position involves a hybrid work model, allowing for flexibility while ensuring crucial on-site fieldwork and laboratory analysis. You will play a pivotal role in understanding soil health, nutrient cycling, and the impact of various agricultural practices on soil ecosystems. This is a challenging and rewarding position for a dedicated scientist committed to innovation in soil science and its application to improve agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship. You will mentor junior researchers and collaborate with a team of experts to publish findings in leading scientific journals and present at international conferences. The role requires a blend of rigorous scientific inquiry and practical application to address real-world agricultural challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced research on soil chemistry, physics, and biology, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices relevant to the George area.
• Design and execute field and laboratory experiments to assess soil health indicators, nutrient availability, and contaminant levels.
• Develop and validate models for soil water dynamics, nutrient transport, and carbon sequestration.
• Supervise and mentor a team of junior soil scientists and technicians, providing technical guidance and fostering a collaborative research environment.
• Analyze complex datasets using statistical software and interpret results to draw meaningful conclusions.
• Author peer-reviewed publications and present research findings at national and international scientific conferences.
• Collaborate with government agencies, industry partners, and farmers to translate research into practical recommendations.
• Contribute to grant writing efforts to secure funding for new research projects.
• Ensure compliance with all laboratory safety protocols and ethical research standards.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Soil Science, Agricultural Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral research experience in soil science, with a strong publication record.
• Demonstrated expertise in experimental design, field sampling techniques, and laboratory analysis of soil properties.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., R, SAS) and data visualization tools.
• Experience with soil-related modeling software.
• Proven ability to lead research projects and mentor junior scientists.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of successful scientific writing and presentations.
• Strong understanding of agricultural systems in the Western Cape region.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid work setting.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Access to cutting-edge research facilities and equipment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
• Collaborative and stimulating research environment.
• Contribute to significant advancements in sustainable agriculture.
• Relocation assistance may be available.
• Retirement fund and medical aid contributions.
• Regular opportunities to attend and present at industry-leading conferences.