Senior Soil Scientist - Agricultural Research

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Professional development

Research facilities

Funding opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a leading agricultural research institution in Polokwane, Limpopo, to recruit a Senior Soil Scientist. You will lead groundbreaking soil health research, design field and laboratory studies, and translate findings into practical recommendations for farmers and programs across the region.

The role requires a PhD with 8+ years of post-doctoral experience, expertise in soil physics, chemistry and biology, and a track record of peer-reviewed publications.

Qualifications

• PhD in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years post-PhD research experience with strong publication record.
• Extensive knowledge of soil physics, chemistry, biology, and fertility management.
• Experience in experimental design, data analysis with R or SAS, and modeling.
• Proficiency in laboratory soil analysis equipment.
• Strong understanding of sustainable land management practices.
• Excellent communication skills, including reports and presentations.
• Ability to lead research projects and work in a team.
• Experience in grant writing and securing funding is a plus.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in varied environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and manage soil science field and lab research.
• Investigate soil properties, nutrient dynamics, carbon sequestration, and water retention.
• Develop and validate methods for soil analysis and monitoring.
• Interpret complex soil data using statistics and modeling.
• Recommend strategies to optimize soil fertility and crop performance.
• Assess impact of conservation tillage, cover crops, and organic amendments.
• Collaborate with universities, agencies, and industry partners.
• Write grant proposals to fund research.
• Publish findings in high-impact journals and present at conferences.
• Mentor junior scientists and students.
• Ensure lab safety and research protocols.
• Contribute to extension materials and farmer training.

Skills

Data analysis

Experimental design

Grant writing

Laboratory skills

Scientific modeling

Team leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Education

PhD in Soil Science

Tools

R

SAS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural research institution, is seeking a highly qualified Senior Soil Scientist to lead groundbreaking research initiatives in Polokwane, Limpopo . This role focuses on advancing our understanding of soil health, nutrient cycling, and sustainable land management practices to improve agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. You will be responsible for designing and executing complex research projects, analyzing soil data, and developing innovative solutions for soil-related challenges faced by farmers. The ideal candidate will possess a strong academic background, extensive research experience, and a deep knowledge of soil science principles, including soil physics, chemistry, and biology. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, agronomists, and extension agents, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications and scientific conferences. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant contribution to agricultural science and practice in the region and beyond. Your expertise will guide the development of best practices for soil conservation and fertility management. We are looking for a visionary scientist with excellent analytical skills and a passion for translating research into practical agricultural applications. Leadership potential and the ability to mentor junior researchers are highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and manage field and laboratory research projects focused on soil science and agricultural sustainability.
• Investigate soil properties, nutrient dynamics, carbon sequestration, and water retention mechanisms.
• Develop and validate methods for soil analysis, characterization, and monitoring.
• Interpret complex soil data, utilizing advanced statistical and modeling techniques.
• Formulate recommendations for optimizing soil fertility, nutrient management, and crop performance.
• Research and evaluate the impact of different agricultural practices (e.g., conservation tillage, cover cropping, organic amendments) on soil health.
• Collaborate with internal and external research partners, including universities, government agencies, and industry stakeholders.
• Write grant proposals to secure funding for research projects.
• Publish research findings in high-impact scientific journals and present at national and international conferences.
• Mentor and guide junior scientists, research assistants, and students.
• Ensure adherence to laboratory safety standards and research protocols.
• Contribute to the development of extension materials and training programs for farmers and agricultural advisors.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of post-doctoral research experience in soil science, with a strong publication record.
• Extensive knowledge of soil physics, chemistry, biology, and fertility management.
• Proven experience in experimental design, data analysis (statistical software like R or SAS), and scientific modeling.
• Proficiency in using laboratory equipment for soil analysis.
• Strong understanding of agricultural systems and sustainable land management practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presentation abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead research projects and work effectively in a team environment.
• Experience in grant writing and securing research funding is a significant asset.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in various environmental conditions.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications, including generous research grants and funding opportunities.
• Comprehensive health insurance, retirement savings plan, and paid time off are provided.
• Significant opportunities for professional development, including conference attendance, workshops, and sabbaticals, are available.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and advanced laboratory equipment.
• Be part of a prestigious research organization contributing to the advancement of agricultural science in Polokwane , Limpopo.
• This role offers the chance to conduct impactful research and shape the future of sustainable agriculture.