Senior Soil Scientist - Agricultural Research

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

South Africa-wide work location

Professional development opportunities

Conference participation

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Soil Scientist for a fully remote role across South Africa. The ideal candidate has a PhD in Soil Science and 8+ years post-doctoral experience with a strong publication record.

You will lead cutting-edge soil research, analyze complex data, and publish in top journals. You will collaborate with national and international partners, supervise students, and contribute to grant funding while advancing soil management practices for sustainable agriculture and

Qualifications

• PhD in Soil Science, Soil Chemistry, Soil Physics, Soil Biology, or closely related field.
• Minimum 8 years post-doctoral research experience with a strong publication record.
• Expertise in advanced soil analytical techniques and data interpretation.
• Proficiency in statistical software (R, SPSS) and geospatial tools (ArcGIS, QGIS).
• Ability to design, manage and execute complex research projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with remote sensing data is a significant advantage.
• Successful track record in securing research funding.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote environment.
• Strong understanding of agricultural systems and soil-plant-environment interactions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct independent research on soil fertility, health, carbon sequestration, and nutrient cycling.
• Develop and validate advanced methods for soil analysis and monitoring.
• Interpret soil data, generate insights, and prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaborate with national and international partners and industry stakeholders.
• Utilize remote sensing and geospatial technologies for large-scale soil mapping.
• Develop innovative soil management practices to improve productivity and sustainability.
• Present findings at conferences and stakeholder meetings.
• Supervise and mentor postgraduate students and junior researchers.
• Contribute to grant writing and pursue new funding opportunities.
• Ensure adherence to scientific integrity and ethical research standards.

Skills

Soil science

Statistical analysis

Geospatial analysis

Scientific writing

Remote work

Education

PhD in Soil Science or related field

Tools

R

SPSS

ArcGIS

QGIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished agricultural research institution, is seeking an experienced Senior Soil Scientist to join their globally recognized team. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within **South Africa**, with a primary focus on advancing soil science research and its application in diverse agricultural systems. You will be instrumental in conducting cutting-edge research, developing innovative soil management strategies, and contributing to publications in leading scientific journals. This role requires a deep understanding of soil chemistry, physics, biology, and their interactions with plant growth and environmental sustainability. The successful candidate will drive forward the understanding and application of soil science to enhance agricultural productivity and ecological health.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct independent research projects focusing on soil fertility, soil health, carbon sequestration, and nutrient cycling.
• Develop and validate advanced methodologies for soil analysis, characterization, and monitoring.
• Interpret complex soil data, generate scientific insights, and prepare high-quality manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications.
• Collaborate with national and international research partners, agricultural scientists, and industry stakeholders.
• Utilize remote sensing and geospatial technologies for large-scale soil mapping and analysis.
• Develop and recommend innovative soil management practices to improve crop productivity, water use efficiency, and environmental outcomes.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences, workshops, and to relevant stakeholders.
• Supervise and mentor postgraduate students and junior researchers in soil science.
• Contribute to grant writing and secure funding for new research initiatives.
• Ensure adherence to scientific integrity and ethical research standards.

Requirements

• PhD in Soil Science, Soil Chemistry, Soil Physics, Soil Biology, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of post-doctoral research experience in soil science, with a strong publication record.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced soil analytical techniques, laboratory procedures, and data interpretation.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., R, SPSS) and geospatial analysis tools (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS).
• Proven ability to design, execute, and manage complex research projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly.
• Experience with remote sensing data and its application in soil science is a significant advantage.
• Demonstrated success in securing research funding through competitive grants.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote research environment.
• Strong understanding of agricultural systems and the role of soil in plant growth and environmental processes.

Benefits

Our client provides a highly competitive salary and an excellent benefits package. As a fully remote employee, you will enjoy significant flexibility in your work location within **South Africa**. Access to cutting-edge research tools, extensive scientific databases, and opportunities for professional development and conference participation are provided. Join a world-class research team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of soil science and making a meaningful contribution to global agriculture and environmental sustainability. This is an opportunity to shape the future of agriculture through innovative research.