Senior Soil Scientist - Agricultural Research (Hybrid Role)

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Conference funding

On-site parking

Professional development funding

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria seeks a Senior Soil Scientist to join its agricultural research team. The role combines fieldwork and lab work to advance soil health, nutrient cycling, and sustainable land management for farmers.

The candidate will hold a PhD in Soil Science with at least eight years of postgraduate research experience, specializing in soil chemistry, physics, and biology, and proficient with ICP-MS, XRF, GC, R, and SPSS.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Soil Science, Soil Chemistry, Soil Physics, Agronomy, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of postgraduate research experience in soil science with agricultural applications.
• Strong knowledge of soil chemistry, physics, biology and their interactions.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute comprehensive soil science research projects focusing on soil fertility and soil health.
• Collect and analyze soil samples using advanced laboratory techniques and instrumentation.
• Interpret complex soil data and provide actionable insights for agricultural practices.
• Develop and refine methodologies for soil testing and characterization.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams to translate findings into practical strategies.
• Conduct field assessments to evaluate soil conditions and management impacts.
• Prepare research reports, manuscripts for publication, and conference presentations.
• Stay current with advancements in soil science, conservation, and sustainable agriculture.
• Mentor junior scientists and provide technical guidance on soil-related matters.
• Ensure safety protocols and lab standards compliance.

Skills

Soil chemistry

Soil physics

Soil biology

Experimental design

Statistical analysis

Scientific writing

Fieldwork

GIS/Remote sensing

Education

PhD in Soil Science

Tools

ICP-MS

XRF

GC

R

SPSS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an accomplished Senior Soil Scientist to join their dedicated agricultural research team in Pretoria . This role is integral to advancing our understanding of soil health, nutrient cycling, and sustainable land management practices. As a key member of the team, you will conduct in-depth research, analyze soil samples, and develop innovative strategies to improve soil fertility and productivity. This position requires a blend of rigorous scientific inquiry, practical application, and a commitment to environmental stewardship. You will work closely with agronomists, plant scientists, and other specialists to ensure our research directly translates into tangible benefits for farmers and the agricultural sector. The successful candidate will possess a deep expertise in soil chemistry, physics, and biology, coupled with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. This is a field-intensive and lab-based role, essential for driving forward impactful research and development in agricultural sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute comprehensive soil science research projects focusing on soil fertility, nutrient management, soil health indicators, and remediation techniques.
• Collect and analyze soil samples using advanced laboratory techniques and instrumentation.
• Interpret complex soil data, providing actionable insights and recommendations for agricultural practices.
• Develop and refine methodologies for soil testing and characterization.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams to integrate soil science findings into broader agricultural strategies.
• Conduct field assessments and surveys to evaluate soil conditions and the impact of various management practices.
• Prepare detailed research reports, scientific manuscripts for publication, and presentations for conferences and industry events.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in soil science, conservation, and sustainable agriculture.
• Mentor junior scientists and provide technical guidance on soil-related matters.
• Ensure adherence to all safety protocols and laboratory standards.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Soil Science, Soil Chemistry, Soil Physics, Agronomy, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of postgraduate research experience in soil science, with a strong focus on agricultural applications.
• Extensive knowledge of soil chemistry, physics, biology, and their interactions.
• Proven experience with various soil analysis techniques and instrumentation (e.g., ICP-MS, XRF, GC).
• Demonstrated ability to design, manage, and interpret complex research projects.
• Strong statistical analysis skills and experience with relevant software (e.g., R, SPSS).
• Excellent scientific writing and oral communication skills.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in various environmental conditions.
• A commitment to promoting sustainable land management and soil conservation.
• Experience with GIS and remote sensing for soil mapping is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with regular performance reviews.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous annual leave and paid time off.
• Funding for professional development, conferences, and workshops.
• Access to well-equipped laboratory facilities and advanced research equipment.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Opportunities for collaboration with leading agricultural institutions.
• On-site parking and convenient office location in Pretoria .
• A stimulating research environment focused on impactful scientific discovery.
• Potential for leadership roles in future research initiatives.