Senior Soil Scientist — Lead Soil Health & Nutrient Research

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Research budget

Travel to conferences

Health insurance

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a Senior Soil Scientist role based in Welkom. The successful candidate will lead field and laboratory research focused on soil health, nutrient cycling, and sustainable land use.

A PhD and extensive post-doctoral experience are required to design complex projects and mentor junior researchers. You will collaborate with agronomists and scientists, develop innovative soil testing methods, and contribute to publications and conferences as part of a major

Qualifications

• PhD in Soil Science, Agronomy, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral research experience in soil science.
• Demonstrated expertise in soil chemistry, physics, biology, and nutrient cycling.
• Proven experience in designing and conducting field trials and laboratory experiments.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in statistical analysis software (R, SAS).
• Experience with soil sampling techniques and advanced analytical instrumentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with a strong publication record.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and manage field and laboratory research projects related to soil science, fertility, and health.
• Analyze soil samples for physical, chemical, and biological properties, interpreting complex data sets.
• Develop and refine soil testing methodologies and nutrient management recommendations.
• Investigate the impact of various agricultural practices on soil health, carbon sequestration, and water quality.
• Collaborate with agronomists, plant breeders, and other scientists to integrate soil management strategies into broader agricultural systems.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature and advancements in soil science and related fields.
• Prepare high-quality scientific reports, grant proposals, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences.
• Mentor and guide junior researchers and technical staff.
• Contribute to the development of policies and best practices for sustainable land and soil management.

Skills

Soil chemistry

Soil physics

Soil biology

Nutrient cycling

Grant writing

Education

PhD in Soil Science or Agronomy

Tools

R

SAS

Job description

Placements24 invites applications for a Senior Soil Scientist role based in Welkom. The successful candidate will lead field and laboratory research focused on soil health, nutrient cycling, and sustainable land use.

A PhD and extensive post-doctoral experience are required to design complex projects and mentor junior researchers. You will collaborate with agronomists and scientists, develop innovative soil testing methods, and contribute to publications and conferences as part of a major