Senior Soil Scientist - Remote Research

Placements24; Bellville; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Health insurance

Professional development

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Soil Scientist for a fully remote role focused on soil health, land remediation, and sustainable agricultural practices. You will lead analyses of soil physics, chemistry, and biology and communicate findings to clients and regulatory bodies.

The ideal candidate has a PhD and 8+ years of post-doctoral experience, with strong data interpretation, scientific writing, and independent project management in distributed teams.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Geology, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of post-doctoral research experience in soil science.
• Extensive experience with laboratory analysis of soil properties and interpretation of results.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software (R, SAS) and GIS software.
• Experience working remotely or in distributed teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth research and analysis of soil samples to assess physical, chemical, and biological properties.
• Develop and implement advanced soil testing protocols and methodologies for various research and environmental applications.
• Interpret complex soil data, generating comprehensive reports that outline findings, implications, and recommendations.
• Design and manage field-based soil sampling programs, ensuring data integrity and representativeness.
• Provide expert scientific guidance on soil health, nutrient management, erosion control, and land reclamation projects.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including hydrologists, ecologists, and agronomists, on integrated environmental assessments.
• Stay current with the latest scientific literature, research trends, and regulatory changes in soil science and environmental management.
• Develop and present scientific findings at conferences, workshops, and client meetings.
• Contribute to the development of grant proposals and research funding applications.
• Mentor junior scientists and provide technical guidance on soil science-related tasks.

Skills

Soil science expertise

Data analysis

GIS

Scientific writing

Remote collaboration

Project management

Education

PhD in Soil Science or closely related field

Post-doctoral research experience

Tools

R

SAS

GIS software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in environmental consulting and agricultural innovation, is seeking an accomplished Senior Soil Scientist to join their team in a fully remote capacity. This role is critical for advancing our client's research into soil health, land remediation, and sustainable agricultural practices. You will leverage your extensive expertise in soil physics, chemistry, and biology to analyze complex soil data, develop innovative solutions, and contribute to high-impact environmental projects. The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional with a proven track record in soil science research, capable of working independently and collaboratively in a virtual setting. This position demands a deep understanding of soil testing methodologies, data interpretation, and the ability to communicate findings effectively to diverse audiences, including technical teams, clients, and regulatory bodies. As a remote team member, you will be expected to demonstrate exceptional organizational skills and a proactive approach to project management, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality scientific outputs. Your work will directly influence sustainable land management strategies and contribute to environmental stewardship.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth research and analysis of soil samples to assess physical, chemical, and biological properties.
• Develop and implement advanced soil testing protocols and methodologies for various research and environmental applications.
• Interpret complex soil data, generating comprehensive reports that outline findings, implications, and recommendations.
• Design and manage field-based soil sampling programs, ensuring data integrity and representativeness.
• Provide expert scientific guidance on soil health, nutrient management, erosion control, and land reclamation projects.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including hydrologists, ecologists, and agronomists, on integrated environmental assessments.
• Stay current with the latest scientific literature, research trends, and regulatory changes in soil science and environmental management.
• Develop and present scientific findings at conferences, workshops, and client meetings.
• Contribute to the development of grant proposals and research funding applications.
• Mentor junior scientists and provide technical guidance on soil science-related tasks.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Geology, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of post-doctoral research experience in soil science.
• Extensive experience with laboratory analysis of soil properties and interpretation of results.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., R, SAS) and GIS software.
• Demonstrated expertise in soil physics, chemistry, microbiology, and pedology.
• Proven ability to design and execute complex research projects independently.
• Excellent scientific writing and presentation skills, with a portfolio of published research.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.
• Experience working effectively in a remote or distributed team environment.
• Familiarity with environmental regulations pertaining to soil and land management.

Benefits

This is a fully remote position, offering flexibility and autonomy. Our client provides a highly competitive salary, benchmarked against industry standards for senior scientific roles. A comprehensive benefits package includes excellent health, dental, and vision insurance. Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays. Opportunities for professional growth through workshops, conferences, and continuing education support. Access to state-of-the-art remote sensing and data analysis tools. A collaborative virtual environment with leading experts in environmental science. Retirement savings plan with employer matching. Potential for leading significant research initiatives and contributing to impactful environmental solutions. Be part of a respected organization committed to scientific excellence and environmental responsibility.