Senior Soil Scientist - Remote Research

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and research grants

Hybrid work model

Conference participation support

Access to state-of-the-art laboratory

Collaborative research environment

Job summary

Placements24 partners with a cutting-edge agricultural research organization to hire a Senior Soil Scientist. The role focuses on soil fertility, nutrient cycling, and soil health indicators, with a hybrid work arrangement including remote research and periodic visits to Sandton facilities in Gauteng.

You will design experiments, analyze samples, interpret data, and develop practical recommendations to improve soil productivity and environmental sustainability, mentoring junior staff and

Qualifications

• PhD in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Minimum 7 years of post-doctoral research experience in soil science.
• Expertise in soil fertility, soil chemistry, soil microbiology, or soil physics.
• Experience designing and conducting complex scientific research, including experimental design and data analysis.
• Proficiency with laboratory analytical techniques and instrumentation for soil analysis.
• Strong knowledge of statistical analysis software (R, SAS, SPSS).
• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage research projects effectively.
• Experience in a hybrid work setting, balancing remote and in-office responsibilities.
• A proactive and curious mindset towards scientific inquiry.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage field and laboratory research projects related to soil science.
• Analyze soil samples for physical, chemical, and biological properties, including nutrient content, organic matter, and microbial activity.
• Interpret complex soil data and develop models to understand soil processes and predict outcomes.
• Develop recommendations for soil fertility management, nutrient application, and soil conservation practices.
• Research the impact of different agricultural systems (e.g., conventional, organic, conservation tillage) on soil health.
• Collaborate with agronomists, crop scientists, and environmental scientists on interdisciplinary projects.
• Stay current with the latest scientific literature and advancements in soil science and related fields.
• Prepare research proposals, reports, scientific manuscripts, and presentations.
• Mentor junior researchers and assist in guiding field and lab technicians.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols in research activities.
• Communicate research findings to stakeholders, including academic peers, industry professionals, and policymakers.

Skills

Soil science

Statistical analysis (R/SAS/SPSS)

Scientific writing

Project management

Independent work

Education

PhD in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or related field

Tools

Soil analysis instrumentation

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a cutting-edge agricultural research organization dedicated to advancing soil health and sustainable land management practices. We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Soil Scientist to contribute to our research efforts. This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for remote research activities complemented by periodic visits to our facilities in Sandton, Gauteng. You will lead and conduct research focused on soil fertility, soil health indicators, nutrient cycling, and the impact of agricultural practices on soil ecosystems. Your work will involve designing experiments, analyzing soil samples, interpreting data, and developing recommendations for improving soil productivity and environmental sustainability. The ideal candidate possesses a deep scientific understanding of soil science, excellent research methodologies, and the ability to translate complex scientific findings into practical applications. Join our team to drive innovation in soil science and contribute to a more sustainable agricultural future.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage field and laboratory research projects related to soil science.
• Analyze soil samples for physical, chemical, and biological properties, including nutrient content, organic matter, and microbial activity.
• Interpret complex soil data and develop models to understand soil processes and predict outcomes.
• Develop recommendations for soil fertility management, nutrient application, and soil conservation practices.
• Research the impact of different agricultural systems (e.g., conventional, organic, conservation tillage) on soil health.
• Collaborate with agronomists, crop scientists, and environmental scientists on interdisciplinary projects.
• Stay current with the latest scientific literature and advancements in soil science and related fields.
• Prepare research proposals, reports, scientific manuscripts, and presentations.
• Mentor junior researchers and assist in guiding field and lab technicians.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols in research activities.
• Communicate research findings to stakeholders, including academic peers, industry professionals, and policymakers.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral research experience in soil science.
• Demonstrated expertise in soil fertility, soil chemistry, soil microbiology, or soil physics.
• Proven experience in designing and conducting complex scientific research, including experimental design and data analysis.
• Proficiency with laboratory analytical techniques and instrumentation for soil analysis.
• Strong understanding of statistical analysis software (e.g., R, SAS, SPSS).
• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage research projects effectively.
• Experience in a hybrid work setting, balancing remote and in-office responsibilities.
• A proactive and curious mindset towards scientific inquiry.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and research grant opportunities.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Opportunity to conduct high-impact research in soil science.
• Contribute to advancements in sustainable agriculture.
• Professional development and conference participation support.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Collaborative research environment with leading scientists.