Soil Scientist - Agricultural Sustainability Research

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Performance bonuses

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an accomplished Soil Scientist to lead pivotal soil health and fertility research in Bloemfontein, Free State. You will direct experimental design, soil analyses, and data interpretation to advance sustainable agriculture while minimizing environmental impact.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in soil science with a strong publication record and at least 6 years of post-doctoral research experience.

Qualifications

• PhD in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or related field.
• 6+ years post-doctoral research experience in soil fertility, health, or physics.
• Experience with soil analysis techniques and data interpretation.
• Proven track record of independent research and peer-reviewed publications.
• Knowledge of nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and soil–microbe interactions.

Responsibilities

• Lead research initiatives on soil properties (physical, chemical, biological).
• Develop and implement experimental protocols for soil amendments and conservation tillage.
• Analyze soil samples using lab techniques and interpret results for recommendations.
• Assess impact of farming systems on soil health and ecosystem services.
• Collaborate with agronomists, environmental scientists, and farmers to apply sustainable soil management.
• Stay current with regenerative agriculture and climate-smart farming research.
• Prepare research reports, publications, and conference presentations.
• Maintain databases of soil characteristics and experimental data.
• Advise on soil remediation and land rehabilitation projects.

Skills

Soil fertility and health

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Critical thinking

Field and lab research

Education

PhD in Soil Science or related field

Tools

GIS

Remote sensing

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering organization dedicated to advancing sustainable agricultural practices, is seeking a distinguished Soil Scientist to lead critical research initiatives. This role is based in Bloemfontein, Free State , a region with significant agricultural potential. The primary focus will be on understanding soil health, fertility, and nutrient dynamics to develop innovative strategies that enhance crop productivity while minimizing environmental impact. The successful candidate will possess a profound knowledge of soil science, a strong research background, and a commitment to promoting ecological balance in agriculture. This is an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that addresses some of the most pressing challenges in modern farming and to work within a vibrant agricultural community.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth research on soil properties, including physical, chemical, and biological aspects.
• Develop and implement experimental protocols for soil amendments, nutrient management, and conservation tillage practices.
• Analyze soil samples using advanced laboratory techniques and interpret results to provide actionable recommendations.
• Investigate the impact of various farming systems on soil health and ecosystem services.
• Collaborate with agronomists, environmental scientists, and farmers to implement sustainable soil management strategies.
• Stay informed about the latest research in soil science, regenerative agriculture, and climate-smart farming.
• Prepare detailed research reports, scientific publications, and presentations for conferences.
• Develop and maintain databases of soil characteristics and experimental data.
• Provide expert advice on soil remediation and land rehabilitation projects.
• Ensure adherence to all relevant environmental and safety regulations in field and laboratory work.

Requirements

• A PhD in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral research experience, with a specialization in soil fertility, soil health, or soil physics.
• Demonstrated expertise in soil analysis techniques, instrumentation, and data interpretation.
• Proven track record of conducting independent research and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong understanding of nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and soil-microbial interactions.
• Experience with GIS and remote sensing for soil mapping and analysis is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for scientific reporting and collaboration.
• Ability to work effectively in both field and laboratory settings in Bloemfontein.
• Experience in grant writing and securing research funding is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary package and a comprehensive benefits scheme, including medical aid, a generous pension fund, and annual performance bonuses. Employees have access to cutting-edge research facilities, opportunities for professional growth through workshops and conferences, and the chance to collaborate with leading experts in the field. This role provides the satisfaction of contributing to scientifically driven solutions for sustainable agriculture, with significant impact on land stewardship and environmental health in the Free State and beyond. Accommodation or relocation assistance may be negotiated for the right candidate.