Viticulture Research Scientist

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan contributions

Paid time off

Conference opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Viticulture Research Scientist to join a remote-first role focused on grapevine physiology, soil science, pest and disease management, and sustainable vineyard practices with Mossel Bay relevance.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in Viticulture or related field, with 5+ years post-doctoral research experience, and strong publication history. Proficiency in R/SAS and remote collaboration is essential.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Viticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, or a closely related field.
• Minimum 5 years of post-doctoral research experience in viticulture with strong publication record.
• Experience with experimental design, statistical analysis, and data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze field and laboratory experiments related to grapevine cultivation and grape quality.
• Investigate pest, disease, and weed management in vineyards with sustainable approaches.
• Study soil health, water management, and nutrient optimization for grapevines.
• Analyze data using statistical software and provide actionable vineyard recommendations.
• Collaborate with enologists, vineyard managers, and scientists via virtual platforms.

Skills

Experimental design

Statistical analysis

Data interpretation

Remote collaboration

Project management

Autonomous work

Education

PhD in Viticulture or related field

Tools

R

SAS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned leader in viticulture and oenology, is actively seeking a highly qualified and innovative Viticulture Research Scientist to contribute to their cutting-edge research and development efforts. This remote-first position will involve conducting in-depth research focused on grapevine physiology, soil science, pest and disease management, and sustainable vineyard practices relevant to wine-producing regions, including the esteemed Mossel Bay, Western Cape area. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background, a passion for viticulture, and the ability to work autonomously and collaboratively in a virtual environment. This is an exceptional opportunity to advance the science of winemaking and vineyard management from a remote setting, influencing the future of the wine industry globally, with a focus on adapting practices for diverse climates.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze field and laboratory experiments related to grapevine cultivation and grape quality.
• Investigate and develop innovative solutions for pest, disease, and weed management in vineyards, emphasizing sustainable and integrated approaches.
• Conduct research on soil health, water management, and nutrient optimization for optimal grapevine growth and yield.
• Study grapevine physiology, phenology, and responses to environmental factors and climate change.
• Analyze data using statistical software and interpret results to provide actionable recommendations for vineyard management.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature, research methodologies, and technological advancements in viticulture and enology.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including enologists, vineyard managers, and other scientists, through virtual communication platforms.
• Prepare research reports, scientific publications, and presentations for conferences and industry stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development of new vineyard management strategies and best practices, potentially applicable to regions like Mossel Bay .
• Maintain accurate and organized research records, ensuring data integrity and reproducibility.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Viticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral research experience in viticulture, with a strong publication record.
• Demonstrated expertise in experimental design, statistical analysis (e.g., R, SAS), and data interpretation.
• Proven ability to conduct independent research and manage multiple research projects simultaneously.
• Excellent knowledge of grapevine physiology, vineyard management practices, and common viticultural challenges.
• Familiarity with relevant laboratory techniques and field research methodologies.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, essential for remote collaboration and scientific reporting.
• Proficiency in using virtual collaboration tools (e.g., Zoom, Teams, Slack) and project management software.
• Ability to work autonomously, manage time effectively, and maintain high levels of productivity in a remote setting.
• A passion for wine and the wine industry, with an understanding of global viticultural trends.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, commensurate with qualifications and experience. As a remote-first company, you will enjoy the flexibility and autonomy of working from home. Our client provides comprehensive health insurance, retirement plan contributions, and generous paid time off. Opportunities for attending international conferences and participating in cutting-edge research collaborations are abundant. You will be part of a globally recognized team dedicated to excellence in viticulture. We support continuous learning and provide resources for professional development. The role is ideal for someone who thrives in an independent, research-focused environment, contributing valuable insights to the wine industry worldwide, even while focusing on regions like the Western Cape .