Job Description

Our client, the South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI), a division of the South African Sugar Association (SASA) has a permanent opportunity available for a Senior Soil Scientist based in Mount Edgecombe, KwaZulu Natal

The South African sugar industry recognises that soil and crop health are central to industry sustainability, not only in the responsible optimisation of crop productivity but also in promoting crop resilience to stress and resistance to pests and diseases. These needs are particularly acute in SA industry, which is characterised by unusually high soil variability, high representation of poor soil types, particularly in the coastal regions, and the consequences of sugarcane mono-cropping, which, in many instances, has occurred over several decades

Within this context, the industry is seeking a leading expert in soil science research to:

• Lead a team of soil scientists conducting research and development aimed at optimising soil health and crop nutrition to maximise crop production and promote industry sustainability
• Mentor early- to mid-career research staff to support their progress in developing independent science careers in soil science and crop nutrition

Publication of research findings in reputable science journals, supervision of post-graduate students, establishment of local and international research collaborations and the attainment of NRF rating are actively encouraged

As a senior member of the SASRI soil science and crop nutrition research team, the incumbent will lead the development, in consultation with industry stakeholders, of knowledge resources, technologies and services

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Promoting the restoration of soil health to areas of the industry that have been subject to decades of intensive sugarcane cultivation
• Refining recommendations to optimise sugarcane nutrition, ensuring that the industry remains at the cutting-edge of soil health and crop nutrition best practice
• Facilitating the integration of technological advances into the operational environment of the commercial soil and plant analytical service operated by the institute for growers of sugarcane and other crops, both within and outside the borders of SA

Minimum Requirements:

Education and Experience:

• PhD in Soil Science

• Publication record indicative of an individual with extensive experience in modern soil science research
• Demonstrated history of successful mentorship of early- to mid-career colleagues, potentially gained through a leadership or management role
• Experience in research collaboration with commodity crop industries in the development and implementation of soil and crop health technologies; and
• Extensive experience in the successful supervision of post-graduate students at MSc and PhD level
• Due to the SA Sugar Industry's commitment to the sustainability of small-scale and land reform sugarcane grower communities, experience of working with these grower sectors in other commodity crop industries will be viewed as a further advantage

Remuneration and Benefits:

• Market Related

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