The South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI) has a permanent opportunity available for a Senior Scientist: Plant Pathology, based in Mount Edgecombe, KwaZulu-Natal. At SASRI, a division of the South African Sugar Association, we are at the forefront of sustainable agricultural and biological research, focusing on the enhancement of sugarcane production, development, and innovation.  Our mission is to advance food security, environmental stewardship, and knowledge sharing within the sugar industry and beyond.

Effective management of current and emerging sugarcane diseases is central to the sustainability of the SA Sugar Industry. In recognition of this, SASRI conducts research and development on behalf of sugarcane farmers and millers to provide innovative area-wide Integrated Disease Management approaches.

SASRI is recruiting for an established researcher in the field of Plant Pathology with proven practical laboratory and field experience. This position requires an independent and self-motivated individual with good problem-solving and interpersonal communication skills.

The goals of the incumbent in this role include the following.

• To initiate and conduct research, technology development and knowledge exchange projects to ultimately enable the integrated management of current and emerging diseases of sugarcane by all growers. A particular focus area includes laboratory and field-based research on viruses and their associated vectors, the development of management strategies to deal with current and new virus threats, and the use of plant molecular biology approaches in developing resistance to viral pathogens.
• To collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team in research, technology development and knowledge exchange projects that require expertise in Plant Pathology.
• In conjunction with the SASRI Extension, Biosecurity and Knowledge Management functions, communicate on disease management issues with industry role-players and stakeholders at all levels.
• To contribute expertise in support of SASRI operations and services, including (a) approved research projects; (b) sugarcane screening trials for disease resistance and (c) commercial studies commissioned and funded by external third parties on disease control using compounds or agents deemed by SASRI to have potential value to sugarcane growers.

To meet these goals SASRI is looking for the following qualifications, attributes and experience:

• A minimum of a PhD in Plant Pathology or closely related discipline, preferably with expertise in Virology and a background in plant molecular sciences.
• At least five years of experience in laboratory and field-based Plant Pathology research, ideally including experience in Plant Virology research. 
• Good interpersonal skills enabling the building and maintaining of relationships with fellow researchers, growers, Extension Specialists and Biosecurity personnel.
• Proven experience in project management.
• A valid code EB driver’s license. The incumbent will need their own vehicle as the position will require travel throughout the South African sugarcane industry.
• Registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP)  would be an advantage
• An AVCASA or Basic Crop Protection Course certificate from CropLife would be advantageous

This post will close on Monday, 17 March. SASRI reserves the right to consider applications received after that date but is not obliged to do so.