Plant pathologist

• Conduct research on plant pathogens (fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes) affecting major crops.
• Isolate, identify, and characterize disease-causing organisms using standard microbiological and molecular techniques.
• Develop, test, and validate biological and integrated disease management (IDM) strategies, including microbial and natural product-based formulations.
• Design and conduct greenhouse and field trials to evaluate efficacy of disease management practices.
• Document findings and prepare technical reports, scientific publications, and extension literature for farmers.
• Train and guide farmers in recognizing plant diseases, adopting management practices, and improving crop health.
• Support innovation in developing sustainable, cost-effective disease control solutions aligned with organic/natural farming principles.

Mandatory Key Skills

• Familiarity with molecular plant pathology tools (PCR, ELISA, sequencing).
• Experience in developing biopesticides, microbial formulations, or natural product-based disease control agents.
• Passion for working with farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture.
• Ability to communicate technical findings in simple language to farmers and field staff.
• Proficiency in MS Office, data analysis software (Excel, SPSS, or similar).
• Willingness to travel to rural/field locations as required.

Work Experience Required

• Minimum 1 year Hands-on experience in plant disease diagnosis, pathogen isolation, and bio-control strategies.
• Knowledge of integrated pest and disease management (IPDM) and eco-friendly practices.
• Experience in conducting field trials and analyzing experimental data.