Plant Pathologist

About us:

APPLIED AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES Sdn. Bhd. was established in 1986 and is an associate company of two highly successful public-listed Malaysian companies, Boustead Plantations Berhad and Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad. As a leading research centre in tropical plantation crops, our core activities involve research in crop improvement and production, providing advisory services for plantation crops, and producing and selling oil palm tissue culture ramets and seeds.

Our research programme is strategically focused on improving productivity and efficiency in estates. We use the latest research findings, innovations, and technological advances in crop science and information technology. We engage in collaborative research with both local and overseas universities, research institutions, and commercial companies. Our research findings are published in high-impact journals and presented at conferences worldwide. For more detailed information about our activities, please visit our website at www.aarsb.com.my.

About the Research Unit:

The Pests and Diseases Section at Advanced Agriecological Research (AAR) carries out research and development (R&D) and provides technical advisory services on pests and diseases to our principals’ estates and external clients. We integrate our R&D outputs into existing Good Agricultural Practices to ensure research findings translate into field practice. The section works on the major pests, diseases and beneficial organisms of oil palm, with Ganoderma basal stem rot, the most economically important oil palm disease, as a core priority.

Your Role:

We are seeking a motivated plant pathologist to lead our Ganoderma biocontrol programme, taking candidate microbial antagonists from laboratory screening to nursery and estate field validation.

Requirements:

• PhD or MSc in Plant Pathology, Mycology, Microbiology or a related field (candidates who have submitted their thesis are welcome to apply), with a minimum CGPA of 3.50 at BSc level.
• Research experience with soil-borne fungal pathogens and/or biological control agents, e.g. Trichoderma, Bacillus, Streptomyces, Pseudomonas or arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.
• Proficiency in microbiological and molecular techniques, including isolation and culture, in vitro antagonism assays, and PCR/qPCR-based identification and detection.
• A record of first-author, peer-reviewed publications. Experience with Ganoderma or oil palm is an advantage.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, execution and reporting of the Ganoderma biocontrol research programme, including proposal writing, progress meetings and annual budgeting.
• Isolate, identify and characterise candidate antagonists, and screen them against Ganoderma boninense in vitro and in seedling inoculation assays.
• Evaluate formulations and delivery methods for young and mature palms.
• Design and manage nursery and multi-location field trials.
• Conduct independent evaluations of commercial biocontrol products.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals, present at conferences and communicate findings to estate management.
• Supervise research assistants and field staff, and collaborate with other AAR sections, universities and research institutions.

Additional Skills and Notes:

• Good command of spoken and written English and Bahasa Malaysia.
• Possess strong leadership, interpersonal, analytical, problem-solving and scientific writing skills.
• Able to work independently and manage a small research team.
• Willing to travel extensively within Malaysia, particularly Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, and to work under nursery and estate field conditions.
• A valid driving licence is required.

Remuneration:

We offer an attractive remuneration package of a gross monthly salary, fixed allowances, yearly bonuses, and excellent opportunities for long-term career development. Other perks include car/housing loan subsidies and child support. Full medical coverage is extended to the employee and their immediate family members. The remuneration scale advertised will vary based on experience and qualifications, with the salary range indicated as suitable for fresh graduates and those with less than three years of experience. Higher salaries are offered to candidates with more extensive experience.