Part-time/contract Ethnobotanical Research Scientist

4 days ago

Johannesburg, South Africa Chirandu Botanica Full time

Chirandu Botanica is growing its research team We are looking for someone passionate about African indigenous and medicinal plants and how they can shape the future of clean, market-ready food, wellness, and personal care products.

In this part-time role, you will support our Lead Ethnobotanical Research Scientist with:

- Ethnobotanical mapping
- Profiling ingredients and bioactive compounds
- Structuring African Indigenous knowledge systems

If you are detail-oriented, research-driven, and excited to bring traditional wisdom into modern innovation, we would love to hear from you.

**Role Purpose**

The Ethnobotanical Research Scientist will support the research and developmental team by gathering, validating, and structuring African indigenous plant knowledge into standardized dossiers. These dossiers form the foundation of the company’s knowledge archive, supporting downstream formulation, licensing, and product development.

**Key responsibilities**
- Research & document interdisciplinary knowledge on botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses and ecological sustainability of African indigenous plants.
- Populate ingredient dossiers and bioactive profiles using standardized templates provided by Chirandu Botanica.
- Reporting and documentation of research that is publication-worthy & aligns with both scientific and cultural perspectives.
- Identify overlaps, contradictions, and research gaps when profiling and mapping the plants.
- Participate in peer review sessions with the Lead Ethnobotanical Research Scientist.
- Contribute insights & incorporate feedback to improve the quality of dossiers, formulations and commercialization priorities.
- Support field visits, interviews, or data collection when needed.
- Ensure compliance with heritage and attribution protocols.

**Qualifications & Experience**
- Master's in Botany, Ethnobotany, Pharmacognosy, Ethnopharmacology, Medicinal Plant Chemistry, Phytochemistry, Natural Products Chemistry, or related field
- + 2 years of research experience (experience must also be in industry, not just academic). and academic writing. (Publication is an added advantage)
- Experience with literature reviews and academic references.
- Familiarity with African indigenous knowledge systems
- Ability to work independently
- Familiarity with product development using indigenous medicinal plants will be an added advantage.

**Job Types**: Part-time, Internship
Contract length: 6 months

Pay: R6 500,00 - R8 000,00 per month

Expected hours: 20 - 30 per week

**Education**:

- Masters (preferred)

**Experience**:

- research and/or academic writing: 2 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person

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