Senior Agricultural Research Scientist - Plant Breeding

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 118,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Professional development opportunities

Research funding

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Agricultural Research Scientist specializing in Plant Breeding to join a renowned agricultural research institution in Kimberley. You will design and lead plant breeding programs, employing marker-assisted selection and genomic selection to accelerate varietal development.

The role requires a PhD with 7+ years in breeding, strong data analysis skills, and leadership abilities.

Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or related field.
• 7+ years post-doc in plant breeding with proven release of new varieties.
• Strong skills in quantitative genetics, experimental design.
• Experience with MAS and GS and molecular breeding is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement breeding programs to develop superior crops.
• Lead field trials evaluating new lines for yield and stress tolerance.
• Analyze phenotypic/genotypic data and identify breeding strategies.
• Publish results, present at conferences, and mentor junior researchers.

Skills

Leadership

Scientific writing

Data analysis

Presentation skills

Education

PhD in Plant Breeding/Genetics/Agronomy

Tools

SAS

R

Genotyping

Bioinformatics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned agricultural research institution, is seeking an accomplished Senior Agricultural Research Scientist specializing in Plant Breeding to join their innovative team in Kimberley, Northern Cape . This role is central to developing new crop varieties with enhanced yield, disease resistance, and climate resilience, crucial for addressing food security challenges. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of genetics, molecular biology, and quantitative genetics, coupled with significant experience in breeding programs for staple crops. You will have the opportunity to lead cutting-edge research and contribute significantly to the advancement of agricultural science. We are committed to fostering a collaborative and research-intensive environment.

Key Responsibilities

Design and implement comprehensive plant breeding programs to develop superior crop varieties suited for local conditions in Northern Cape . Utilize advanced genetic and molecular techniques, including marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS), to accelerate breeding cycles. Conduct field trials to evaluate the performance of new breeding lines for key agronomic traits, yield potential, and stress tolerance (e.g., drought, heat). Analyze phenotypic and genotypic data using statistical software and bioinformatics tools to identify desirable genes and breeding strategies. Collaborate with plant pathologists, entomologists, and agronomists to integrate pest and disease resistance into breeding objectives. Manage experimental data, maintain detailed records, and ensure the integrity of research findings. Author scientific publications, present research results at national and international conferences, and contribute to grant proposals. Supervise and mentor junior researchers, technicians, and students involved in breeding projects. Ensure compliance with biosafety regulations and ethical standards in all research activities.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or a related field with a strong focus on crop improvement. Minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral research experience in plant breeding, with a proven track record of developing and releasing new crop varieties. Extensive knowledge of quantitative genetics, breeding methodologies, and experimental design. Proficiency in using statistical software (e.g., SAS, R) and bioinformatics tools for genetic analysis. Experience with molecular breeding techniques (e.g., marker-assisted selection, genotyping). Excellent scientific writing, communication, and presentation skills. Demonstrated leadership ability and experience in managing research projects and teams. Familiarity with the specific challenges and opportunities in dryland agriculture is advantageous. Ability to work effectively in both field and laboratory settings.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, a generous retirement fund, and opportunities for professional development and research funding. This hybrid role provides flexibility, allowing for impactful on-site work at our research facilities in Kimberley and remote research planning and analysis. Join a team at the forefront of agricultural innovation, contribute to developing resilient crop varieties, and advance your career in a dynamic research environment.