Senior Plant Breeder - Field Crops Specialist

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 75,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement annuity

Performance bonuses

Relocation assistance

Company vehicle

Equity potential

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Plant Breeder to lead a field crops breeding program in Kimberley, Northern Cape. You will oversee germplasm evaluation, crossing, selection, field trials, and commercial release, applying genetics and quantitative methods to improve yield and resilience.

The role emphasizes leadership, collaboration across agronomy and pathology teams, and travel to trial sites, with a strong focus on developing varieties suited to challenging environments.

Qualifications

• Must hold a Master’s or Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy or related field.
• Proven track record in advancing field crops from germplasm to release.
• Strong background in genetics, quantitative genetics, statistics and experimental design.
• Willingness to travel extensively to field trial locations.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and execution of breeding programs for key field crops with desirable traits.
• Manage germplasm collection, evaluation and utilization.
• Conduct crosses and selection to identify superior lines.
• Plan multi-location field trials to assess performance under varying environments.
• Apply statistical and molecular breeding methods to accelerate breeding.
• Collaborate with agronomists, pathologists and other scientists.
• Oversee seed production and quality control for commercial varieties.
• Analyze trial data and make decisions on variety advancement.
• Prepare technical reports and conference presentations.
• Ensure compliance with IP rights and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Analytical skills

Travel readiness

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Plant Breeding/Genetics/Agronomy

Tools

SAS

R

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in agricultural innovation and seed development, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Plant Breeder to spearhead their field crops breeding program in the Kimberley, Northern Cape . This crucial role involves developing and improving crop varieties with enhanced yield, disease resistance, drought tolerance, and nutritional value. The Senior Plant Breeder will manage all aspects of the breeding cycle, from initial germplasm evaluation and crossing to selection, field trials, and commercial release. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background in genetics and breeding, extensive practical experience, and a commitment to advancing crop productivity in challenging environments. This position offers a significant opportunity to contribute to food security and agricultural sustainability in the unique climate of the Kimberley, Northern Cape region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of breeding programs for key field crops, focusing on desirable agronomic traits.
• Manage the collection, evaluation, and utilization of diverse germplasm resources.
• Conduct controlled crosses and implement advanced selection strategies to identify superior breeding lines.
• Design and manage multi-location field trials to assess the performance of new varieties under various environmental conditions.
• Apply statistical methods and molecular breeding techniques (if applicable) to accelerate the breeding process.
• Collaborate with agronomists, pathologists, and other scientists to ensure comprehensive crop improvement.
• Oversee seed production and quality control for commercial varieties.
• Analyze trial data, interpret results, and make informed decisions regarding variety advancement.
• Prepare technical reports, research papers, and presentations for scientific conferences and industry stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with intellectual property rights and regulatory requirements for new variety releases in Kimberley, Northern Cape .

Requirements

• A Master's or Ph.D. degree in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in plant breeding, with a focus on field crops.
• Demonstrated success in developing and releasing new crop varieties.
• Strong knowledge of genetics, quantitative genetics, statistics, and experimental design.
• Experience with field trial management and data analysis software (e.g., SAS, R).
• Familiarity with molecular breeding techniques is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership, project management, and communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and lead a team of technicians and researchers.
• Willingness to travel extensively to field trial locations within the Kimberley, Northern Cape region and potentially beyond.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, life insurance, and a retirement annuity. Significant opportunities for professional development are provided, including funding for conferences, workshops, and advanced training. The company fosters a collaborative and research-intensive environment. A company vehicle and travel expenses are covered for fieldwork. Potential for equity participation in successfully commercialized varieties. Relocation assistance may be available for candidates relocating to Kimberley, Northern Cape .