Agricultural Research Technician – Plant Breeding Support

Placements24; Riverton (UT); On-site; USD 9,100 - 14,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Entry-level salary

On-the-job training

Exposure to advanced methodologies

Collaborative research environment

Regional South Africa experience

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Agricultural Research Technician for our client, a leading agricultural institute in Upington, South Africa. You will assist with plant breeding programs, manage field trials, collect data, and support laboratory analyses to develop new crop varieties for arid environments.

You will work under senior researchers, contribute to experimental design, maintain detailed records, and ensure safety protocols.

Qualifications

• A National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Plant Science, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Previous experience in a research or agricultural setting is advantageous.
• A strong interest in plant breeding, genetics, and crop science.
• Basic understanding of experimental design and data collection principles.
• Good practical skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data management.

Responsibilities

• Assist in plant breeding experiments, including crossings and self-pollinations.
• Plant, manage, and monitor field trials with accurate data collection.
• Collect plant samples for lab analysis such as DNA extraction or phenotyping.
• Perform basic laboratory procedures related to plant genetics and breeding.
• Maintain detailed records of procedures, observations, and results.
• Prepare experimental materials and equipment for field and lab work.
• Assist with data entry and preliminary analysis of results.
• Participate in seed increase and maintenance programs for breeding lines.
• Ensure adherence to lab safety protocols and guidelines.
• Collaborate with researchers and other technicians to achieve project objectives.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Independence

Team collaboration

Data collection principles

Laboratory safety awareness

Education

National Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Plant Science, Biotechnology, or related field

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural research institute located in the arid yet productive region of Upington, Northern Cape , is seeking a dedicated Agricultural Research Technician to support their plant breeding programs. This role is essential for conducting hands-on experimental work aimed at developing new crop varieties with enhanced resilience and yield for challenging environments. The successful candidate will assist senior researchers in various aspects of plant breeding, including crossing, field trial management, data collection, and laboratory analysis. This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience in plant genetics and breeding within the unique agricultural context of the Northern Cape, South Africa . We are looking for a meticulous, organized, and enthusiastic individual with a strong interest in agricultural research and a willingness to learn. Your contribution will be vital in advancing crop improvement efforts for arid and semi-arid regions.

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting in the execution of plant breeding experiments, including controlled crossings and self-pollinations.
• Planting, managing, and monitoring field trials, ensuring accurate data collection.
• Collecting plant samples for laboratory analysis, such as DNA extraction or phenotyping.
• Performing basic laboratory procedures related to plant genetics and breeding.
• Maintaining detailed records of experimental procedures, observations, and results.
• Preparing experimental materials and equipment for field and laboratory work.
• Assisting with data entry and preliminary analysis of experimental results.
• Participating in seed increase and maintenance programs for breeding lines.
• Ensuring adherence to laboratory safety protocols and experimental guidelines.
• Collaborating with researchers and other technicians to achieve project objectives.

Requirements

• A National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Plant Science, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Previous experience in a research or agricultural setting is advantageous.
• A strong interest in plant breeding, genetics, and crop science.
• Basic understanding of experimental design and data collection principles.
• Good practical skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data management.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a research team.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions typical of the Northern Cape.
• A valid driver's license is desirable for field work.

Benefits

• A competitive entry-level or junior salary.
• Opportunities for on-the-job training and skill development in plant breeding.
• Exposure to advanced research methodologies and technologies.
• A supportive and collaborative research environment.
• Contribution to agricultural innovation in South Africa.
• Access to institute facilities and resources.
• Paid annual leave and other statutory benefits.
• Potential for advancement to more senior research roles.
• Work experience in a specialized field of agricultural science.
• A chance to work in a unique agricultural region.