Agri-Tech Innovation Lead - Biotech (Hybrid, Equity)

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Equity options

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in East London, Eastern Cape, is seeking an innovative Agri-tech Innovation Lead with a PhD in Biotechnology. You will spearhead R&D for novel biotechnological solutions to boost crop resilience, yield, and nutrition, leading a multidisciplinary team from concept to commercialization.

This role blends scientific leadership with strategic execution in a fast-growing startup, requiring strong communication, project management, and regulatory savvy to translate discoveries into

Qualifications

• PhD in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Plant Science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in agricultural biotechnology R&D.
• Proven leadership experience managing R&D teams and projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage R&D projects in agricultural biotechnology, including genetic modification, gene editing, and biopesticides.
• Identify and evaluate emerging biotechnologies with potential applications in agriculture.
• Develop and optimize innovative processes for crop improvement and sustainable farming.
• Oversee laboratory operations, ensuring high standards of scientific rigor and safety.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across product development, operations, and marketing.
• Manage intellectual property and patent applications related to new innovations.
• Build and maintain relationships with academic institutions, research organizations, and industry partners.
• Prepare research proposals, grant applications, and technical reports.
• Mentor and guide junior researchers and technical staff.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education

PhD in Biotechnology or related field

Tools

CRISPR-Cas9

Marker-assisted selection

Synthetic biology

Job description

Placements24 in East London, Eastern Cape, is seeking an innovative Agri-tech Innovation Lead with a PhD in Biotechnology. You will spearhead R&D for novel biotechnological solutions to boost crop resilience, yield, and nutrition, leading a multidisciplinary team from concept to commercialization.

This role blends scientific leadership with strategic execution in a fast-growing startup, requiring strong communication, project management, and regulatory savvy to translate discoveries into