Agricultural Research Assistant - Plant Breeding

Placements24; Johannesburg; Híbrido; ZAR 180.000 - 240.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Medical aid contributions

Paid time off

Training and development programs

Hybrid work arrangement

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 is seeking an Agricultural Research Assistant to support the Plant Breeding division in Randburg, Gauteng. The role blends laboratory work, greenhouse cultivation and field trials, with some remote data analysis and report preparation.

The successful candidate will assist senior scientists in crop improvement programs, contributing to high‑yielding, resilient varieties and gaining hands-on experience in a cutting‑edge research environment.

Formación

• Bachelor's degree in a plant science field is required or strongly preferred.
• Experience in plant science labs or field research is desirable.
• Ability to follow protocols and work both indoors and outdoors.

Responsabilidades

• Design and execute plant breeding experiments (crossing, selfing, selection).
• Conduct lab procedures including DNA extraction and PCR; collect data for markers.
• Manage greenhouse and field plots; record data and monitor pests/diseases.
• Perform basic statistics on experimental data and help prepare reports.
• Maintain plant stocks and assist with literature reviews and summaries.

Conocimientos

Excel for data management

Microsoft Office

Statistical software (R,SAS)

Strong organizational skills

Attention to detail

Educación

Bachelor's degree in Plant Science / Botany / Agronomy / Genetics or related agricultural science

Herramientas

DNA extraction

PCR

Field notebooks

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural research institution, is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Agricultural Research Assistant to support their Plant Breeding division in Randburg, Gauteng. This hybrid role offers a dynamic mix of laboratory work, greenhouse cultivation, and field trials, with opportunities for remote data analysis and report preparation. The successful candidate will assist senior scientists in various stages of crop improvement programs, contributing to the development of new, resilient, and high-yielding crop varieties. This is an excellent opportunity for an aspiring plant scientist to gain hands-on experience in a cutting-edge research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and execution of plant breeding experiments, including crossing, selfing, and selection programs.
• Conduct laboratory procedures such as DNA extraction, PCR, and data collection for molecular marker analysis.
• Manage greenhouse and field trial plots, including planting, data recording, pest and disease monitoring, and harvesting.
• Collect, organize, and accurately record experimental data using field notebooks and digital tools.
• Perform basic statistical analyses on experimental data and assist in preparing reports.
• Maintain plant genetic stocks and seed inventories.
• Prepare research materials and equipment for experiments.
• Collaborate with research scientists and technicians to ensure smooth operation of breeding programs.
• Assist in maintaining compliance with laboratory safety protocols and experimental standards.
• Contribute to literature reviews and the preparation of research summaries.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Plant Science, Botany, Agronomy, Genetics, or a related agricultural science field.
• Previous experience in a plant science laboratory or field research setting is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with basic plant breeding principles and techniques.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data management.
• Experience with statistical software (e.g., R, SAS) is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to follow experimental protocols accurately and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to work both indoors (lab/office) and outdoors (greenhouse/field) in various weather conditions.
• Must be able to work effectively in a hybrid model, potentially requiring some remote work.
• A valid driver's license may be beneficial.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive entry-level salary for this role, along with opportunities for growth within the organization.

• Benefits include medical aid contributions, paid time off, and access to ongoing training and development programs.
• You will be part of an innovative research team and gain valuable experience in plant breeding.
• The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility.

Join a respected institution dedicated to advancing agricultural science in Gauteng.