Agricultural Research Scientist - Crop Breeding

Placements24; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

State-of-the-art facilities

Professional development support

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Agricultural Research Scientist specializing in Crop Breeding to join a Welkom-based research team. You will lead breeding programs, design field trials, and advance plant genetics to improve local crop varieties.

The role requires a Ph.D. in a plant science field, extensive breeding experience, and proficiency in molecular biology and bioinformatics. Strong collaboration and dissemination of results are essential.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or related plant science field.
• Significant crop-breeding experience including experimental design and data analysis.
• Proficiency with molecular biology techniques and bioinformatics tools.
• Strong understanding of plant physiology and agronomic practices.
• Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement crop breeding programs using classical and molecular methods.
• Conduct field trials to evaluate new crop varieties for yield and quality.
• Analyze genetic data and develop marker-assisted selection strategies.
• Manage germplasm collections and maintain breeding material integrity.
• Collaborate with researchers, agronomists, and stakeholders to advance goals.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.

Skills

Research skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Breeding/Genetics/Agronomy

Tools

Molecular biology techniques

Bioinformatics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly qualified Agricultural Research Scientist specializing in Crop Breeding to join their dedicated research team in Welkom. This role is at the forefront of developing new and improved crop varieties that are resilient, high-yielding, and suited to local conditions. You will conduct cutting-edge research, manage breeding programs, and contribute to advancements in plant genetics and agricultural productivity. This position requires a strong scientific background, hands-on laboratory and field experience, and a passion for innovation in agriculture.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement crop breeding programs utilizing classical and molecular breeding techniques.
• Conduct field trials to evaluate the performance of new crop varieties for yield, disease resistance, and quality.
• Analyze genetic data and develop strategies for marker-assisted selection and genomic prediction.
• Manage germplasm collections and ensure the integrity of breeding materials.
• Collaborate with other researchers, agronomists, and stakeholders to advance breeding objectives.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or a related plant science field.
• Significant experience in crop breeding, including experimental design, data analysis, and statistical genetics.
• Proficiency with molecular biology techniques and bioinformatics tools.
• Strong understanding of plant physiology and agronomic practices.
• Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage complex research projects and work effectively in a team environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to work on groundbreaking crop improvement research.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment.
• Support for professional development and conference attendance.
• Contribute to enhancing food security and agricultural sustainability.