Agricultural Researcher - Plant Breeding

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Conference attendance support

Remote data analysis & planning

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an Agricultural Researcher specializing in Plant Breeding near Polokwane. Lead breeding programs from design to field trials, optimizing yield, disease resistance, and nutrition. Manage data, markers, and experimental designs while collaborating with agronomists and researchers to advance crop improvements.

The role emphasizes cutting-edge genetic research, food security impact, and opportunities to contribute across the breeding pipeline in a dynamic research division.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Breeding or closely related field.
• Experience in plant breeding research with practical applications.
• Strong understanding of quantitative genetics and genomic tools.
• Proven ability to design experiments and analyze data.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute plant breeding programs to develop superior crop varieties.
• Conduct field trials and evaluate traits like yield and resistance.
• Utilize hybridization, selection, and backcrossing techniques.
• Analyze genetic data and perform statistical analyses to guide breeding.
• Maintain detailed breeding program records (pedigree, performance, markers).
• Collaborate with agronomists and researchers to improve crops.

Skills

Plant breeding

Genetics

Quantitative genetics

Statistical analysis

Laboratory techniques

Scientific writing

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Breeding/Genetics/Agronomy

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated and innovative Agricultural Researcher with a specialization in Plant Breeding to join their research division near Polokwane. This critical role focuses on developing new crop varieties with improved yields, disease resistance, and nutritional value. You will be involved in all stages of the breeding process, from experimental design and field trials to data analysis and selection. This is a fantastic opportunity for a scientist passionate about improving agricultural output and contributing to food security through cutting-edge genetic research.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute plant breeding programs to develop superior crop varieties for specific agricultural environments and market needs.
• Conduct field trials to evaluate the performance of new breeding lines, assessing traits such as yield, quality, and resistance to pests and diseases.
• Utilize classical breeding techniques, including hybridization, selection, and backcrossing.
• Analyze genetic data, perform statistical analysis, and interpret results to guide breeding strategies.
• Maintain detailed records of breeding programs, including pedigree, performance data, and genetic markers.
• Collaborate with agronomists, pathologists, and other researchers to ensure comprehensive crop improvement efforts.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in plant breeding research, with a focus on practical application.
• Strong understanding of quantitative genetics, molecular markers, and genomic selection techniques.
• Proven experience in experimental design, field trial management, and statistical analysis of agricultural data.
• Familiarity with laboratory techniques relevant to plant breeding.
• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills for reports and publications.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and research grant opportunities.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Support for conference attendance and professional development.
• Opportunity for remote data analysis and research planning.

A challenging role contributing to agricultural advancement near Polokwane.