Agricultural Scientist - Plant Breeding

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

State-of-the-art facilities

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative research environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Agricultural Scientist specialized in Plant Breeding to join its research team in Upington, Northern Cape. You will design and execute breeding strategies, conduct crosses, evaluate germplasm, and utilize genomic tools to accelerate the breeding process.

The role demands a Ph.D. with 5+ years of breeding experience, strong quantitative genetics skills, and the ability to manage complex projects from conception to commercialization in a climate-resilient crop program.

Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Crop Science, or closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years hands-on plant breeding research and development.
• Strong quantitative genetics, experimental design, and statistical analysis skills.
• Experience with molecular breeding and bioinformatics tools.
• Experience managing field-based crop trials and research plots.
• Knowledge of crop physiology and agronomy.
• Excellent problem-solving and scientific communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advance plant breeding programs for key crops.
• Conduct field trials to evaluate germplasm and select superior lines.
• Perform crosses and manage generations for breeding.
• Use marker-assisted selection and genomic tools in breeding strategies.
• Analyze quantitative genetic data to guide decisions.
• Assess crop performance for yield, quality, and stress traits.
• Collaborate with agronomists and other scientists on projects.
• Manage breeding nurseries and germplasm collections.
• Prepare research proposals, publications, and reports.
• Stay updated on latest plant breeding science and tech.

Skills

Quantitative genetics

Experimental design

Statistical analysis

Scientific communication

Independent work

Project management

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, or Crop Science

Tools

Bioinformatics tools

Molecular marker techniques

Genomics platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly qualified and innovative Agricultural Scientist specializing in Plant Breeding to join their research team in Upington, Northern Cape . This critical role involves the development of new crop varieties with enhanced traits such as higher yield, improved disease resistance, drought tolerance, and superior nutritional value, tailored to the specific environmental conditions of the region. The ideal candidate will possess a Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, or a related field, coupled with extensive experience in both laboratory and field-based breeding programs. You will be responsible for designing and executing breeding strategies, conducting crosses, evaluating germplasm, and utilizing molecular markers and genomic tools to accelerate the breeding process. This position requires a deep scientific understanding, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage complex research projects from conception to commercialization. Your work will directly contribute to the advancement of agricultural productivity and sustainability in the Northern Cape, supporting farmers with climate-resilient and high-performing crop solutions. This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated scientist to make a significant impact on the future of agriculture in a region known for its unique challenges and opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced plant breeding programs for key agricultural crops.
• Conduct field trials to evaluate new germplasm and select superior lines.
• Perform controlled crosses and manage plant generations for breeding purposes.
• Utilize molecular marker-assisted selection and genomic tools in breeding strategies.
• Analyze quantitative genetic data and interpret results to guide breeding decisions.
• Assess crop performance for traits such as yield, quality, stress tolerance, and disease resistance.
• Collaborate with agronomists, pathologists, and other scientists on integrated research projects.
• Manage breeding nurseries and maintain diverse germplasm collections.
• Prepare research proposals, scientific publications, and technical reports.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in plant breeding science and technology.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Crop Science, or a closely related discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in plant breeding research and development.
• Demonstrated expertise in quantitative genetics, experimental design, and statistical analysis.
• Proficiency with molecular breeding techniques and bioinformatics tools.
• Experience in managing field-based crop trials and research plots.
• Strong understanding of crop physiology and agronomy.
• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and scientific communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and lead research projects effectively.
• Experience working with crops relevant to the Northern Cape region is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in relevant scientific software and databases.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and research innovation.
• Work on cutting-edge plant breeding projects with real-world impact.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment.
• Collaborative and intellectually stimulating research environment.
• Contribute to enhancing food security and agricultural sustainability.