Assistant Plant Breeder

Mayfly Agri (Pty) Ltd; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A global horticultural seed company is looking for an individual to assist in breeding programs for hybrid tomatoes. The successful candidate will help with tasks such as seed picking, planning breeding programs, and coordinating activities across teams. A relevant Honours Degree in Plant Breeding, 2+ years of experience, and good organizational skills are required. This role involves field and greenhouse work in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2+ years’ experience in Breeding.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Prepared to work in field and greenhouse conditions.

Responsibilities

• Support seed picking, sowing, and maintaining plants.
• Assist in planning and executing breeding programs.
• Coordinate activities with different teams.
• Manage breeding program data using Phenome.

Skills

Organization skills

Time management

Proficiency in English

Willingness to work in diverse tasks

Education

Honours Degree in Plant Breeding or similar

Job description

SUMMARY :

A global horticultural seed company is seeking the above to be responsible for assisting the Head of Breeding with developing and creating new hybrid Tomato`s for specific market segments.

POSITION INFO :

Minimum requirements for the role :

• Must have a relevant Honours Degree specializing in Plant Breeding or similar field
• Minimum 2+ years’ experience in Breeding
• Must have a good level of organization and time management
• Proficiency in English (Written and Spoken)
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Willing to work across a broad range of diverse tasks and environments
• Willing to work in field and greenhouse conditions

The successful candidate will be responsible for :

• Supporting the breeder and farm teams in managing tasks such as seed picking and sowing, generating germination reports, transplanting, maintaining plants, pollinating, harvesting, extracting seeds, disinfecting seeds, drying seeds, packaging, and updating inventory in the breeding database.
• Assisting and supporting, under the guidance of the breeder, in planning, designing, implementing, and executing breeding programs; evaluating and assisting in the selection process and contributing towards the efficient and timely output of the breeding programs.
• Coordinating and communicating breeding program activities to the breeder, the farm team, pathology and molecular teams, and research management.
• Taking responsibility for and assisting in sampling for MAS and providing pathology support.
• Assisting the breeder in planning, organizing, and supervising crossing blocks.
• Assisting the breeder in managing accurate and detailed breeding program data using Phenome, including entering data, managing inventory, interpreting information, and reporting.
• Coordinating, following up, collecting data, interpreting results, and reporting on various on- and off-site trials.
• Taking responsibility for seed shipments and maintaining records.
• Implementing and adhering to phytosanitary requirements and performing seed health testing.

Please note that subsequent to the screening and shortlisting process, all further communication will be entered into only with the shortlisted candidates. If you do not receive any feedback from us within 2 weeks of applying,