Oilseeds Breeding Senior Scientist

Vylor; Delmas; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Vylor Inc. in Delmas, South Africa is seeking an Oilseeds Breeding Senior Scientist to lead breeding activities for Sunflower and contribute to Brassicas and Soybean programs across Africa.

You will work within a global cross-functional team spanning R&D, Supply and Commercial to deliver improved germplasm and evaluated products. The role requires a PhD or Masters in Plant Breeding or Genetics with 15+ years in field‑based and molecular breeding, plus expertise in experimental design, statistics

Qualifications

• 15+ years’ experience in field-based breeding and molecular breeding in sunflower or other hybrid crops.
• Experience in experimental design and statistics is essential.
• Familiarity with predictive breeding and statistical analysis software.
• Proven ability to supervise multiple tasks and build consensus.
• Driver’s license is essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage the breeding program to develop products aligned to business and customer requirements.
• Development, maintenance and evaluation of sunflower inbred lines and hybrids.
• Plan hybrid seed production for testing and coordinate genomic selection strategy.
• Provide hands-on phenotypic and genetic analysis and validate estimation sets.
• Coordinate molecular breeding activities and data management to support advancement decisions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (R&D, Supply, Commercial).

Skills

Field-based breeding

Molecular breeding

Genetic analysis

Experimental design

Statistical analysis software

Leadership and collaboration

Driver's license

Education

PhD / Masters in Plant Breeding or Genetics

Tools

Predictive breeding software

Genomic selection tools

Job description

Join Vylor—Powering the Future of Agriculture

At Vylor, we’re advancing agriculture through breakthrough science—combining elite germplasm, cutting‑edge biotech, and next‑generation expertise in gene editing and molecular breeding. Our portfolio includes trusted industry brands like Pioneer®, Brevant®, and Hoegemeyer®, delivering performance farmers rely on.

Join us to help scale innovation globally and shape what’s next in crop science.

We are hiring for an Oilseeds Breeding Senior Scientist.

The Oilseeds Breeding Senior Scientist will be responsible for breeding activities for Sunflower as well as product evaluation and delivery for Brassicas and Soybean in Africa. As part of a global cross‑functional team this role is suited to an all‑round seeds person that works effectively across the business from R&D, Supply and Commercial.

Responsibilities

Your Challenge:

Sunflower

• Manage the breeding program to develop products aligned to the business and customer requirements
• Development, maintenance and evaluation of inbred Sunflower lines
• Development and evaluation of new sunflower hybrids
• Plan hybrid seed production for testing
• Manage sunflower breeding experiment planning, execution, data collection, and data analysis activities
• Coordinate the genomic selection strategy for the Sunflower Breeding program.
• Design estimation sets and deploy strategies to ensure appropriate germplasm is sampled.
• Provide hands‑on phenotypic and genetic analysis, as well as validation of estimation set accuracy
• Manage molecular breeding activities, including experimental design, marker strategy, and resource allocation in this program.
• Manage quality control and the resulting data to assist in advancement decisions

Sunflower, Brassicas And Soybean

• Collects, analyzes, and summarizes phenotypic and genotypic information to support product development and advancement.
• Planning and tracking resource allocations.
• Working in projects essential for success of customers, research center and evaluation zone

Stakeholders And Interactions

• Works in conjunction with AME SPD Lead to establish project goals consistent with business unit goals which reflect internal and external customer needs
• Works closely with Global R&D partners, Supply and Commercial to ensure product delivery.
• Leading through influence - Scientific leadership and creativity when initiating, designing, and executing research projects.
• Remain current on new technology by participating in professional meetings and by encouraging others to bring information into research activities.
• Interaction with external industry Stakeholders and growers
• May monitor seasonal progress and meet with participating researchers to identify problems and opportunities impacting the team.
• May serve on teams appropriate to cross project research initiatives.

Location:

Delmas or Hoogekraal (Potchefstroom)

Skills And Qualifications

• PhD / Masters in Plant Breeding or Genetics
• 15+ years’ experience. Experience in field‑based breeding and molecular breeding in sunflower or other hybrid crops, experimental design, and statistics is essential
• Familiarity with predictive breeding and statistical analysis software.
• Proven ability to make timely decisions, solve problems and build consensus.
• Excellent interpersonal/communication skills are required for fostering teamwork, enhancing a good working environment, and effectively developing strong working relationships with a diverse group of people
• Ability to supervise/handle multiple tasks at one time is critical.
• Driver’s license is essential.

Corteva announced to separate our current advanced seed and genetics business to establish a standalone company, operating as Vylor, Inc. The process of the planned separation is anticipated to be completed the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to legal requirements and board approval. Should you accept this position, it is anticipated that, following conclusion of the separation, you would be an employee of Vylor, Inc. and your employment would be governed by Vylor, Inc. employment processes, programs, policies, and benefit plans. In that case, details of any planned changes would be provided to you by Vylor, Inc. at an appropriate time and subject to any necessary consultation processes.

Vylor is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing our differences to enrich lives, advance innovation, and boost company performance. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, military or veteran status, pregnancy related conditions (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), disability or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local laws.