Plant Breeder - Field Crop Development

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid + retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Plant Breeder in Bloemfontein, Free State, to lead breeding programs for field crops. You will drive germplasm selection, hybridization, phenotyping, and variety testing in a cutting-edge research team.

This role contributes to yield, disease resistance, and adaptability across environments. The candidate should hold a Master's or PhD in Plant Breeding or related field and bring 6+ years of practical experience with quantitative genetics, marker-assisted

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years practical plant breeding experience, preferably with field crops.
• Proven expertise in quantitative genetics, experimental design, and statistical analysis of field trial data.
• Familiarity with molecular breeding techniques (e.g., marker-assisted selection).
• Strong understanding of crop physiology and agronomy relevant to Bloemfontein, Free State.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement plant breeding programs for key field crops focusing on yield, quality, pest/disease resistance, and stress tolerance.
• Conduct field trials and experiments to evaluate new breeding lines and hybrids.
• Utilize molecular markers and statistical analysis to accelerate progress.
• Manage diverse germplasm collections.
• Collaborate with agronomists, pathologists, and entomologists to assess performance and identify targets.
• Analyze field trial data and interpret results to inform selection decisions.
• Prepare technical reports, publications, and presentations on breeding findings.
• Liaise with seed production teams to ensure commercialization of new varieties.

Skills

Quantitative genetics

Experimental design

Marker-assisted selection

Plant breeding software

Statistical analysis

Education

Master's or PhD in Plant Breeding

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent entity within the agriculture & forestry sector, is seeking a highly motivated Plant Breeder to join their innovative research team in Bloemfontein, Free State. This role is central to the development of new, improved field crop varieties that offer enhanced yield, disease resistance, and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions. You will be involved in all stages of the breeding cycle, from germplasm selection and hybridization to advanced phenotyping and variety testing. This is a significant opportunity to contribute to agricultural advancement and food security, working at the forefront of plant science in the unique agricultural landscape of the Free State.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement comprehensive plant breeding programs for key field crops, focusing on desired traits such as yield, quality, pest/disease resistance, and stress tolerance.
• Conduct field trials and experiments to evaluate new breeding lines and hybrids.
• Utilize advanced breeding techniques, including molecular markers and statistical analysis, to accelerate breeding progress.
• Manage and maintain diverse germplasm collections.
• Collaborate with agronomists, pathologists, and entomologists to assess crop performance and identify breeding targets.
• Analyze field trial data and interpret results to make informed decisions on selection and advancement.
• Prepare technical reports, scientific publications, and presentations on breeding research findings.
• Liaise with seed production teams to ensure the successful commercialization of new varieties.
• Stay abreast of the latest developments in plant genetics, breeding technologies, and the agriculture & forestry industry.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or a related plant science field.
• Minimum of 6 years of practical experience in plant breeding, preferably with field crops.
• Proven expertise in quantitative genetics, experimental design, and statistical analysis of field trial data.
• Familiarity with molecular breeding techniques (e.g., marker-assisted selection).
• Strong understanding of crop physiology and agronomic practices relevant to Bloemfontein, Free State .
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across disciplines.
• Experience with relevant plant breeding software and databases.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to travel for field trials and conferences.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package designed to attract and retain top talent in plant breeding.
• Comprehensive medical aid and a generous contribution to a retirement fund are provided.
• We are committed to your professional growth and offer opportunities for further training, conference attendance, and skill development.
• Employees benefit from substantial annual leave, paid sick leave, and observance of all public holidays.

This role offers the chance to work with cutting-edge research and development in a supportive environment within the dynamic agriculture & forestry sector in Bloemfontein, Free State .