Plant Breeder - High-Yielding Grain Crops

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health coverage

Retirement fund contributions

Performance-based bonuses

Hybrid/remote data analysis and field-

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an innovative Plant Breeder based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, for leading breeding programs from crosses to commercial release. The role involves significant fieldwork, data analysis, and hybrid work with strategic planning and collaboration across science teams.

The ideal candidate holds a Ph.D. in Plant Breeding or a related field, with at least five years of field-crop breeding experience and a strong track record in releasing improved varieties.

Qualifications

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to design and evaluate breeding strategies.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities.
• Experience with field trials and data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute breeding programs for target grain crops to improve yield and stress tolerance.
• Conduct field trials, manage nurseries, and evaluate germplasm under diverse conditions.
• Utilize molecular breeding tools, including MAS and GS.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret field trial data with statistical software.
• Make informed decisions on parent selection, crossing strategies, and line advancement.
• Develop and maintain detailed records of breeding populations and trial results.
• Collaborate with pathologists, entomologists, and agronomists on traits and disease resistance.
• Prepare technical reports and breeding updates for management and stakeholders.
• Stay updated on advances in plant breeding, genetics, and biotechnology.

Skills

Analytical

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Breeding/Genetics/Agronomy

Tools

SAS

R

Bioinformatics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading global seed company, is seeking an innovative Plant Breeder to focus on developing high-yielding grain crop varieties. This position is based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga , a region known for its diverse agricultural activities. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing breeding programs from initial crosses through to commercial release, employing advanced genetic and molecular techniques. This role involves a significant amount of fieldwork for trials and observations, coupled with data analysis and strategic planning performed in a hybrid capacity. You will contribute to enhancing food security and agricultural efficiency through the development of superior crop genetics. We are seeking a dedicated and scientifically rigorous breeder passionate about crop improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute breeding programs for target grain crops (e.g., maize, wheat, sorghum) to improve yield, quality, and stress tolerance.
• Conduct field trials, manage nurseries, and evaluate germplasm under various environmental conditions.
• Utilize molecular breeding tools, including marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS).
• Collect, analyze, and interpret field trial data using statistical software.
• Make informed decisions on parent selection, crossing strategies, and line advancement.
• Develop and maintain detailed records of breeding populations, pedigrees, and trial results.
• Collaborate with plant pathologists, entomologists, and agronomists to assess disease resistance and other traits.
• Prepare technical reports, research summaries, and breeding updates for management and stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of scientific advancements in plant breeding, genetics, and biotechnology.
• Contribute to intellectual property management, including patent applications and variety protection.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in plant breeding, with a focus on field crops.
• Proven track record in developing and releasing improved crop varieties.
• Strong knowledge of quantitative genetics, breeding methodologies, and experimental design.
• Experience with molecular breeding techniques and bioinformatics tools is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., SAS, R) and plant breeding databases.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities.
• Ability to manage field trials and research projects effectively in a hybrid work model.
• Field experience in agricultural settings, with familiarity of the Mpumalanga region beneficial.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, including comprehensive health coverage, retirement fund contributions, and performance-based bonuses.
• This hybrid role provides a flexible working environment, combining essential fieldwork with remote data analysis and strategic planning.
• Opportunities for professional growth, including attendance at international conferences and advanced training, are readily available.
• You will have access to cutting-edge research facilities and work alongside a team of dedicated scientists.
• This role presents a significant opportunity to influence the future of agriculture through genetic innovation.