Plant Breeding Technician – Field & Lab Research

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive entry-level salary

On-the-job training

Access to institute facilities

Paid annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Agricultural Research Technician to join a leading agricultural research institute in Upington. You will support plant breeding programs through hands-on experimental work, field trial management, data collection and basic laboratory analyses, contributing to resilient crop varieties for arid environments.

You will work with senior researchers to design and execute crosses, manage trials, collect samples, and maintain meticulous records while adhering to safety

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in agriculture or plant science or related field.
• Interest in plant breeding, genetics and crop science.
• Basic understanding of experimental design and data collection.
• Proficiency with MS Office, especially Excel, for data handling.
• Good communication and ability to work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist in plant breeding experiments, including crosses and self-pollinations.
• Manage field trials, collect accurate data, and monitor progress.
• Collect samples for lab analysis such as DNA extraction or phenotyping.
• Perform basic lab procedures related to plant genetics and breeding.
• Keep detailed records of procedures, observations and results.
• Prepare materials and equipment for field and lab work.
• Support data entry and preliminary analysis of results.
• Participate in seed increase and maintenance of breeding lines.
• Adhere to lab safety protocols and guidelines.
• Collaborate with researchers and other technicians to meet objectives.

Skills

Excel for data mgmt

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Plant Science, Biotechnology, or related field

National Diploma in Agriculture

Tools

Laboratory basics

Job description

Placements24 is seeking an Agricultural Research Technician to join a leading agricultural research institute in Upington. You will support plant breeding programs through hands-on experimental work, field trial management, data collection and basic laboratory analyses, contributing to resilient crop varieties for arid environments.

You will work with senior researchers to design and execute crosses, manage trials, collect samples, and maintain meticulous records while adhering to safety