Plant Health Breeding Technical Trainee

Bayer; Brakpan; On-site; ZAR 50,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Bayer is seeking a Plant Health Breeding Technical Trainee to assist in the breeding of maize and support laboratory operations. This role offers hands-on experience in a vibrant environment focused on data-driven agricultural practices. Ideal candidates will have a relevant BSc or MSc and a passion for plant science.

Qualifications

• BSc or MSc in relevant fields required.
• Basic knowledge of plant pathology/mycology and/or genetics.
• Understanding of molecular biology techniques like PCR, qPCR.
• Proficient in English.

Responsibilities

• Support greenhouse and nursery data collection for breeding decisions.
• Assist in Plant Pathology lab and field operations.
• Collaborate with Seed Production for inventory management.
• Familiarize with digital tools for data management.

Skills

Plant Pathology

Agriculture

Horticulture

Biological Sciences

Molecular Biology Techniques

English

Education

BSc or MSc in Plant Pathology, Agriculture, Horticulture, or Biological Sciences

Job description

At Bayer, we’re visionaries driven to solve the world’s toughest challenges and strive for a world where ‘Health for all, Hunger for none’ is no longer just a dream but a reality. We do this with energy, curiosity, and dedication, learning from diverse perspectives, expanding our thinking, and redefining the impossible. There are many reasons to join us. If you’re eager to build a meaningful career in a community of talented and diverse minds to make a real difference, Bayer is the place for you.

Plant Health Breeding Technical Trainee

Job Purpose:

• Bayer seeks an enthusiastic Technical Trainee eager to gain practical experience and learn from professionals in Plant Health.
• The Trainee will support the Plant Breeding team in delivering maize germplasm phenotyping for biotic and abiotic stresses and deploying native traits.
• The Trainee will work on relevant projects in a dynamic team environment.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Support greenhouse, summer, and winter phenotyping nurseries to ensure high-quality data collection for breeding decisions.
• Assist in Plant Pathology laboratory operations, including disease diagnosis and pathogen inoculum production, as well as field operations such as pathogen inoculation and rating.
• Collaborate with the Seed Production team on seed production and inventory management.
• Familiarize with digital tools for data collection, databases, and data analysis systems.
• Follow all safety and environmental regulations to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

Qualifications and Competencies:

• BSc or MSc in Plant Pathology, Agriculture, Horticulture, or Biological Sciences.
• Basic knowledge of plant pathology/mycology and/or genetics.
• Understanding of molecular biology techniques such as PCR, qPCR, and DNA extraction.
• Proficient in English, both written and spoken.

Location: South Africa, Gauteng, Petit

Division: Crop Science

Reference Code: 847099

Bayer values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity employment. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.