Remote Lead Plant Breeder - Crop Genetic Improvement

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Performance bonus

Stock options

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Unlimited PTO

Professional development

Home office setup allowance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an exceptional Lead Plant Breeder to drive genetic improvement of key crops in a remote-first R&D team. You’ll lead a global team of breeders and researchers, set strategic directions, design breeding programs, and oversee data analysis and field trials via remote coordination.

The role requires PhD-level expertise, 10+ years in breeding with leadership experience, and strong skills in quantitative genetics and molecular breeding.

Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, or a closely related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in plant breeding, with 3-5 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Proven success in developing and releasing improved crop varieties.
• In-depth knowledge of quantitative genetics, experimental design, and statistical analysis for breeding programs.
• Expertise in utilizing molecular breeding tools (e.g., marker-assisted selection, genomic selection).
• Proven ability to lead and manage remote teams effectively.
• Strong strategic thinking and project management skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with global agricultural markets and trends.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa and manage international remote teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a global team of plant breeders and geneticists in a remote setting.
• Develop and implement strategic long-term breeding objectives and roadmaps for target crops.
• Design and execute innovative breeding programs utilizing conventional and molecular techniques.
• Oversee the collection, management, and analysis of genetic and phenotypic data from breeding trials.
• Coordinate global field trial activities, ensuring data integrity and timely reporting.
• Evaluate and select superior germplasm for advancement in breeding pipelines.
• Collaborate with molecular biologists to integrate cutting-edge genomic technologies into breeding strategies.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and intellectual property management related to new varieties.
• Mentor and develop junior members of the plant breeding team.
• Present research findings and strategic plans to senior management and scientific committees.
• Champion innovation and best practices in plant breeding within the organization.

Skills

Leadership

Genetics

Data analysis

Experimental design

Molecular breeding

Remote management

Communication

Strategic thinking

Education

PhD in Plant Breeding or Genetics

Tools

Marker-assisted selection

Genomic selection

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for an exceptional, results-driven Lead Plant Breeder to join their innovative, fully remote research and development team. This senior position is critical for driving forward the genetic improvement of key agricultural crops, focusing on enhancing yield, disease resistance, and nutritional value. As a remote-first organization, we provide the infrastructure and support for our scientists to excel from anywhere. You will lead a global team of plant breeders and researchers, setting strategic research directions, designing breeding programs, and overseeing data analysis and field trials (where applicable, through remote coordination). This role demands a deep understanding of genetics, molecular breeding techniques, quantitative genetics, and field trial management. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a proven track record of successfully developing and releasing improved crop varieties. You will collaborate closely with other departments, including agronomy and commercial teams, to ensure breeding efforts align with market needs and sustainability goals. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of food production and contribute significantly to global food security from a remote setting. Your expertise will guide the discovery and development of next-generation crops that are resilient and productive in diverse environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a global team of plant breeders and geneticists in a remote setting.
• Develop and implement strategic long-term breeding objectives and roadmaps for target crops.
• Design and execute innovative breeding programs utilizing conventional and molecular techniques.
• Oversee the collection, management, and analysis of genetic and phenotypic data from breeding trials.
• Coordinate global field trial activities, ensuring data integrity and timely reporting.
• Evaluate and select superior germplasm for advancement in breeding pipelines.
• Collaborate with molecular biologists to integrate cutting-edge genomic technologies into breeding strategies.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and intellectual property management related to new varieties.
• Mentor and develop junior members of the plant breeding team.
• Present research findings and strategic plans to senior management and scientific committees.
• Champion innovation and best practices in plant breeding within the organization.

Requirements

• PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in plant breeding, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Demonstrated success in developing and releasing improved crop varieties.
• In-depth knowledge of quantitative genetics, experimental design, and statistical analysis for breeding programs.
• Expertise in utilizing molecular breeding tools (e.g., marker-assisted selection, genomic selection).
• Proven ability to lead and manage remote teams effectively.
• Strong strategic thinking and project management skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with global agricultural markets and trends.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa and manage international remote teams.

Benefits

• This is a fully remote position offering the flexibility to work from anywhere.
• Our client provides a highly competitive salary package, including a substantial performance bonus and stock options.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance are provided.
• A generous retirement savings plan with employer matching is available.
• We offer an unlimited paid time off policy to encourage work-life balance and employee well-being.
• Professional development is a priority, with access to leading scientific conferences (virtual and in-person when appropriate), training programs, and research grants.
• A generous home office setup allowance is provided, along with ongoing technical support.
• Our client fosters a collaborative and innovative culture, where your contributions are recognized and valued.
• You will be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to advancing agricultural science and sustainability globally.