Remote Plant Breeder and Genetics Specialist

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote position

Competitive salary and benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Plant Breeder and Genetics Specialist to design and execute breeding programs for major crops from a fully remote setting. You will work with a global team to enhance yield, disease resistance, drought tolerance, and nutritional quality using cutting-edge molecular breeding techniques and robust data analysis.

The role requires a PhD and at least six years of relevant experience, with strong collaboration skills for virtual teams.

Qualifications

• PhD required in plant sciences or closely related field.
• Minimum 6 years of breeding/genetics research experience.
• Expertise in quantitative genetics and molecular breeding methods.
• Proficient in bioinformatics tools and genomic analysis.
• Experience with experimental design and field trials.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage comprehensive plant breeding programs for key crops.
• Use marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS).
• Evaluate breeding lines under various field conditions.
• Analyze phenotypic and genotypic data with statistical software.
• Develop strategies for genetic diversity management and conservation.
• Collaborate to identify genes linked to important agronomic traits.
• Oversee development and release of new crop varieties.
• Stay updated on plant genetics and breeding advances.
• Prepare technical reports, proposals, and publications.
• Participate in virtual meetings and strategic planning.

Skills

Quantitative genetics

Molecular breeding

Statistical analysis

Field trial management

Data analysis

Education

PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Plant Science, or related field

Tools

R

SAS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading international agribusiness focused on developing high-performance crop varieties, is seeking a highly qualified Remote Plant Breeder and Genetics Specialist. This is a fully remote position, offering the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and development from your own location. You will be responsible for designing and executing breeding programs aimed at improving crop traits such as yield, disease resistance, drought tolerance, and nutritional quality. This role requires a deep understanding of plant genetics, molecular breeding techniques, and statistical analysis of breeding data. You will work closely with a global team of scientists, agronomists, and data analysts to identify desirable genetic resources, develop advanced breeding lines, and facilitate trait introgression. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of crop improvement through innovative genetic strategies and contribute to global food security, all while enjoying the flexibility of remote work. Your expertise in genomics and breeding methodologies will be vital in developing superior plant varieties for diverse agricultural environments. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and adept at collaborating in a virtual setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and manage comprehensive plant breeding programs for key agricultural crops.
• Utilize advanced molecular breeding techniques, including marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS).
• Evaluate breeding lines and experimental varieties under various field conditions for desirable traits.
• Analyze phenotypic and genotypic data using statistical software to identify superior individuals and lines.
• Develop and implement strategies for genetic diversity management and conservation.
• Collaborate with researchers to identify and characterize genes associated with important agronomic traits.
• Oversee the development and release of new, improved crop varieties.
• Stay current with advancements in plant genetics, genomics, and breeding technologies.
• Prepare technical reports, research proposals, and scientific publications.
• Participate in virtual team meetings, contribute to strategic planning, and provide expertise to colleagues.

Requirements

• PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Plant Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in plant breeding and genetics research, with a focus on crop improvement.
• Demonstrated expertise in quantitative genetics, molecular breeding techniques, and statistical analysis of breeding data.
• Proficiency with bioinformatics tools and databases for genomic analysis.
• Experience with experimental design and field trial management.
• Strong understanding of crop physiology and agronomy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for remote collaboration and reporting.
• Ability to work independently, manage research projects, and meet project milestones.
• Experience in data management and analysis using software such as R or SAS.
• A passion for innovation in agricultural biotechnology and crop improvement.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of R .
• Fully remote position with significant flexibility.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Company-funded research and development projects.
• Opportunities for professional growth and attending international virtual conferences.
• Contribution to global food security through advanced crop development.
• Supportive and collaborative virtual team environment.
• Retirement savings plan.