Remote Senior Plant Breeder — Genomics-Driven Crop Improvement

Placements24; Randfontein; Remote; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive salary and bonus

Home office setup allowance

Global health insurance

Generous PTO

Travel opportunities

Access to computational resources

Professional development funding

Impact on global agriculture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Plant Breeder to join a global R&D team operating in a fully remote setup. You will lead breeding programs across crops, applying quantitative genetics and modern molecular techniques to deliver high-performing varieties.

The role emphasizes collaboration with international partners and publication of research findings. The ideal candidate holds a PhD with at least eight years of hands-on plant breeding experience, expertise in MAS/GS, and strong data analysis

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Plant Science, or closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years in plant breeding with focus on quantitative genetics and program management.
• Proven success in developing and releasing improved crop varieties.
• Experience with MAS, GS, and genotyping.
• Proficient in R and SAS; strong writing and remote collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects remotely.
• Experience with data management for large-scale trials and genomic data is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and execution of breeding programs for targeted crop improvement (yield, disease resistance, quality).
• Utilize MAS and GS methodologies.
• Manage and evaluate diverse germplasm collections.
• Analyze phenotypic and genotypic data to guide selection decisions.
• Collaborate with molecular biologists, agronomists, and pathologists.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Mentor junior breeders and research staff.
• Stay updated on advancements in plant breeding and biotech.
• Contribute to patent applications and IP development.

Skills

Quantitative genetics

Remote collaboration

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Breeding

Tools

SAS

Genotyping

MAS

GS

R

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Plant Breeder to join a global R&D team operating in a fully remote setup. You will lead breeding programs across crops, applying quantitative genetics and modern molecular techniques to deliver high-performing varieties.

The role emphasizes collaboration with international partners and publication of research findings. The ideal candidate holds a PhD with at least eight years of hands-on plant breeding experience, expertise in MAS/GS, and strong data analysis