Research Assistant - Plant Science

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 83,000 - 165,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Hourly wage

Exposure to cutting-edge plant science

Job summary

Placements24 in Welkom, Free State, is seeking a meticulous Research Assistant to support its plant science program. The role blends hands-on lab and greenhouse work with remote data entry and literature review.

You will assist senior researchers with crop improvement, plant genetics, and agricultural sustainability, using basic genetics knowledge and careful data collection to advance food security in a dynamic research setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Botany, Agronomy, Plant Science, or a related field.
• Hands-on plant cultivation experience in lab or greenhouse.
• Basic genetics and molecular biology concepts as applied to plants.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office for data recording and basic analyses.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous adherence to protocols.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments involving plant cultivation, crosses, and phenotyping.
• Perform routine lab tasks such as DNA extraction and PCR.
• Record detailed observations in lab notebooks and databases.
• Conduct literature searches and assist in preparing research reports and presentations.
• Manage greenhouse and growth chamber environments for optimal plant growth.

Skills

Plant biology

Lab data collection

Microsoft Office

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Botany/Agronomy/Plant Science

Tools

DNA extraction

PCR

Job description

About the Role

Our client seeks a meticulous Research Assistant to support their plant science research program in Welkom . This role involves a combination of hands-on laboratory and greenhouse work with flexible remote data entry and literature review. You will assist senior researchers in conducting experiments related to crop improvement, plant genetics, and agricultural sustainability. The ideal candidate will have a foundational understanding of plant biology and possess a strong aptitude for experimental procedures and data collection, contributing to a vital area of research aimed at enhancing food security and agricultural practices within a dynamic research setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and execution of experiments involving plant cultivation, genetic crosses, and phenotyping.
• Perform routine laboratory tasks such as DNA extraction, PCR, and sample preparation for analysis.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of experimental procedures, observations, and results in laboratory notebooks and databases.
• Conduct literature searches and assist in the preparation of research reports and presentations.
• Manage greenhouse and growth chamber environments, ensuring optimal conditions for plant growth.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Botany , Agronomy, Plant Science, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with plant cultivation techniques, either in a lab or greenhouse setting.
• Basic understanding of genetics and molecular biology principles as applied to plants.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite for data recording and basic analysis.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to follow detailed protocols meticulously.

Benefits

• Part-time hours offering flexibility.
• Hourly wage commensurate with experience.
• Exposure to cutting-edge plant science research.
• Supportive team environment with opportunities for learning.
• Contribution to sustainable agricultural solutions in the Free State region.