Research Scientist - Plant Biology

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and retirement benefits

Professional development

Modern laboratory facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington seeks an enthusiastic Research Scientist specializing in Plant Biology to advance crop genetics and physiology. You will design and run experiments, analyze data, and publish findings to support sustainable agriculture.

You will work with a collaborative team of scientists, employ molecular techniques and bioinformatics tools, and contribute to next‑generation solutions that improve yield, stress tolerance, and nutritional value for food security.

Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of postdoctoral or industry research experience in plant science.
• Demonstrated experience with molecular biology techniques, plant physiology studies, or genomics analysis.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on plant genetics, genomics, and molecular pathways related to crop improvement.
• Design and execute experiments involving plant cultivation, tissue culture, and molecular analyses (PCR, qPCR, gene expression analysis).
• Analyze and interpret complex biological data using bioinformatics tools and statistical software.
• Collaborate with agronomists, geneticists, and plant breeders to translate research findings into practical applications.
• Prepare detailed research reports, scientific publications, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders in Upington.

Skills

Plant genetics

Molecular biology

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Plant Biology or related field

Tools

PCR

qPCR

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an enthusiastic Research Scientist with a specialization in Plant Biology to join their innovative agricultural science division in Upington . This role will focus on investigating plant genetics, physiology, and molecular mechanisms to improve crop yields, stress tolerance, and nutritional value. You will design and execute experiments, analyze data, and contribute to the development of next‑generation agricultural solutions. Working within a collaborative team of scientists, you will leverage cutting‑edge research techniques to address critical challenges in food security and sustainable agriculture. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to impactful scientific advancements in a key sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on plant genetics, genomics, and molecular pathways related to crop improvement.
• Design and execute experiments involving plant cultivation, tissue culture, and molecular analyses (e.g., PCR, qPCR, gene expression analysis).
• Analyze and interpret complex biological data using bioinformatics tools and statistical software.
• Collaborate with agronomists, geneticists, and plant breeders to translate research findings into practical applications.
• Prepare detailed research reports, scientific publications, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders in Upington .

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of postdoctoral or industry research experience in plant science .
• Demonstrated experience with molecular biology techniques, plant physiology studies, or genomics analysis.
• Proficiency in data analysis, statistical software, and potentially bioinformatics tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement in agricultural research.
• Access to modern laboratory facilities and field research stations.
• Collaborative and innovative work environment focused on sustainable agriculture.
• Contribution to improving food production and agricultural sustainability.