Senior Crop Scientist — Hybrid R&D in Genetics & Breeding

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Performance incentives

Relocation support

Hybrid work

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein, Free State, seeks a Senior Crop Scientist to drive R&D in crop genetics, breeding, and agronomy. Hybrid role combining lab/greenhouse work with field trials.

You will lead projects, mentor staff, and collaborate with pathologists and entomologists to improve yield and disease resistance for regional crops.

The role emphasizes scientific rigor, data-driven decision making, and translating results into practical farming solutions for farmers in the region.

Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or a closely related field.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and manage research projects in crop genetics, breeding, and agronomy.
• Develop advanced breeding strategies to create new crop varieties.
• Conduct field trials to evaluate germplasm under varying environmental conditions.
• Analyze genotypic and phenotypic data using statistical and bioinformatics tools.
• Collaborate with plant pathologists and entomologists to assess disease and pest resistance.
• Mentor junior researchers and laboratory technicians.
• Stay updated on the latest scientific advancements in crop science, genetics, and breeding technologies.
• Prepare research proposals, secure funding, and manage project budgets.
• Publish findings, present at conferences, and contribute to patent applications.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols and research ethics guidelines.
• Work with commercial teams to align R&D with market needs.

Skills

Quantitative genetics

Molecular breeding

Experimental design

Bioinformatics

Scientific communication

Team leadership

Data analysis

Education

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

Tools

SAS

R

Job description

Placements24 in Bloemfontein, Free State, seeks a Senior Crop Scientist to drive R&D in crop genetics, breeding, and agronomy. Hybrid role combining lab/greenhouse work with field trials.

You will lead projects, mentor staff, and collaborate with pathologists and entomologists to improve yield and disease resistance for regional crops.

The role emphasizes scientific rigor, data-driven decision making, and translating results into practical farming solutions for farmers in the region.