Senior Crop Scientist - Research & Development

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

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the agricultural sector, is seeking a highly qualified Senior Crop Scientist to join their dedicated Research & Development team based in Bloemfontein, Free State. This role is central to driving innovation in crop genetics, breeding, and agronomic practices. You will lead research initiatives aimed at developing improved crop varieties with enhanced yield, disease resistance, and nutritional value, tailored to the specific conditions of the region and beyond. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background, extensive research experience, and a passion for contributing to sustainable agriculture. This hybrid position offers a compelling blend of laboratory/greenhouse work and field research, allowing for comprehensive engagement with the crop development lifecycle. You will work collaboratively with a team of scientists, technicians, and agronomists to push the boundaries of crop science and deliver tangible benefits to farmers. The position requires a proactive approach to research, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to translate complex scientific findings into practical applications. We seek an individual committed to scientific rigor and agricultural advancement.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and manage research projects focused on crop genetics, breeding, and agronomy.
• Develop and implement advanced breeding strategies to create new crop varieties with desirable traits.
• Conduct field trials to evaluate the performance of new germplasm under various environmental conditions.
• Analyze genotypic and phenotypic data using statistical and bioinformatics tools.
• Collaborate with plant pathologists and entomologists to assess disease and pest resistance.
• Supervise and 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.
• Author scientific publications, present findings at conferences, and contribute to patent applications.
• Ensure compliance with all laboratory safety protocols and research ethics guidelines.
• Work closely with the commercial teams to align R&D efforts with market needs.

Requirements

• PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral research experience in crop science or plant breeding.
• Demonstrated expertise in quantitative genetics, molecular breeding techniques, and experimental design.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and releasing new crop varieties.
• Experience with bioinformatics tools and statistical software packages (e.g., SAS, R).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in scientific writing and presentation.
• Ability to lead research teams and manage complex projects effectively.Experience with greenhouse and field trial management.
• A collaborative spirit and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Familiarity with the agricultural landscape of Free State province is an advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance, a retirement annuity, and performance‑based incentives.
• Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates.
• This hybrid role provides the flexibility to balance focused research in the lab and field with remote data analysis and reporting.
• Opportunities for professional growth, including attending international conferences and participating in cutting‑edge research, are readily available.
• Join a leading research institution committed to advancing agricultural productivity and sustainability in Bloemfontein.