Senior Molecular Biologist - Plant Genomics & Crop Traits

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Remote; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Molecular Biologist to join our on-site research team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. The role focuses on advancing molecular genetics for crop improvement, designing and executing complex experiments, and analyzing genetic data to develop novel agricultural solutions.

The position requires a PhD and at least 5 years of hands-on experience in molecular biology, preferably in plant science, with strong skills in DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, qPCR, cloning, sequencing

Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years hands-on molecular biology research, preferably in plant science.
• Proficiency in DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, qPCR, sequencing library preparation, cloning.
• Experience with genetic data analysis and bioinformatics tools is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with meticulous attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and execute molecular biology experiments (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, cloning).
• Develop and validate new molecular assays for gene discovery and marker development.
• Analyze and interpret complex genetic and genomic data using bioinformatics tools.
• Collaborate with plant breeders, agronomists, and researchers to integrate molecular insights into breeding programs.
• Present research results at internal meetings and contribute to scientific publications.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and prepare reports on experimental findings.

Skills

DNA extraction

RNA extraction

PCR

qPCR

Cloning

Gene editing

Bioinformatics

Data analysis

Experimental design

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology or related field

Tools

Sequencing library prep

DNA sequencing

Bioinformatics tools

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Molecular Biologist to join our on-site research team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. The role focuses on advancing molecular genetics for crop improvement, designing and executing complex experiments, and analyzing genetic data to develop novel agricultural solutions.

The position requires a PhD and at least 5 years of hands-on experience in molecular biology, preferably in plant science, with strong skills in DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, qPCR, cloning, sequencing