Senior Plant Breeder - Agricultural Research

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Research facilities

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Plant Breeder to lead a cutting-edge agricultural research team in Rustenburg. The role centers on designing breeding programs for high-yield, disease-resistant crops, while overseeing field trials and integrating genomic tools to accelerate improvement.

The candidate will guide data-driven decision making, collaborate with agronomists and pathologists, and mentor junior staff, ensuring rigorous record-keeping and reporting to advance crop quality and food security.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or related agricultural science field.
• Minimum of 6 years progressive experience in plant breeding and crop improvement.
• Demonstrated expertise in quantitative genetics, experimental design, and statistical analysis of field data.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead breeding programs for crops, focusing on yield, disease resistance, and climate adaptability.
• Manage and analyze data from field trials, greenhouse experiments, and lab analyses to evaluate germplasm performance.
• Apply marker-assisted selection and genomic selection to improve breeding efficiency.
• Supervise and mentor junior researchers, technicians, and field staff.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Project management

Communication

Experimental design

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Breeding/Genetics/Agronomy

Tools

Molecular markers

Job description

About the Role

Our client seeks a dedicated and innovative Senior Plant Breeder to join their agricultural research team based in Rustenburg. This role is central to developing new crop varieties with enhanced yield, resilience, and nutritional value, contributing directly to food security and sustainable agriculture. You will lead breeding programs, manage field trials, and utilize advanced genetic and genomic tools to accelerate crop improvement. This position offers the chance to make a tangible impact on agricultural practices and crop quality within a well-established research institution, working in a field crucial for global development.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute comprehensive plant breeding programs for key agricultural crops, focusing on specific traits like yield, disease resistance, and climate adaptability.
• Manage and analyze data from field trials, greenhouse experiments, and laboratory analyses to evaluate germplasm performance.
• Employ modern breeding techniques, including marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS), to improve breeding efficiency.
• Supervise and mentor junior researchers, technicians, and field staff involved in breeding operations.
• Collaborate with agronomists, plant pathologists, and other scientists to address diverse crop challenges.
• Ensure accurate record-keeping, reporting, and contribute to the development of intellectual property.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or a related agricultural science field.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in plant breeding and crop improvement.
• Demonstrated expertise in quantitative genetics, experimental design, and statistical analysis of field data.
• Hands-on experience with molecular markers and their application in breeding programs.
• Strong understanding of crop physiology and agronomic practices relevant to the region.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Generous provision for professional development, including training and conferences.
• Access to extensive research facilities and experimental farms.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment focused on agricultural innovation.