Senior Plant Breeder - Cereal Crops Development

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Performance-based bonus

Hybrid work model

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Plant Breeder in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, to lead cereal crop breeding programs. The role combines fieldwork at research stations with data analysis conducted remotely, contributing to improved yields, nutrition, and stress resistance.

The candidate will manage breeding programs end-to-end, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with agronomists, marketers, and other scientists. A PhD with 7+ years in cereal breeding is required.

Qualifications

• PhD required in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years in plant breeding with cereal specialization.
• Experience with quantitative genetics, experimental design, and statistical analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead breeding programs for key cereal crops.
• Apply MAS and genomic selection techniques.
• Conduct field evaluations for yield, quality, disease resistance, and stress tolerance.
• Analyze field trial data using statistical software and genetic models.
• Manage germplasm generation, maintenance, and characterization.
• Oversee seed multiplication and quality control for new varieties.
• Collaborate with agronomists to assess performance across environments.
• Coordinate with marketing to align breeding with market needs.
• Mentor junior breeders and contribute to R&D strategy.

Skills

Quantitative genetics

Experimental design

Statistical analysis

Field-based breeding

Germplasm management

Molecular breeding

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Education

PhD in Plant Breeding/Genetics

Tools

Statistical software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural research and seed development company based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga , is seeking a highly qualified Senior Plant Breeder to lead initiatives in developing improved cereal crop varieties. This position is critical for enhancing crop yield, nutritional quality, stress tolerance, and disease resistance to meet the growing demands of the agricultural sector. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background in genetics, breeding methodologies, and crop physiology, combined with practical experience in applying these principles in a commercial setting. You will be responsible for managing breeding programs from conception to commercialization, including field trials, data analysis, and collaboration with agronomists and marketers. This hybrid role involves significant fieldwork at research stations in and around Mpumalanga , complemented by remote work for data analysis, report writing, and strategic planning. Join a dynamic team committed to advancing crop science and contributing to food security.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement comprehensive plant breeding programs for key cereal crops.
• Utilize advanced breeding techniques, including marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS).
• Conduct field evaluations of breeding lines for yield, quality, disease resistance, and abiotic stress tolerance.
• Analyze field trial data using appropriate statistical software and genetic models.
• Manage the generation, maintenance, and characterization of diverse germplasm collections.
• Oversee seed multiplication and quality control processes for new varieties.
• Collaborate with agronomists to evaluate variety performance under different environmental conditions in Mpumalanga .
• Work closely with marketing and sales teams to align breeding objectives with market needs.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in plant breeding, genetics, and agricultural technology.
• Mentor junior breeders and technicians, and contribute to the firm's R&D strategy.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in plant breeding, with a specialization in cereal crops.
• Proven expertise in quantitative genetics, experimental design, and statistical analysis.
• Hands-on experience with field-based breeding programs and germplasm management.
• Knowledge of molecular breeding techniques is highly desirable.
• Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently in a remote capacity and collaboratively in field teams.
• Willingness to travel regularly to research sites within Mpumalanga .
• A passion for agricultural innovation and crop improvement.
• Familiarity with the specific challenges and opportunities in South African agriculture.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health coverage, and a performance-based bonus structure. This hybrid role provides a balance of remote work flexibility and essential on-site activities. Employees have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and significant opportunities for professional growth and development. We support attendance at international conferences and continuous learning. Join a dedicated team focused on creating high-performing crop varieties that benefit farmers and consumers in Nelspruit and beyond. This position offers a chance to make a significant contribution to agricultural productivity and sustainability. Relocation assistance may be available.