Senior Plant Breeder - Cereal Crops (Remote)

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Global health coverage

Stock options

Remote work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Plant Breeder to lead cereal crop breeding programs within a fully remote, globally distributed research team. You will guide crosses, trials, and data analysis to deliver yield, disease resistance, and climate resilience across wheat, maize, and rice, using MAS, GS, and genomic data.

The role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on breeding, mentoring scientists, managing germplasm, and publishing results, all while advancing global food security from

Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or related field with emphasis on quantitative genetics.
• 7+ years progressive experience in plant breeding with track record of successful varieties.
• Experience designing large-scale breeding trials and analyzing complex genotypic/phenotypic data.
• Proficiency in statistical software and genomic analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead breeding programs for key cereal crops to improve yield, drought tolerance, disease resistance, and nutrition.
• Employ MAS and GS to accelerate breeding progress.
• Design and manage multi-location field trials and collect robust phenotypic data.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams and mentor researchers and technicians.

Skills

Quantitative genetics

Breeding program design

Statistical analysis

Remote team leadership

Education

PhD in Plant Breeding or Genetics

Tools

R

SAS

JMP

Genomic analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in agricultural innovation and seed development, is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Plant Breeder to join their world‑class, fully remote research team. This critical role involves leading the development of superior cereal crop varieties with enhanced yield, disease resistance, nutritional value, and climate resilience. The Senior Plant Breeder will manage all phases of the breeding cycle, from initial crosses and selection to advanced field trials and commercial release. Leveraging cutting‑edge genomic tools, phenotyping technologies, and statistical analysis, you will drive the innovation pipeline for key cereal crops. We are looking for a visionary scientist with extensive experience in quantitative genetics and practical breeding programs, passionate about contributing to global food security. This is a unique opportunity to lead significant breeding efforts from anywhere in the world.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of strategic plant breeding programs for key cereal crops (e.g., wheat, maize, rice) to develop varieties with improved traits such as yield, drought tolerance, disease resistance, and nutritional content.
• Utilize advanced molecular breeding techniques, including marker‑assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS), to accelerate the breeding process.
• Design and manage multi‑location field trials to evaluate breeding lines and collect robust phenotypic data.
• Analyze complex field trial and genotypic data using statistical software and quantitative genetics principles to identify superior germplasm.
• Collaborate with geneticists, molecular biologists, agronomists, and pathologists to integrate diverse expertise into breeding strategies.
• Manage and mentor a team of plant breeders, researchers, and technicians, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.
• Contribute to the development of intellectual property through patent applications and scientific publications.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in plant breeding, genetics, genomics, and relevant agricultural technologies.
• Oversee the stewardship of germplasm collections and ensure the integrity of breeding data.
• Communicate research progress and strategic plans effectively to stakeholders, including senior management and commercial teams.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or a related field, with a strong emphasis on quantitative genetics.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in plant breeding, with a proven track record in developing successful crop varieties.
• Extensive experience in designing and executing large‑scale breeding trials and analyzing complex genetic and phenotypic data.
• Proficiency in statistical software packages commonly used in plant breeding (e.g., R, SAS, JMP) and experience with genomic analysis tools.
• Demonstrated knowledge of molecular breeding techniques (MAS, GS) and their application.
• Experience managing and leading scientific teams.
• Excellent scientific judgment, problem‑solving skills, and a strategic mindset.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with experience in scientific writing and presentations.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple breeding projects simultaneously in a remote setting.
• A passion for agriculture and a commitment to developing sustainable solutions for global food production.

Benefits

• Our client offers an exceptionally competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with the seniority and impact of this role.
• This position is fully remote, providing significant lifestyle flexibility.
• Benefits include comprehensive global health coverage, an attractive bonus structure, and substantial stock options.
• We provide significant resources for professional development, including funding for conferences, workshops, and advanced training.
• Join a dynamic, research‑driven organization at the forefront of agricultural innovation, making a tangible impact on worldwide food security.