Senior Plant Breeder - Cereal Crops Specialist

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Sur place; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 800 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Salary package

Medical aid

Pension fund

Growth opportunities

Conferences

Professional development

Résumé du poste

Placements24 is assisting a prominent agricultural research institution in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, SA to recruit a Senior Plant Breeder. You will lead cereal crop breeding programs, from germplasm evaluation to advanced progeny testing, and drive strategies for yield, resistance, and nutritional quality.

The role requires a PhD, 8+ years in crop breeding, expertise in quantitative genetics and molecular breeding, and a proven record in managing projects and teams.

Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years hands-on experience in crop breeding, with specialization in cereal crops (maize, wheat, sorghum).
• Extensive knowledge of quantitative genetics, breeding methodologies, and statistical analysis.
• Expertise in molecular breeding techniques and bioinformatics tools.
• Proven experience managing research projects and leading a scientific team.

Responsabilités

• Design and lead cereal breeding programs focusing on yield, disease resistance, and nutrition.
• Manage and evaluate diverse germplasm collections.
• Oversee field trials, experimental design, data collection, and analysis.
• Utilize MAS and GS techniques.
• Supervise and mentor junior researchers and students.
• Collaborate with agronomists and pathologists for holistic crop improvement.
• Develop strategies for commercialization and release of new varieties.
• Prepare grant proposals and secure funding for projects.
• Author scientific publications and reports.

Connaissances

Plant breeding

Quantitative genetics

Molecular breeding

Leadership

Data analysis

Communication

Formation

PhD in Plant Breeding or related

Outils

Bioinformatics tools

Molecular biology tools

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural research institution renowned for its contribution to crop improvement, is seeking an accomplished Senior Plant Breeder to lead critical research and development initiatives in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This role is central to developing new, high-performing cereal crop varieties that are resilient, nutritious, and adapted to diverse environmental conditions prevalent in Southern Africa. The successful candidate will manage all stages of the breeding pipeline, from germplasm evaluation to advanced progeny testing. This position requires a deep scientific understanding, strong leadership acumen, and a commitment to advancing food security and agricultural sustainability in South Africa . The role is based in the vibrant academic and agricultural hub of Stellenbosch .

Key Responsibilities

• Designing and executing comprehensive plant breeding programs for cereal crops, focusing on yield, disease resistance, and nutritional quality.
• Managing and evaluating diverse germplasm collections.
• Overseeing field trials, including experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis.
• Utilizing molecular breeding techniques, including marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS).
• Supervising and mentoring junior researchers, technicians, and students.
• Collaborating with agronomists, pathologists, and other specialists to ensure holistic crop improvement.
• Developing strategies for the commercialization and release of new crop varieties.
• Preparing grant proposals and securing funding for research projects.
• Authoring scientific publications, technical reports, and patent applications.

Requirements

• A PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in crop breeding, with a specialization in cereal crops (e.g., maize, wheat, sorghum).
• Extensive knowledge of quantitative genetics, breeding methodologies, and statistical analysis.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular breeding techniques and bioinformatics tools.
• Proven experience in managing research projects and leading a scientific team.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to secure research funding and manage budgets effectively.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience working within the South African agricultural context is highly advantageous.
• Willingness to conduct field-based research and travel as required.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary package, complemented by performance-based incentives and a comprehensive benefits scheme, including medical aid and a pension fund.
• The position comes with significant opportunities for professional growth, including access to advanced research facilities, international collaborations, and attendance at leading scientific conferences.
• Employees are encouraged to pursue further academic or professional development.
• The role provides the chance to make a significant impact on agricultural productivity and sustainability in South Africa .
• This position is based in the renowned educational and agricultural centre of Stellenbosch .