Senior Plant Breeder - Cereals and Grains

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Performance-based bonuses

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Professional development & intl. coll.

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Plant Breeder to lead our cereal and grain breeding program in Polokwane, Limpopo. The role focuses on developing high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties suited to local conditions and food security goals.

You will drive germplasm evaluation, marker-assisted selection, multi-location trials, and collaboration with agronomists and regulatory bodies. A PhD and 8+ years in cereals breeding are required; travel domestically and internationally is expected.

Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or related field.
• At least 8 years in crop plant breeding, cereals/grains focus.
• Proficiency in quantitative genetics, experimental design, and statistics (SAS, R).
• Experience with molecular breeding techniques and genomic tools.
• Proven track record of developing and releasing new varieties.
• Strong leadership and team management.
• Excellent scientific communication skills.
• Willing to travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic breeding programs for key cereal and grain crops relevant to the South African market.
• Manage and evaluate diverse germplasm collections to identify desirable traits.
• Utilize quantitative genetics and molecular breeding techniques (e.g., marker-assisted selection) to accelerate breeding progress.
• Design, implement, and manage multi-location field trials to assess new varieties.
• Analyze trial data using statistical software to identify superior genotypes and guide selection decisions.
• Collaborate with agronomists, pathologists, and entomologists to ensure integrated breeding approaches.
• Supervise and mentor junior plant breeders and technical staff.
• Contribute to the release and commercialization of new, improved crop varieties.
• Stay abreast of scientific advancements and industry trends in plant breeding and genetics.
• Manage breeding budgets and resources effectively.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Scientific communication

Travel willingness

Statistical analysis

Education

PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or related field

Tools

SAS

R

Genomic tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading global seed company with a strong presence in Africa, is seeking a highly qualified Senior Plant Breeder to lead their cereal and grain breeding program based in Polokwane, Limpopo . This senior role is instrumental in developing new, high-performing crop varieties that are resilient to local environmental conditions and resistant to common pests and diseases. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in quantitative genetics, molecular breeding techniques, and field trial management. You will be responsible for guiding the entire breeding cycle, from germplasm evaluation to variety release. This position offers a significant opportunity to contribute to food security and agricultural advancement in the region through cutting-edge plant science.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic breeding programs for key cereal and grain crops relevant to the South African market.
• Manage and evaluate diverse germplasm collections to identify desirable traits.
• Utilize quantitative genetics and molecular breeding techniques (e.g., marker-assisted selection) to accelerate breeding progress.
• Design, implement, and manage multi-location field trials to assess new varieties.
• Analyze trial data using statistical software to identify superior genotypes and guide selection decisions.
• Collaborate with agronomists, pathologists, and entomologists to ensure integrated breeding approaches.
• Supervise and mentor junior plant breeders and technical staff.
• Contribute to the release and commercialization of new, improved crop varieties.
• Stay abreast of scientific advancements and industry trends in plant breeding and genetics.
• Manage breeding budgets and resources effectively.

Requirements

• A PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in crop plant breeding, with a specific focus on cereals and grains.
• Proven expertise in quantitative genetics, experimental design, and statistical analysis (e.g., SAS, R).
• Hands-on experience with molecular breeding techniques and genomic tools.
• Demonstrated success in developing and releasing new crop varieties.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent scientific communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Experience working with national and international research institutions and regulatory bodies.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for field trials, conferences, and collaborations.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary package, performance-based bonuses, comprehensive health insurance, a generous retirement fund, and significant opportunities for professional development and international collaboration.
• This hybrid role offers a blend of field and office work, with flexibility for remote engagement on specific tasks.
• Join a dynamic team dedicated to innovation in agriculture and contribute to improving crop yields and resilience in Limpopo and beyond.
• This is a career-defining opportunity in plant science.