Senior Plant Breeder - Field Crops

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Life assurance

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Plant Breeder to lead advanced breeding programs for field crops at our client’s hybrid site in Polokwane, Limpopo. This role blends hands-on breeding with laboratory analysis and remote data reporting, driving genetics progress and crop improvements.

You will oversee germplasm evaluations, apply genomics tools, mentor staff, and collaborate across disciplines to deliver superior varieties for South Africa and beyond.

Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or a related field is required.
• 7+ years of experience in plant breeding, with field crop focus, is essential.
• Experience designing and executing breeding programs and field trials is required.
• Strong knowledge of quantitative genetics, molecular markers, and genomics applications.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software and breeding data management.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead breeding programs for key field crops focusing on target traits.
• Conduct field trials, evaluate germplasm, and select superior lines for advancement.
• Utilize molecular markers, genomics, and statistical genetics tools to accelerate progress.
• Manage nursery operations, seed increase, and quality control processes.
• Analyze trial data using appropriate statistics and software.
• Collaborate with agronomists, pathologists, and entomologists on multidisciplinary research.
• Develop and maintain records of breeding populations, crosses, and performance.
• Supervise and mentor junior breeders and technical staff.
• Contribute to IP management and commercialization of new varieties.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Statistical genetics

Molecular markers

Genomics

SAS

R

Education

PhD in Plant Breeding/Genetics/Agronomy

Tools

SAS

R

Breeding databases

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural research and development company, is seeking an accomplished Senior Plant Breeder to join their team. This hybrid role, based in **Polokwane, Limpopo**, offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of superior field crop varieties. You will lead breeding programs, utilizing advanced genetic and genomic tools, to enhance traits such as yield potential, disease resistance, and stress tolerance. This position requires a blend of hands-on field work, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation, with flexibility for remote data analysis and reporting. Your expertise will be instrumental in creating innovative crop solutions that meet the evolving needs of farmers and consumers in **South Africa** and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement comprehensive breeding programs for key field crops, focusing on specific target traits.
• Conduct field trials, evaluate germplasm, and select superior lines for advancement.
• Utilize molecular markers, genomics, and statistical genetics tools to accelerate breeding progress.
• Manage nursery operations, seed increase, and quality control processes.
• Analyze trial data using appropriate statistical methods and software.
• Collaborate with agronomists, pathologists, and entomologists to integrate multi-disciplinary research efforts.
• Develop and maintain detailed records of breeding populations, crosses, and performance data.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in plant breeding, genetics, and biotechnology.
• Supervise and mentor junior breeders and technical staff.
• Contribute to intellectual property management and the commercialization of new varieties.

Requirements

• PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in plant breeding, with a focus on field crops.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and executing breeding programs and field trials.
• Strong knowledge of quantitative genetics, molecular markers, and genomics applications in breeding.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., SAS, R) and breeding databases.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in both field and laboratory settings, as well as remotely for data analysis and reporting.
• Willingness to travel within **Limpopo** and other regions for field evaluations and collaborations.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, annual bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement fund, and life assurance.
• This hybrid role provides a balance between dedicated time at our **Polokwane** facilities and the flexibility of remote work.
• You will have access to advanced research infrastructure, cutting-edge technologies, and opportunities for professional development and international collaboration.
• Join a committed team driving innovation in crop improvement and contributing to food security in **South Africa**.
• This is an excellent career opportunity within a leading agricultural science organization.