Senior Plant Breeder - Genetic Improvement Specialist

Placements24; Centurion; Hybride; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 800 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Annual performance bonus

Health and life insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Résumé du poste

Placements24 seeks a Senior Plant Breeder to lead breeding programs at our Centurion, Gauteng base. You will design and execute programs for key crops, using MAS and GS to accelerate progress, and collaborate with molecular biologists, agronomists and pathologists.

You will mentor junior researchers, maintain breeding records, analyze phenotypic/genotypic data, and contribute to IP strategies while staying current with literature.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, or a closely related field.
• 10+ years of plant breeding experience with a focus on quantitative genetics and molecular breeding.
• Proven success in developing and releasing new crop varieties.
• Strong expertise in experimental design, statistical analysis, and interpretation of genetic data.
• Hands-on experience with phenotyping, genotyping, and bioinformatics tools.
• Knowledge of crop physiology and agronomy relevant to Gauteng.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and research skills.
• Strong project management and communication abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsabilités

• Design and execute breeding programs for selected crop species to improve yield, quality, and stress tolerance.
• Utilize MAS and GS to accelerate breeding progress.
• Conduct field trials and nurseries to evaluate germplasm and select elite lines.
• Analyze phenotypic and genotypic data to identify desirable genes and QTLs.
• Collaborate with molecular biologists, agronomists, and pathologists to integrate diverse expertise.
• Develop and maintain detailed records of crosses, trials, and performance data.
• Contribute to IP strategy through patent applications and publications.
• Stay current with literature and emerging trends in plant breeding and genetics.
• Provide mentorship to junior researchers and technicians.

Connaissances

Quantitative genetics

Molecular breeding

Genotyping

Phenotyping

Data analysis

Experimental design

Bioinformatics

Project management

Communication

Teamwork

Formation

PhD in Plant Breeding or Genetics

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a leader in agricultural innovation and seed development, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Plant Breeder to join their research and development team based in Centurion, Gauteng . This role is crucial for advancing crop genetics and developing superior plant varieties with enhanced yield, disease resistance, and environmental adaptability. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in quantitative genetics, molecular breeding techniques, and extensive experience in breeding programs for key agricultural crops. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the future of agriculture through cutting-edge genetic research and development, working within a collaborative and forward-thinking scientific community. The focus will be on developing new cultivars that meet the evolving needs of farmers and consumers.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute breeding programs for selected crop species to improve key agronomic traits, such as yield, quality, and stress tolerance in Centurion, Gauteng .
• Utilize advanced genetic and genomic tools, including marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS), to accelerate breeding progress.
• Conduct field trials and nurseries to evaluate germplasm and select elite breeding lines.
• Analyze phenotypic and genotypic data to identify desirable genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs).
• Collaborate with molecular biologists, agronomists, and pathologists to integrate diverse scientific expertise into breeding strategies.
• Develop and maintain detailed records of breeding crosses, trials, and performance data.
• Contribute to the intellectual property strategy through patent applications and publications.
• Stay current with scientific literature and emerging trends in plant breeding and genetics.
• Provide mentorship to junior researchers and technicians within the breeding department.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in plant breeding, with a significant focus on quantitative genetics and molecular breeding.
• Proven success in developing and releasing new crop varieties.
• Strong expertise in experimental design, statistical analysis, and interpretation of genetic data.
• Hands-on experience with phenotyping, genotyping, and bioinformatics tools.
• Knowledge of crop physiology and agronomy relevant to the target regions, including Gauteng .
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and research skills.
• Strong project management and communication abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package, including an annual performance bonus, comprehensive health and life insurance, a robust retirement plan, and generous paid time off. Opportunities for professional development, attending international conferences, and contributing to significant advancements in plant science are abundant. Employees in Centurion, Gauteng benefit from a stimulating research environment and access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities. This role offers a chance to make a lasting impact on global agriculture.