Senior Plant Breeder: Genomics & Crop Innovation

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonus

Health and life insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Quantitative genetics

Molecular breeding

Genotyping

Phenotyping

Data analysis

Experimental design

Bioinformatics

Project management

Communication

Teamwork

Education

PhD in Plant Breeding or Genetics

Job description

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.