Senior Plant Breeder - Oilseed Crops Specialist

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock option plan

Global health benefits

Flexible work environment

Conference funding

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Plant Breeder with deep expertise in oilseed crops for a remote R&D role. You will develop novel varieties with higher yield and stress resilience using genomic tools, MAS, GS, and gene editing.

You will lead field trials, manage germplasm, analyze large datasets, publish findings, mentor researchers, and collaborate with global teams to advance sustainable agriculture and food security.

Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Breeding or related field.
• 8+ years in oilseed breeding.
• Experience with MAS, GS and gene editing.
• Strong leadership in remote teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute breeding programs for oilseed crops.
• Design and implement MAS, GS, and gene editing strategies.
• Manage germplasm and conduct field trials under diverse environments.
• Mentor junior researchers and prepare technical reports.

Skills

Genomic data analysis

Marker-assisted selection

Genomic selection

Statistical analysis

Project leadership

Remote collaboration

Publication track record

Education

PhD in Plant Breeding/Genetics/Agronomy

Tools

R

SAS

PLINK

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in agricultural innovation, is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Plant Breeder with specialized expertise in oilseed crops to join their remote R&D team. This critical role will focus on developing novel crop varieties with enhanced yield, nutritional quality, and resilience to environmental stressors. The successful candidate will leverage cutting-edge genomic tools, molecular markers, and advanced breeding methodologies to drive significant advancements in the field. This is a remote-first position, allowing collaboration with a world-class team from anywhere, contributing to global food security and sustainable agriculture solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and execute comprehensive plant breeding programs for key oilseed crops (e.g., canola, sunflower, soybean). Design and implement advanced breeding strategies, including marker-assisted selection (MAS), genomic selection (GS), and gene editing techniques. Conduct field trials and experiments to evaluate new germplasm and breeding lines under diverse environmental conditions. Analyze large datasets using statistical software and bioinformatics tools to identify desirable traits and parent lines. Manage germplasm collections and ensure the integrity and diversity of breeding populations. Collaborate closely with molecular biologists, geneticists, agronomists, and commercial teams to align breeding objectives with market needs and scientific capabilities. Stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements in plant genetics, breeding technologies, and oilseed crop research globally. Prepare technical reports, research proposals, and publications for scientific journals and conferences. Mentor junior researchers and provide technical guidance to breeding teams. Contribute to intellectual property development through patent applications.

Requirements

A PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or a related plant science discipline. A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in plant breeding, with a strong focus on oilseed crops. Demonstrated expertise in quantitative genetics, molecular breeding techniques, and statistical analysis. Proven track record of successfully developing and releasing new crop varieties. Experience with genomic data analysis and associated software platforms (e.g., R, SAS, PLINK). Excellent scientific leadership, project management, and collaboration skills, with experience in remote team environments. Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals. Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, suitable for diverse international audiences. A genuine passion for agricultural innovation and sustainable crop development.

Benefits

This remote role offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive global health benefits, a generous stock option plan, and a flexible work environment. Our client provides significant opportunities for professional development, including access to cutting-edge research facilities (virtually) and funding for conference participation. You will be part of an innovative and collaborative global team dedicated to shaping the future of agriculture.