Senior Plant Breeder - Seed Technology

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Health, dental and vision insurance

Retirement plan contributions

Bonuses and incentives

International travel opportunities

Access to labs and field facilities

Paid time off and holidays

Professional development

Relocation assistance may be available

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Plant Breeder to lead breeding programs in Vereeniging, Gauteng. You will guide germplasm selection, utilize molecular markers, and drive development of high-yield, disease-resistant crop varieties in a hybrid work setting.

You hold a PhD with 7+ years in plant breeding, possess strong genetics and data analysis skills, and publish in peer-reviewed journals. Expect collaboration with a multidisciplinary team and global travel opportunities.

Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Breeding or related field required.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive plant breeding RD experience.
• Proven track record in developing/releasing new crop varieties.
• Strong knowledge of quantitative genetics and experimental design.
• Experience with molecular breeding techniques and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage comprehensive plant breeding programs for key crops.
• Use molecular markers and genomic selection in breeding strategies.
• Evaluate germplasm for yield, quality, resistance, and abiotic tolerance.
• Lead field trials, data collection, and statistical analysis.
• Supervise breeders and technicians; manage projects.
• Maintain diverse seed germplasm collections.
• Collaborate with molecular biologists and other scientists.
• Translate findings into commercially viable varieties.
• Prepare technical reports, publications, and patents.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Hybrid work adaptability

Data analysis

Education

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

Tools

Genomic selection software

Breeding databases

Marker-assisted selection tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in agricultural innovation, is looking for a talented Senior Plant Breeder to join their dynamic research and development team in Vereeniging, Gauteng. This position is crucial for developing new, high-performance crop varieties that meet the evolving needs of farmers and consumers. You will lead breeding programs, utilizing advanced genetic and molecular techniques to enhance traits such as yield, disease resistance, nutritional value, and environmental stress tolerance. This role requires a deep scientific understanding, extensive experience in plant breeding methodologies, and a passion for advancing agricultural productivity. The successful candidate will work in state-of-the-art facilities, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of scientists. This hybrid role offers the flexibility to work from home on certain days while leveraging on-site laboratory and field resources for critical research activities. You will be responsible for designing experimental trials, analyzing genetic data, and making informed decisions about germplasm selection and advancement. We are seeking an individual with a proven track record in successful crop improvement programs and a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals. Your expertise will be instrumental in maintaining our client's competitive edge in the seed industry. The challenge lies in accelerating the breeding cycle while ensuring genetic integrity and delivering superior traits for commercial application. This is an opportunity to shape the future of agriculture through cutting-edge plant science.

Key Responsibilities

• Designing and implementing comprehensive plant breeding programs for key crop species.
• Utilizing advanced molecular markers and genomic selection techniques in breeding strategies.
• Evaluating germplasm for desirable traits such as yield, quality, pest/disease resistance, and abiotic stress tolerance.
• Managing field trials, including plot design, data collection, and statistical analysis.
• Supervising technicians and junior breeders involved in breeding programs.
• Developing and maintaining diverse and high-quality seed germplasm collections.
• Collaborating with molecular biologists, physiologists, and other R&D specialists.
• Translating research findings into commercially viable crop varieties.
• Preparing technical reports, scientific publications, and patent applications.
• Ensuring adherence to ethical standards and regulatory requirements in plant breeding.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in plant breeding research and development.
• Demonstrated success in developing and releasing new crop varieties.
• Expertise in quantitative genetics, statistical analysis, and experimental design.
• Proficiency with plant breeding software and databases.
• Experience with molecular breeding techniques (e.g., marker-assisted selection, genomics).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment, balancing remote and on-site responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of seed production and commercialization processes.
• Commitment to scientific excellence and innovation.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package up to R per annum.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement plan contributions.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Opportunities for international travel and conference attendance.
• Access to advanced laboratory and field research facilities.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development and training programs.
• Relocation assistance may be available.