Senior Plant Molecular Biologist

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary + performance bonuses

Health insurance (medical, dental, vis

Paid time off & holidays

Hybrid work model

Professional development & conference

Retirement savings plan

Wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Plant Molecular Biologist for our Mahikeng, North West site. The role leads cutting‑edge plant genetics projects, including genomics, transcriptomics, and gene editing, to advance crop improvement in a hybrid on‑site/remote work setting.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD and 5+ years of relevant research experience, strong data analysis and communication skills, and a passion for sustainable agriculture and food security.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of post‑doc or industrial research experience in plant molecular biology.
• Experience with DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, cloning and sequencing.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute molecular biology experiments related to plant genetics and breeding.
• Utilize genomic and transcriptomic tools to identify traits of interest.
• Apply gene editing technologies (CRISPR) for targeted modification of plant genomes.
• Develop and optimize molecular markers for MAS in breeding programs.
• Collaborate with plant breeders and agronomists to drive crop improvement.
• Oversee maintenance and operation of lab equipment.
• Analyze complex data and present findings clearly.
• Mentor junior researchers and support a collaborative R&D environment.

Skills

DNA/RNA extraction

PCR/qPCR

Cloning & sequencing

Bioinformatics

CRISPR in plants

Plant physiology

Experimental design

Scientific communication

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Molecular Biology/Genetics/Biotechnology

Tools

Sequencing platforms

Genomics software

CRISPR gene editing tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural research and development company, is seeking a Senior Plant Molecular Biologist to join their innovative team in Mahikeng, North West . This role is critical for advancing our client's understanding and manipulation of plant genetics to develop improved crop varieties with enhanced yield, resilience, and nutritional value. You will lead research projects utilizing cutting‑edge molecular biology techniques, including genomics, transcriptomics, and gene editing, to achieve specific breeding objectives. The ideal candidate will possess a strong academic background and practical experience in plant molecular biology, coupled with a passion for agricultural innovation. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to food security and sustainable agriculture within the agricultural heartland of Mahikeng, North West . We offer a hybrid work model, balancing essential on-site lab work with the flexibility of remote collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute molecular biology experiments related to plant genetics and breeding.
• Utilize genomic and transcriptomic tools (e.g., sequencing, genotyping, gene expression analysis) to identify traits of interest.
• Apply gene editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9) for targeted modification of plant genomes.
• Develop and optimize molecular markers for marker‑assisted selection (MAS) in breeding programs.
• Characterize gene function and regulatory pathways in plants.
• Collaborate with plant breeders, agronomists, and other scientists to integrate molecular insights into crop improvement strategies.
• Oversee the maintenance and operation of molecular biology laboratory equipment.
• Analyze and interpret complex biological data, presenting findings clearly and concisely.
• Stay abreast of advancements in plant molecular biology and agricultural biotechnology.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to a collaborative research environment.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Plant Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industrial research experience in plant molecular biology.
• Demonstrated expertise in DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, cloning, and sequencing technologies.
• Experience with bioinformatics tools for analyzing genomic and transcriptomic data.
• Proven experience with gene editing technologies (CRISPR) in plants is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of plant physiology, genetics, and breeding principles.
• Excellent data analysis, problem‑solving, and experimental design skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present scientific information effectively.
• Ability to work independently and manage research projects within a hybrid work structure.
• Experience in a commercial R&D setting is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Hybrid work arrangement providing work‑life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference participation.
• Access to well‑equipped molecular biology laboratories in Mahikeng, North West .
• Collaborative and innovative research environment.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Employee wellness programs.