Senior Plant Scientist - Crop Breeding and Genetics

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Competitive salary

Retirement contributions

Opportunities to attend international/

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging, Gauteng is seeking a Senior Plant Scientist to lead breeding programs and advance crop genetics to deliver high-yielding, locally adapted varieties. You will drive trait discovery, manage pipelines, and collaborate across disciplines in a cutting-edge research environment.

The role requires a PhD, 7+ years post-doctoral experience, and expertise in quantitative genetics, molecular breeding, and bioinformatics. Leadership and publishing strength are valued.

Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Molecular Biology, or related field.
• 7+ years of post-doctoral research experience in crop breeding and genetics.
• Strong foundation in quantitative genetics, molecular breeding, and statistics.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage breeding research programs focused on crop improvement.
• Develop and implement breeding strategies to improve yield, resilience, and quality.
• Design and conduct field trials; evaluate lines and select superior genotypes.
• Utilize marker-assisted selection, genomics, and bioinformatics to accelerate breeding.
• Manage germplasm collections and ensure genetic diversity.
• Collaborate with agronomists and scientists; supervise junior staff and interns.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in agricultural innovation based in Vereeniging, Gauteng, is actively seeking a highly qualified Senior Plant Scientist with a specialization in crop breeding and genetics. This role is pivotal in driving the development of new, high-performance crop varieties that are resilient, high-yielding, and adapted to local conditions. The Senior Plant Scientist will lead research programs, manage breeding pipelines, and utilize advanced genetic technologies to accelerate trait discovery and selection. This position requires a deep scientific understanding, extensive research experience, and a passion for advancing agricultural productivity in Vereeniging. You will be an integral part of a dedicated team focused on shaping the future of crop development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage research projects focused on crop improvement through conventional breeding and molecular genetics techniques.
• Develop and execute breeding strategies for key crops, aiming to enhance traits such as yield, disease resistance, stress tolerance, and nutritional quality.
• Design and conduct field trials to evaluate breeding lines, assess performance, and select superior genotypes.
• Utilize molecular markers, genomics, and bioinformatics tools to accelerate the breeding process and identify desirable genes.
• Manage germplasm collections and ensure the integrity and diversity of breeding resources.
• Collaborate with agronomists, plant pathologists, and other scientists to integrate breeding efforts with broader agricultural research.
• Supervise and mentor junior scientists, technicians, and interns involved in breeding programs.
• Analyze and interpret complex genetic and phenotypic data, preparing detailed reports for internal stakeholders and contributing to scientific publications.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in plant genetics, breeding technologies, and agricultural biotechnology.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and ethical standards in plant breeding research conducted in Vereeniging, Gauteng.

Requirements

• A PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral research experience in crop breeding and genetics.
• Demonstrated expertise in quantitative genetics, molecular breeding techniques (e.g., marker-assisted selection, genomic selection), and statistical analysis of breeding data.
• Proven experience in designing and managing field trials and evaluating crop performance.
• Proficiency in bioinformatics tools and databases relevant to plant genetics.
• Excellent scientific leadership, project management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment in Vereeniging.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience with international agricultural research or seed industry is a plus.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement contributions.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth, attending international conferences, and leading innovative research projects are provided.
• Employees work within a cutting-edge research environment with access to advanced laboratory facilities and field stations in Vereeniging, Gauteng.
• A supportive and collaborative team culture fosters scientific excellence and career advancement.
• This role presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of next-generation crops and make a tangible impact on global food security.