Senior Plant Scientist - Crop Improvement

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Health insurance and retirement plans

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Plant Scientist for a leading agricultural research institution in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. The role focuses on crop improvement, yielding better resilience and nutrition through advanced scientific methods.

The successful candidate will design experiments, analyze complex data, and collaborate with agronomists, geneticists, and biotechnologists in an on-site facility. This role emphasizes mentoring and biosafety compliance.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Science or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of post‑doctoral or industry experience in plant research focusing on crop improvement.
• Experience with plant molecular biology techniques, genetic analysis, and marker‑assisted selection.
• Strong understanding of plant physiology, genetics, and genomics; proficient in experimental design and statistical analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments to improve crop traits (yield, disease resistance, stress tolerance).
• Utilize molecular biology and genetic techniques for plant breeding and development.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret large datasets from field trials and labs.
• Manage greenhouse and field trial operations with data integrity and precision.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to translate findings into breeding programs.
• Stay updated on advances in plant science, genomics, and biotech.
• Author reports and present findings at symposia; mentor junior staff and ensure biosafety compliance.

Skills

Plant physiology

Genetics

Molecular biology

Data analysis

Experiment design

Statistical analysis

Teamwork

Communication

Project management

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Science or related field

Tools

Genetic analysis software

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leading agricultural research institution, is seeking a Senior Plant Scientist to contribute to groundbreaking work in crop improvement. This vital role is based in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, and will focus on enhancing crop yields, resilience, and nutritional value through advanced scientific methodologies. The successful candidate will design and execute experiments, analyze complex data, and collaborate with a team of agronomists, geneticists, and biotechnologists. We are looking for a candidate with a deep understanding of plant physiology, genetics, and molecular biology, coupled with a passion for sustainable agriculture. This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible impact on global food security and agricultural innovation within a well-respected research organization committed to excellence. The role requires on-site presence to manage laboratory and field trials effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments focused on improving crop traits such as yield, disease resistance, and stress tolerance.
• Utilize advanced molecular biology and genetic techniques for plant breeding and development.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret large datasets from field trials and laboratory experiments.
• Manage greenhouse and field trial operations, ensuring data integrity and experimental precision.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate research findings into practical breeding programs.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in plant science, genomics, and agricultural biotechnology.
• Author scientific reports, publications, and present findings at relevant symposia.
• Mentor junior researchers and technicians, providing guidance and training.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant biosafety and regulatory guidelines.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Plant Science, Agronomy, Genetics, Plant Breeding, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in plant research, with a focus on crop improvement.
• Proven experience with plant molecular biology techniques, genetic analysis, and marker-assisted selection.
• Strong understanding of plant physiology, genetics, and genomics.
• Experience in experimental design and statistical analysis of agricultural data.Proficiency with relevant scientific software and databases.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a field and lab environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and deliver research outcomes.
• Experience with quantitative genetics and breeding software is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunities for professional development, including participation in scientific conferences and advanced training, are provided.
• This position is based in our research facility in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, offering access to excellent resources and a collaborative work environment.
• The role is primarily on-site to ensure effective management of experimental activities.