Senior Plant Scientist - Crop Improvement

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid work

Facilities access

Health benefits

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Plant Scientist specializing in crop improvement for their R&D team in Sandton. This hybrid role leads initiatives to enhance crop yields, resilience, and nutritional value through advanced breeding techniques and biotechnological approaches.

You will guide research projects, analyze data, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate discoveries into practical agricultural applications.

Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Science, Genetics, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in crop breeding and plant genetics research.
• Proven track record of successful crop improvement projects and publications.
• Expertise in quantitative genetics, molecular breeding techniques, and statistical analysis software.
• Strong leadership and project management skills, with the ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead research projects focused on developing new crop varieties with improved traits such as yield, disease resistance, and environmental tolerance.
• Design and execute field and laboratory experiments, employing advanced breeding methodologies and molecular biology techniques.
• Analyze complex genetic and phenotypic data, utilizing statistical software to interpret results and draw conclusions.
• Collaborate with agronomists, plant pathologists, and other specialists to ensure the successful development and commercialization of new varieties.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the strategic direction of the company's crop improvement program.

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and innovative Senior Plant Scientist specializing in Crop Improvement for their research and development team in Sandton . This hybrid role will lead initiatives focused on enhancing crop yields, resilience, and nutritional value through advanced breeding techniques and biotechnological approaches. You will guide research projects, analyze experimental data, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate scientific discoveries into practical agricultural applications. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned scientist to make a significant contribution to the future of agriculture and food security.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research projects focused on developing new crop varieties with improved traits such as yield, disease resistance, and environmental tolerance.
• Design and execute field and laboratory experiments, employing advanced breeding methodologies and molecular biology techniques.
• Analyze complex genetic and phenotypic data, utilizing statistical software to interpret results and draw conclusions.
• Collaborate with agronomists, plant pathologists, and other specialists to ensure the successful development and commercialization of new varieties.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the strategic direction of the company's crop improvement program.

Requirements

• PhD in Plant Science, Genetics, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in crop breeding and plant genetics research.
• Proven track record of successful crop improvement projects and publications.
• Expertise in quantitative genetics, molecular breeding techniques, and statistical analysis software.
• Strong leadership and project management skills, with the ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Hybrid work model offering a balance of lab/office and remote flexibility.
• Access to state-of-the‑art research facilities and equipment.
• Comprehensive health, retirement, and other employee benefits.
• Significant opportunities for scientific advancement and impact in the agricultural sector.