Senior Plant Scientist - Crop Improvement

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Generous leave

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Research facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Plant Scientist to lead Crop Improvement initiatives in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The role combines innovative breeding, molecular genetics, and advanced analytics to develop high-yield, nutrient-rich crops.

The ideal candidate has a Ph.D. with 7+ years post-doctoral experience and a proven track record in plant genetics, molecular biology, and crop physiology, with leadership capabilities.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Science, Genetics, Agronomy, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral research experience in plant breeding or crop improvement.
• Proven leadership of research projects and teams.
• Strong expertise in plant genetics, molecular biology, and crop physiology.
• Experience with PCR/qPCR, DNA sequencing and gene editing; proficiency with bioinformatics tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead research projects focused on improving key traits in major crop species (yield, drought tolerance, disease resistance, nutritional content).
• Design and implement genetic and molecular breeding strategies (MAS, GS).
• Utilize gene editing (CRISPR), transgenesis, and NGS techniques.
• Conduct physiological and phenotypic assessments of plant lines.
• Mentor junior scientists and research assistants.
• Prepare research reports and publications; contribute to IP and regulatory submissions.

Skills

Plant genetics

Molecular biology

Crop physiology

Bioinformatics

Statistics (R/SAS)

Leadership

Communication

PCR/qPCR

Gene editing

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Science or related field

Tools

PCR

qPCR

DNA sequencing

Gene editing

Bioinformatics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in agricultural biotechnology, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Plant Scientist specializing in Crop Improvement to join their innovative research team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, ZA. This role is crucial for driving the development of next-generation crops with enhanced yields, nutritional value, and resilience to environmental challenges. You will lead research projects, apply cutting-edge genetic and molecular techniques, and contribute to the advancement of sustainable agriculture. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of plant genetics, breeding, molecular biology, and crop physiology, coupled with proven leadership and project management skills. This position offers a hybrid work model, providing flexibility while ensuring essential collaboration within our advanced research facilities. We are committed to fostering a dynamic scientific environment that encourages innovation and discovery. Join us in shaping the future of food security and agricultural sustainability through advanced scientific research and development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research projects focused on improving key traits in major crop species (e.g., yield, drought tolerance, disease resistance, nutritional content).
• Design and implement genetic and molecular breeding strategies, including marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS).
• Utilize advanced molecular biology techniques such as gene editing (CRISPR), transgenesis, and next-generation sequencing (NGS).
• Conduct physiological and phenotypic assessments of experimental plant lines.
• Analyze complex genetic and phenotypic data, interpreting results and making informed recommendations.
• Collaborate effectively with plant breeders, geneticists, agronomists, and other R&D teams.
• Stay current with scientific literature, emerging technologies, and industry trends in plant science and crop improvement.
• Mentor junior scientists and research assistants.
• Prepare research reports, scientific publications, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Contribute to the development of intellectual property and regulatory submissions.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Plant Science, Genetics, Agronomy, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral research experience in plant breeding or crop improvement.
• Demonstrated experience in leading research projects and managing scientific teams.
• Strong expertise in plant genetics, molecular biology, and crop physiology.
• Proficiency with molecular techniques (e.g., PCR, qPCR, DNA sequencing, gene editing) and experience with bioinformatics tools.
• Experience with statistical analysis software (e.g., R, SAS) and handling large datasets.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid setting, collaborating both remotely and on-site.
• Must be able to commute to Stellenbosch, Western Cape, ZA for essential laboratory and field activities.
• Experience with specific crop species relevant to South African agriculture is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Generous annual leave and paid holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.
• Access to cutting-edge research facilities and greenhouses.
• Collaborative and innovative work culture.
• Relocation assistance may be considered.
• Employee assistance program.
• Contribute to global food security and sustainable agriculture.