Senior Agricultural Research Scientist – Plant Breeding in Kimberley

Our client, a renowned agricultural research institution, is seeking an accomplished Senior Agricultural Research Scientist specializing in Plant Breeding to join their innovative team in Kimberley, Northern Cape. This role is central to developing new crop varieties with enhanced yield, disease resistance, and climate resilience, crucial for addressing food security challenges. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of genetics, molecular biology, and quantitative genetics, coupled with significant experience in breeding programs for staple crops. You will have the opportunity to lead cutting-edge research and contribute significantly to the advancement of agricultural science. We are committed to fostering a collaborative and research-intensive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement comprehensive plant breeding programs to develop superior crop varieties suited for local conditions in Northern Cape.
• Utilize advanced genetic and molecular techniques, including marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS), to accelerate breeding cycles.
• Conduct field trials to evaluate the performance of new breeding lines for key agronomic traits, yield potential, and stress tolerance (e.g., drought, heat).
• Analyze phenotypic and genotypic data using statistical software and bioinformatics tools to identify desirable genes and breeding strategies.
• Collaborate with plant pathologists, entomologists, and agronomists to integrate pest and disease resistance into breeding objectives.
• Manage experimental data, maintain detailed records, and ensure the integrity of research findings.
• Author scientific publications, present research results at national and international conferences, and contribute to grant proposals.
• Supervise and mentor junior researchers, technicians, and students involved in breeding projects.
• Ensure compliance with biosafety regulations and ethical standards in all research activities.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or a related field with a strong focus on crop improvement.
• Minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral research experience in plant breeding, with a proven track record of developing and releasing new crop varieties.
• Extensive knowledge of quantitative genetics, breeding methodologies, and experimental design.
• Proficiency in using statistical software (e.g., SAS, R) and bioinformatics tools for genetic analysis.
• Experience with molecular breeding techniques (e.g., marker-assisted selection, genotyping).
• Excellent scientific writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated leadership ability and experience in managing research projects and teams.
• Familiarity with the specific challenges and opportunities in dryland agriculture is advantageous.
• Ability to work effectively in both field and laboratory settings.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, a generous retirement fund, and opportunities for professional development and research funding. This hybrid role provides flexibility, allowing for impactful on-site work at our research facilities in Kimberley and remote research planning and analysis. Join a team at the forefront of agricultural innovation, contribute to developing resilient crop varieties, and advance your career in a dynamic research environment.