Remote Plant Breeder - Grains

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Remote Plant Breeder specializing in grains to join their cutting-edge research and development team. This position is fully remote, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. You will be responsible for developing new, high-performance grain varieties through advanced breeding techniques, contributing significantly to food security and agricultural sustainability. This role demands a deep understanding of genetics, molecular biology, and agronomic principles, coupled with the ability to manage projects independently in a virtual environment. You will collaborate with a global team of scientists and researchers, driving the future of grain production.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute plant breeding programs for key grain crops, focusing on yield, disease resistance, and quality traits.
• Utilize advanced molecular breeding techniques, including marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS).
• Conduct field trials, collect and analyze data, and interpret results to select superior lines.
• Manage breeding nurseries, seed increase programs, and germplasm collections.
• Collaborate virtually with plant pathologists, agronomists, and data scientists to ensure integrated breeding approaches.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in plant genetics and breeding technologies.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in quantitative genetics and plant breeding.
• Demonstrated success in developing and releasing new crop varieties.
• Proficiency with breeding software and statistical analysis tools (e.g., R, SAS, JMP).
• Experience with molecular breeding techniques and interpretation of genomic data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective remote collaboration.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual bonus potential.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Generous home office stipend and IT support.
• Opportunities for professional growth and virtual conference attendance.
• Flexible working hours and a truly remote work environment.