Assistant Plant Breeder at Mayfly Agri (Pty) Ltd

• A global horticultural seed company is seeking the above to be responsible for assisting the Head of Breeding with developing and creating new hybrid Tomato`s for specific market segments.

Minimum requirements for the role:

• Must have a relevant Honours Degree specializing in Plant Breeding or similar field
• Minimum 2+ years’ experience in Breeding
• Must have a good level of organization and time management
• Proficiency in English (Written and Spoken)
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Willing to work across a broad range of diverse tasks and environments
• Willing to work in field and greenhouse conditions

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Supporting the breeder and farm teams in managing tasks such as seed picking and sowing, generating germination reports, transplanting, maintaining plants, pollinating, harvesting, extracting seeds, disinfecting seeds, drying seeds, packaging, and updating inventory in the breeding database.
• Assisting and supporting, under the guidance of the breeder, in planning, designing, implementing, and executing breeding programs; evaluating and assisting in the selection process and contributing towards the efficient and timely output of the breeding programs.
• Coordinating and communicating breeding program activities to the breeder, the farm team, pathology and molecular teams, and research management.
• Taking responsibility for and assisting in sampling for MAS and providing pathology support.
• Assisting the breeder in planning, organizing, and supervising crossing blocks.
• Assisting the breeder in managing accurate and detailed breeding program data using Phenome, including entering data, managing inventory, interpreting information, and reporting.
• Coordinating, following up, collecting data, interpreting results, and reporting on various on- and off-site trials.
• Taking responsibility for seed shipments and maintaining records.
• Implementing and adhering to phytosanitary requirements and performing seed health testing.