Job Description

Purpose of the job:
The candidate will be required to conduct innovative and applied biotechnology research that supports and advances the clients strategic objectives in sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental resilience. The Biotechnology Researcher will develop, optimize, and apply molecular, genetic, and microbial techniques to improve crop and livestock productivity as well as enhance disease resistance, and contribute to bio-based solutions aligned with national and continental agricultural development priorities.
Key Responsibilities include but not limited to the following:

• Initiate/manage research on molecular markers in tropical and subtropical fruit trees.
• Write publications/present research outcomes of relevance to subtropical fruit growers, industries and the scientific community.
• Provide leadership and mentoring to research technicians, assistants and students.
• Develop tools for molecular breeding and marker assisted selection in fruit trees.
• Liaise with growers, industry technical officers and national and provincial government.

Minimum Qualifications, Experience, and Knowledge:

• PhD in Plant Biotechnology/Molecular Biology.
• Relevant experience of 3 years in a scientific research environment studying molecular markers in plants.
• In depth knowledge of Plant Biotechnology/Plant Molecular Biology with a particular emphasis on molecular marker technologies.
• Proven record of at least 3 scientific publications and presentations at scientific conferences and symposia.
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• Proven history of collaboration at national level.
• Proven history of mentoring and supervising/co-supervising researchers and students.
• Proven history of strategic and operational planning skills and expertise.
• Proficiency in MS office suite.
• Code EB drivers license.

If you do not hear from us within 2 weeks after closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.