Job Description

Starke Ayres is the foremost African specialist and global supplier of premium vegetable, flower and lawn seed varieties - both for commercial and home garden planting. The following position has become available for a Senior Biotechnologist, based in Kempton Park.



Purpose of Job: To enhance germplasm through pre-breeding and speed breeding in conjunction with breeders, pathology and biotechnology teams

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Gather and assess germplasm for onion, tomato, squash and other crops as needed

Request breeding sources from gene-banks and other breeding partners Plant, grow and evaluate material under suitable conditions (tunnel / field) Characterize material by coordinating genotyping and pathology screening Identify possible traits of interest for further investigation

Pre-breeding and QTL mapping of identified traits

Cross-pollinate identified material to suitable donors for population development Coordinate trait mapping using populations in conjunction with the breeder and/or pathology. Marker improvement and validation studies using suitable populations. Trait identification for marker development from published literature using bioinformatics software (eg Persephone). Liaise with external service providers for genotyping/sequencing projects. Assist with back-crossing activities if required

Investigate and develop onion speed breeding protocols

Manage day-to-day operations and functioning of the controlled environment facility Develop through experimentation methods for onion speed breeding (daylength, temperature, light quality) Validate protocols for bulb development and subsequent flowering and seed development Advance breeding material through successive cycles of breeding in conjunction with breeders needs Assist with population development for marker development

Teamwork and Collaboration

Interacts appropriately and respectfully with others Offers expert service / advice to colleagues. Displays a positive attitude towards the company and its goals. Develops constructive and co-operative working relationships with team members inside and outside the team. Deals with conflict in a constructive manner. Acts responsibly and professionally at all times, fostering goodwill and a positive image for the Company.

General

Performs other duties and special projects as assigned by supervisors. Keep updated with new molecular protocols/ techniques that could be applicable to PLENNEGY RESEARCH's Biotechnology Centre. Suggest implementation of new genetic technologies and protocols to superiors. Responsible for general housekeeping in PCR set-up laboratory. Good laboratory practice to be maintained at all times. General Health and Safety Rules to be adhered to at all times in accordance with the OHSA.

REQUIREMENTS:

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology / Plant Genetics / Plant Breeding (Essential)

Experience:

3 years as a Junior Biotechnologist * 7 Years as a Biotechnologist