Plennegy Research: Senior Biotechnologist

2 weeks ago

Kempton Park, South Africa Plennegy (Pty) Ltd. Full time

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

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