Junior Plant Breeder – Zucchini

About the role

Starke Ayres, a leading African specialist and global supplier of premium vegetable, flower and lawn seed varieties, is seeking a Junior Plant Breeder focused on zucchini. Based in Kempton Park, the role will support the company’s breeding programme to develop new commercial varieties.

Key responsibilities

• Manage and execute a crop breeding programme aligned with business and market objectives.
• Develop, evaluate, and maintain germplasm and breeding populations.
• Select and develop inbred lines, varieties, and hybrid combinations with commercial potential.
• Collaborate with pathology, biotechnology, production, and marketing teams to achieve breeding objectives.
• Plan, coordinate, and monitor breeding activities, ensuring quality standards and timelines are met.
• Design, establish, and evaluate field trials both on‑station and at external trial sites.
• Analyse, interpret, and present breeding and trial data to support decision‑making.
• Maintain accurate breeding records, databases, and programme documentation.
• Ensure availability of seed, germplasm, and trial materials required for breeding activities.
• Coordinate trial planting, harvesting, data collection, and reporting processes.
• Identify opportunities to improve breeding methods, processes, and resource utilisation.
• Monitor industry trends, market requirements, and emerging technologies relevant to crop improvement.
• Participate in research collaborations, industry events, field days, and professional development activities.
• Provide technical support and contribute to crop‑related problem‑solving initiatives.
• Work closely with farm managers, supervisors, and research teams to ensure successful programme execution.

Required profile

• B.Sc. in Plant Breeding or Genetics (essential).
• 1‑3 years of experience in plant breeding or related research.
• Strong understanding of germplasm management and hybrid development.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent data analysis and presentation skills.

Required skills

• Germplasm management
• Field trial design and evaluation