Breeder Assistant – Plant Breeding Support

About the role

As a member of the South African Breeding team, you will support the Head of Breeding in developing new hybrid tomato varieties for targeted market segments. The role combines hands‑on seed handling in greenhouse and field environments with data management and coordination across research functions.

Key responsibilities

• Assist with seed picking, sowing, germination reporting, transplanting, pollination, harvesting and seed extraction.
• Perform seed disinfection, drying, packaging and maintain accurate inventory in the breeding database.
• Support planning, design and execution of breeding programmes under the breeder’s guidance.
• Coordinate activities with farm, pathology, molecular and research management teams.
• Collect samples for Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) and pathology testing.
• Manage crossing blocks, data entry, interpretation and reporting using the Phenome system.
• Oversee seed shipments, record‑keeping and compliance with phytosanitary and seed health requirements.
• Track on‑site and off‑site trial data and prepare regular reports.

Required profile

• Honours degree in Plant Breeding or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a breeding or seed production environment.
• Good written and spoken English.
• Strong organisational and time‑management abilities.
• Valid driver’s licence.
• Willingness to work in greenhouse and field conditions and meet deadlines.

Required skills

• Experience with the Phenome data‑management platform.
• Knowledge of Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) techniques.

What we offer

• Opportunity to work in a dynamic, multicultural EMEA team.
• Exposure to cutting‑edge hybrid tomato breeding projects.
• Family‑oriented company culture within a global seed leader.
• Professional development in a supportive environment.