Senior Agronomy Research Scientist Job Vacancy in Malotini, Eswatini – Agriculture & Research | Swaziland Plant Breeders

Job Description

Position: Senior Agronomy Research Scientist

Company: Swaziland Plant Breeders

Location: Malotini, Eswatini

Experience: 7-10 years

Education: PhD in Plant Genetics or Agronomy

Employment Type: Permanent

Industry: Agriculture & Research

Department: Research & Development

Salary: SSP 350,000 – SSP 520,000 per annum

Vacancies: 1

Company Overview

Swaziland Plant Breeders is a premier agricultural research institution dedicated to advancing crop productivity and resilience across Southern Africa. As a leader in seed technology and genetic optimization, we focus on developing high-yield, climate-resilient crop varieties that empower local farmers and ensure food security. Our facility in Malotini serves as a hub for scientific excellence, where cutting-edge biotechnology meets practical field application. We are committed to sustainable agricultural practices that protect the ecosystem while maximizing output for commercial and smallholder farmers alike. By joining our team, you become part of a mission to transform the agricultural landscape of the region through science-driven innovation and rigorous field testing.

Job Overview

We are seeking a highly qualified Senior Agronomy Research Scientist to lead our advanced crop development programs. This role is critical to our mission of identifying superior genetic traits and optimizing field performance for various staple crops. The successful candidate will oversee complex experimental trials, manage large datasets, and translate scientific findings into actionable breeding strategies. This is a high-impact role that requires a deep understanding of plant physiology, soil science, and statistical modeling. As we expand our research footprint, this position offers significant career opportunities in Eswatini for a scientist dedicated to agricultural excellence. You can learn more about our mission at https://eswatinijobsearch.com.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement large-scale field trials to evaluate new crop varieties under diverse environmental conditions.
• Analyze complex phenotypic and genotypic data to identify superior plant traits.
• Collaborate with the breeding team to integrate molecular markers into traditional breeding programs.
• Supervise field technicians and laboratory staff during planting, maintenance, and harvesting phases.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at international agronomy conferences.
• Develop protocols for pest and disease resistance testing in controlled environments.

Required Skills

• Advanced expertise in plant genetics, breeding methodologies, and agronomic management.
• Proficiency in statistical software such as R, SAS, or Python for biological data analysis.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to lead multi-disciplinary research teams.
• Exceptional scientific writing and communication skills for technical reporting.
• In-depth knowledge of soil health, irrigation management, and nutrient optimization.

Education

A PhD in Plant Genetics, Agronomy, Crop Science, or a closely related biological science is mandatory. Post-doctoral research experience in a commercial agricultural setting is highly preferred.

Experience

Candidates must possess a minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral experience in agricultural research, specifically focused on field-based crop trials and genetic selection. Proven track record of managing complex research projects and leading scientific teams is essential for this senior-level position.

Salary

The annual gross salary for this position ranges from SSP 350,000 to SSP 520,000, depending on the candidate’s specific expertise and research accomplishments. This is a competitive package designed to attract top-tier scientific talent to Eswatini.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and life insurance coverage.
• Performance-based annual bonuses.
• Professional development allowance for international conferences.
• Relocation assistance for qualified international candidates.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory and field research equipment.

Training

New hires will undergo intensive training on our proprietary seed testing protocols and specialized laboratory equipment. We also provide continuous learning opportunities through partnerships with international agricultural research centers. For more global career insights, visit https://cameroonjobsearch.com/.

Working Environment

The working environment is a hybrid of high-tech laboratory settings and outdoor field research sites. You will spend significant time in the field, often in varying weather conditions, to monitor crop development. This role requires a high degree of autonomy and the ability to work effectively in both a collaborative team setting and independently in the field.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a comprehensive CV, a cover letter detailing their research achievements, and a list of published scientific papers. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. This job vacancy in Eswatini is part of our ongoing effort to hire in Eswatini the best scientific minds. Please ensure all documentation is submitted through our official portal. For more information on employment in Eswatini, please visit https://moroccojobsearch.com/job-vacancy-morocco/.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Swaziland Plant Breeders is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees regardless of race, religion, gender, or background. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply for these career opportunities in Eswatini.