Breeding Specialist (Corn / Maize) – Hoogekraal

Overview

Breeding Specialist (Corn / Maize) – Hoogekraal Jobs in Potchefstroom, North-West, South Africa at Vylor

Title: Breeding Specialist (Corn / Maize) – Hoogekraal

Company: Vylor

Location: Potchefstroom, North-West, South Africa

Join Vylor—Powering the Future of Agriculture

At Vylor, we’re advancing agriculture through breakthrough science—combining elite germplasm, cutting-edge biotech, and next-generation expertise in gene editing and molecular breeding. Our portfolio includes trusted industry brands like Pioneer®, Brevant®, and Hoegemeyer®, delivering performance farmers rely on.

Join us to help scale innovation globally and shape what’s next in crop science.

We’re hiring for a Breeding Specialist (Corn / Maize), based in Hoogekraal.

Learn how you can be our voice in the conversation about the future of agriculture.

The Breeding Specialist plays a key role in bringing the latest genetic innovations to market across Africa. Working closely with breeding, research, and operations teams, you will help ensure new genetics progress efficiently from early development to inbred line release, with a strong focus on quality and execution.

This is a broad, high-impact role that provides exposure to multiple breeding programs, research centers, and crop improvement initiatives, offering excellent opportunities to develop your expertise and influence breeding strategies at a regional scale.

Depending on business needs, you may lead projects, teams, or key activities across research centers, including seed handling and logistics, double-haploid delivery, trait integration, marker development, experiment planning, seed production, and phenotyping projects. While primarily focused on maize, the role may also support other crop programs as required.

You Will Be Part of Growing Team

Reports to the Site Operations Lead and works closely with all breeders, molecular biologists, plant pathologists, data analysts, operational teams and systems specialists.

Ensure the efficient planning and coordination of research activities to support the timely execution of operations, high-quality data delivery, experimental accuracy, and compliance with safety standards.

Your Challenge

• Collaborate with global Corn breeding colleagues to develop and deliver products for the African market.
• Ensure on-time and high-quality execution of breeding program nurseries and phenotyping activities across all research centers and teams involved, with emphasis on early-stage work from population development through to inbred line coding.
• Facilitate interactions and global seed logistics between breeding programs, double-haploid delivery, trait integration, genotyping, and rapid-cycling nursery teams, ensuring the newest genetics are delivered fast.
• Prepare data analysis jobs and participate in operational and product advancement meetings.
• Hold accountability for the full experimental plan and operational task management, in conjunction with Breeding and Operations Leads.
• Supervise projects including breeding germplasm inventory management: coordinating global seed exchange, non-routine seed discards, and systems data updates.
• Pursue continuous learning of Corn germplasm, new breeding tools and technologies, and the optimization of work processes (continuous improvement).
• Ensure global best practice in corn operations at all relevant research centers, and contribute to operating procedures in planting, seed handling, controlled pollination (including detasseling and nicking management), seed processing, conditioning, and storage.
• Engage in the Safety Program, meeting legal requirements and the company’s internal policies, while motivating colleagues in the same direction.

Field Work and Travel

This role includes extensive field-based research activities throughout the growing season, ensuring trials are executed according to design and that high-quality, accurate data is collected. The position requires regular time in the field, local travel, and a valid driver’s licence, as driving is an essential part of the role.

Location:

Hoogekraal (Potchefstroom), South Africa

To Grow What Matters, You Will Need

• PhD in Genetics / Plant Breeding, or M.Sc. supported by a minimum of 3 years’ of relevant experience.
• Corn field experience is beneficial.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work under seasonal tight deadlines with fast data turn-around.
• Knowledge of statistical software (R or Python).
• Ability to drive a vehicle is an essential requirement; a valid driver’s license is required and experience driving on rural/gravel roads is beneficial.
• Travel is required, particularly in-season; international travel may be required for hands-on training.
• Behavioural competencies: A curious and innovative professional with strong analytical skills, a collaborative mindset, and a commitment to delivering results. Demonstrates ownership, adaptability, the ability to influence stakeholders without authority, and a data-driven approach to decision-making.

Corteva announced to separate our current advanced seed and genetics business to establish a standalone company, operating as Vylor, Inc. The process of the planned separation is anticipated to be completed the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to legal requirements and board approval. Should you accept this position, it is anticipated that, following conclusion of the separation, you would be an employee of Vylor, Inc. and your employment would be governed by Vylor, Inc. employment processes, programs, policies, and benefit plans. In that case, details of any planned changes would be provided to you by Vylor, Inc. at an appropriate time and subject to any necessary consultation processes.

Vylor is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing our differences to enrich lives, advance innovation, and boost company performance. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, military or veteran status, pregnancy related conditions (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), disability or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local laws.