Employment Opportunity : Principal Research Officer: Tree Breeding – (HRL18/P6/S7)

Employment Opportunity : Principal Research Officer: Tree Breeding – (HRL18/P6/S7)

Sappi Southern Africa Ltd.
FORESTS – TWEEDIE

PURPOSE OF THE JOB
To manage Sappi’s hardwood hybrid tree breeding programme and continually develop / breed new genotypes suited to Sappi’s current and future priorities. In developing new trees, the candidate should take cognizance of three broad themes: sustainability (pest & diseases; climate change, environmental challenges – frost, snow, drought), productivity (more fibre for Sappi’s mills) & value addition (additional wood quality traits that will enhance Sappi’s long term bio-refinery objectives).
REPORTING TO: PROGRAMME LEADER

  • Manage the hardwood hybrid breeding program
  • Determine and contribute to Sappi’s breeding strategy as part of a dynamic breeding team
  • Determine & design the direction and scope of breeding projects.
  • Collate, extract, analyze & interpret results in order to meet breeding objectives.
  • Stay abreast of current Research methodology in order to ensure best practice in specialist fields.
  • Interact with other scientists across relevant disciplines – including molecular genetics
  • Prepare and participate in field days, conferences, research reviews & other related forums.
  • Make presentations & provide regular feedback to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Manage staff personal development plans and provide coaching support to subordinates.
  • Ensure that staff comply with legislative, company policies and safety procedures.

KEY COMPETENCIES / SKILLS

  • Diagnostic & Analytical
  • Planning & Organizing
  • Innovation
  • Leadership skills
  • Systematic and logical thinker
  • Action orientated
  • Results driven

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE

  • A MSc degree in Plant Breeding / Genetics or equivalent discipline
  • A PhD degree will be an advantage
  • Minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience
  • Experience / qualifications in molecular genetics / genomics will be an advantage

 

If you meet the specified requirements please submit a detailed CV online with all relevant information
Closing date for applications: 17 May 2024
Applications to be submitted online: via Sappi Career Page
Sappi career page can be accessed via Sappi global intranet pages or www.sappi.com
For enquires contact: Siyanda Gama, Sappi HR
+27 (0)11 407 8502 or Siyanda.Gama@sappi.com
Sappi is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Should you not have been contacted within 14 days of the closing date of this advert, please consider your application unsuccessful.