Breeding Specialist (Corn / Maize) - Delmas

GROWING WHAT MATTERS STARTS WITH YOU

Corteva Agriscience™, the world's first dedicated agriculture start-up, serves to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. Our employees fulfill this purpose everyday by building/participating in an inclusive culture where we encourage each other to stay curious, think differently, act boldly and do what's right for our customers, our co-workers, our partners and our planet. With over 20,000 team members from 130 countries, innovating in 140 world class R&D facilities, we have the resources, leadership heritage and partner ecosystem to make a meaningful impact now and into the future.

#GrowWhatMatters

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

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

As a Breeding Specialist , you will play a critical role in accelerating the delivery of innovative genetic solutions to farmers across Africa. Partnering with breeding, research, and operations teams, you will help advance new genetics from early-stage development to inbred line release, ensuring excellence in execution, quality, and timely delivery.

This is a diverse, high-impact role that offers exposure to multiple breeding programs, research centers, and crop improvement initiatives across the region. You'll have the opportunity to broaden your technical expertise, drive continuous improvement, and contribute to breeding strategies that shape the future of agriculture.

The role may include leading projects, teams, or key research activities across locations, such as seed operations and logistics, double-haploid delivery, trait integration, marker development, experimental planning, seed production, and phenotyping. While primarily focused on maize breeding, you may also contribute to other crop programs as business needs evolve.

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.

Drive the seamless planning and execution of research activities, ensuring operational excellence, accurate experimental outcomes, timely data delivery, and a strong culture of safety.

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, testing networks, and phenotyping activities across all research centers and teams involved, with emphasis on later-stage work from inbred line coding through to product advancement.
• Facilitate interactions and global seed logistics between breeding programs, trait integration, genotyping, regional seed production, and testing 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 is a highly field-oriented role, with significant involvement in the planning, execution, and validation of research trials throughout the growing season. Success in this position requires a strong commitment to data quality, extensive time in the field, regular local travel, and a valid driver's licence

Location:

Delmas, South Africa

To Grow What Matters, You Will Need

PhD in Genetics / Plant Breeding, or M.Sc. supported by minimum 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: An innovative and analytical professional who thrives in collaborative environments, demonstrates accountability, adapts to evolving challenges, influences without authority and uses data to drive impactful decisions.

Who Are We Looking For?

• Curious, bold thinkers who want to grow their careers and be part of a winning team
• Market shaping individuals who want to transform the agriculture industry to meet the world’s growing need for food
• Collaborators who thrive in a diverse, inclusive work environment
• Innovators who bring initiative and fresh ideas that drive our business into the future and make us an industry leader

Growing What Matters Starts With You… What We Can Offer To Help You Grow?

• Opportunity to be part of a global industry leader working to discover solutions to the most pressing
• agricultural challenges of our time
• Challenging work assignments that grow your skills, capabilities and experiences
• Opportunities for international rotations and relocation that will expand your global view and cultural experience
• Diverse, inclusive work environment where employees bring their whole selves to work and feel heard, valued and empowered
• Dedicated and customized resources to help grow your professional skills, industry expertise and personal perspectives.
• Joining us is a natural opportunity to strengthen your professional network through valuable relationships.
• Support the health and well-being of every employee by offering world-class benefits, meaningful work and competitive salary
• Performance driven culture with a strong focus on speed, efficiency and agility

#LI-NK2

Corteva Agriscience 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.