Background of MSc Plant Breeding Project:

In the first stage field evaluation in sugarcane breeding at SASRI, the genotypes within family plots are planted using tram-line plot configuration. Tramline plot configuration is when two adjacent rows are planted followed by an unplanted row. The unplanted row is used to provide easy access to the individual genotypes plots during yield measurements, disease inspections, eldana damage assessment and final genotype evaluation for selection and advancement. However, the unplanted row provides extra space for vigorous genotypes to exploit and grow larger. The effect on genotypes of the extra space provided by the unplanted row is not known. Further, if genotypes react differently when provided with extra space, the results of yield measurements may also vary and not be correlated to the results obtained when the genotypes are planted under normal commercial planting. In normal commercial planting, there is no tramline and continuous rows are planted. If the bias is significant, the tramline may result is selection of a significant proportion of genotypes that would not possess high yield under normal planting as is practiced during commercial planting. Understanding the impact of plot configurations on genetic and breeding parameters will increase accuracy of data and selection in the first stage of sugarcane breeding in South Africa.

Objectives of the Project:

The objectives of this study are to determine the genetic and breeding parameters for yield, quality, pest and disease traits under tramline and commercial planting plot configurations, determine phenotypic and genetic correlations under tramline and commercial plot configurations and evaluate implication on family evaluation, estimates of breeding values and field selection. The results from this study will be used to optimise the first stage of SASRI sugarcane breeding programmes.

The ideal candidate must have:

• BSc or BSc Hons in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Crop Science, Horticulture and Agronomy with a minor in Statistics.
• Strong academic background in the fields of genetics, plant breeding, quantitative genetics and statistics.
• Good knowledge and understanding of statistical data analysis using statistical software and experimental design is essential. However, further practical training will be provided.
• Possess critical thinking and analytical skills as well as the ability to work in a diverse team.

What the Bursary Offers:

This post-graduate bursary offers tuition fees and board and lodging on site at our Sugarcane Research Institute in Mount Edgecombe. The successful candidate will be based at SASRI (Mount Edgecombe) and will register with one of the South African Universities

The ideal candidate will have the following competencies:

Ability

• Critically review scientific literature
• Write a scientific research paper
• Analyse data and provide recommendations

Experience

• Analyising data and providing recommendations
• Preparing and presenting a research proposal
• Working with field trials

Knowledge

• Plant Breeding or Genetics at Honours level
• Statistical research methods applicable to Plant Breeding or Genetics research

How to apply? (details about the employer and the stipend to be paid to successful candidates)

To apply for this masters bursaries at SASA CLICK HERE

About The Employer

The South African Sugar Association (SASA) provides a diverse range of highly specialised services to the South African sugar industry and our activities are funded in the main by the sugarcane growers and sugar milling companies. Our mission is to provide specialist services that enhance the profitability, global competitiveness and sustainability of the South African sugar industry.

Employer & Job Benefits

• Our highly sought after post-graduate bursary / research programme offers tuition fees
• board and lodging on site at our Sugarcane Research Institute in Mount Edgecombe together with a monthly stipend of R5000 and numerous other benefits.

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The Internship Programme in the HSRC is meant to provide the successful candidates with an opportunity to further develop their research expertise by working with subject experts and project specialists. The internship experience is intensive and requires mature individuals who are able to work under supervision and participate effectively in a team. The successful individuals will be required to balance their day to day duties and responsibilities in PHHSI and the HSRC with their PhD studies related work and complete their thesis within 3 years. Time is set aside for this purpose.

Key responsibilities will include:

In addition to completing their PhD degrees within three years, the PhD  trainees are required to participate in all aspects of the research process as they work with staff on research projects related to health care financing and health systems research. Among other duties they will participate in the following activities under supervision:

• Conceptualisation and execution of research projects;
• Writing funding proposals for funding applications;
• Collection and analysis of data;
• Producing peer reviewed research articles that appear in accredited scientific journals
• Write up of research results including workshops and conferences presentations, high quality research reports and manuscripts for submission to accredited scientific journals;
• Developing own personal academic competencies through formal and informal training activities;
• Assist with administrative matters in the research environment.

Key requirements:

• For a PhD Internship, applicants must be in possession of a Master’s degree (or equivalent qualification) and be registered for, or about to register for, a PhD with a registered South African University;
• Have an interest and some experience in Health Economics and any other of the priority research areas of PHHSI (e.g. infant, child and maternal health including reproductive health; nutrition; social determinants of heath such as smoking, alcohol and stress; health promotion and disease prevention, and gender in health and development);
• Experience in and understanding of quantitative and qualitative research approaches will be a strong recommendation;
• Proficiency in or working experience with some or all of the following programmes:  MS Access, Excel, Word, SPSS, STATA, Nvivo, AtlasTI or other relevant statistical packages;
• Sound knowledge of data management and data analysis or statistical skills will be advantageous;
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment;
• Good communication and leadership skills.

The HSRC offers attractive, market-related packages depending on qualifications and experience.

Applications: In your application, please include: your CV, a letter of motivation, the advert reference, the details of three recent referees (with telephone, fax and e-mail contact details), and photocopies of up to three of your sole or first-authored publications.  The HSRC will only consider applications that comply with the above requirements.  Applicants may be required to undertake a written exercise in the competencies required for the position.

Please submit your application to: : The HR Generalist, Private Bag X9182, Cape Town, 8000 or hand deliver it to the HSRC, Ground Floor Reception, Plein Park Building, Cape Town. E-mailed and faxed applications will not be accepted.  For further enquiries, please contact Professor Demetre Labadarios on +27(0)21 466 7802.

The HSRC is committed to accelerating the improvement in the proportion of its senior managers, research leaders and support staff who are black, female or disabled.

Closing date: 13 May 2013. We encourage applicants to submit prior to that date. Applicants who have not been contacted within eight weeks should assume that their application has been unsuccessful. Only candidates who are interviewed will be advised of the outcome of the interview.

APPLICATIONS FROM AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

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