Researcher

FGV Holdings Berhad is Malaysia’s leading global agri-business and the world’s largest producer of Crude Palm Oil (CPO). FGV’s operations stretch across more than 10 countries in Asia, the Middle East, North America and Europe, and are focused on three main business sectors namely Plantation Sector, Logistics & Support Business (LSB) Sector and Sugar Sector. FGV is the world’s third biggest oil palm plantation operator, has the world’s largest bulking and storage facilities for vegetable oil and is Malaysia’s top refined sugar producer.

In line with our business expansion, we would like to invite qualified and candidates to fill the following position at FGV R&D Sdn Bhd

Job Description

Job Purpose

To lead and support oil palm breeding and improvement programs focusing on Virescens trait development, Long Stalk breeding, and nursery operation management through effective research planning, data analysis, breeding design, and operational coordination to produce superior planting materials and accelerate genetic improvement outcomes.

Key Accountabilities

1. Technical Expertise

• Knowledgeable in oil palm breeding strategies, genetic improvement methodologies, and nursery management practices.

• Lead and coordinate Virescens and Long Stalk breeding and improvement programs.

• Develop and implement breeding plans, mating designs, and crossing matrices for targeted trait improvement.

• Conduct and supervise data collection for agronomic, physiological, vegetative, and yield-related traits.

• Monitor and evaluate nursery performance including seedling quality, culling rate, and legitimacy analysis.

• Analyze breeding and trial data using appropriate statistical tools and methodologies.

• Ensure proper maintenance and accuracy of breeding, nursery, and research databases.

• Support evaluation and selection of elite breeding materials for future commercialization and research advancement.

2. Project Management

• Prepare, manage, and monitor research project budgets and operational expenditures.

• Coordinate nursery operational activities including manpower planning, scheduling, reporting, and resource utilization.

• Collaborate with internal units and external research partners to improve research efficiency and accelerate output delivery.

• Monitor project timelines, prioritize research activities, and ensure milestones are achieved according to schedule.

• Provide technical guidance, coaching, and supervision to research assistants, nursery staff, and subordinates.

• Ensure compliance with research protocols, SOPs, safety standards, and quality requirements.

• Assist in planning and execution of field trials, progeny evaluations, and nursery experiments.

3. Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare technical reports, research updates, and presentations for management review.

• Produce scientific publications, technical papers, and internal documentation related to breeding and nursery activities.

• Maintain accurate records of breeding populations, nursery inventories, trial observations, and operational performance.

• Present research findings and progress updates during internal meetings, technical discussions, and external engagements when required.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, Biotechnology, Agriculture, or related field.

• Experience in oil palm breeding, nursery management, or crop improvement research is preferred.

• Familiarity with statistical and genetic analysis tools is preferred.

• Good project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

• Strong communication, report writing, and presentation abilities.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary research environments.