Assistant Breeder

The primary responsibility of this role is to develop and improve a competitive Soft White Winter Wheat (SWW) program, as well as to support the Soft Red Winter Wheat (SRW) breeding activities by accurately and efficiently providing day-to-day assistance for a variety of activities at the Champaign, IL Breeding Station. A key role will be providing leadership and guidance to breeding and field technicians in support of all projects through activities including trial and nursery planning, seed handling, data collection and analysis, and field operations including planting, harvest and crossing. Also, the role will include responsibility for implementing, using and further developing Genomic Breeding Techniques in all breeding programs, as well as actively participating with all other aspects of the wheat breeding program.

Essential job functions:

• Develop and maintain a competitive product portfolio for SWW in the United States
• Collection and evaluation of breeding data, including molecular marker data, and implementation in the breeding process for variety development
• Optimize breeding schemes by incorporating modern technologies
• Deliver SWW experimental line entries for OVT trials each year
• Active collaboration and involvement with the Commercial Team activities in the USA when required
• Active participation in Research and Development meetings
• Provide input regarding operational budgets
• Plan, execute and evaluate SWW yield trials and screening nurseries at all locations
• Support the SRW Breeder, as needed, by coordinating necessary activities to turn-around seed between harvest and sowing; create field plans and books; provide technical expertise to handle breeding machinery, or other duties that may arise
• Active involvement in the development of hybrid wheat breeding programs
• Train and provide technical supervision of seasonal staff as needed
• Collaborate within an international team of breeders and researchers
• Regular travel and/or drive vehicle or forklift on behalf of the business
• Meet attendance requirements
• Ensure the Company handbook, Rules, Guidelines and Procedures, and safety policies are followed and personal protective equipment is used correctly.
• Provide support for other research projects as assigned

Required qualifications:

• MS in Breeding or related scientific fields (i.e. Agronomy, Genetics, Horticulture, etc.)
• Strong computer and analytical skills to analyze data and prepare management updates. Ability to learn new database and related computer systems
• Good knowledge of quantitative genetics, breeding methodology and molecular biology
• Specialized knowledge of variety testing, statistical analysis and experimental design
• Self-motivation and ability to initiate projects, improvements, decisions and problem solving
• Ability to work independently while setting high expectations
• Positive attitude and team player
• People management skills
• Ability to provide input for plant operations budget
• Organizational and time management skills
• Excellent verbal and writing communication skills
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally
• Valid US driver's license

Preferred qualifications:

• PhD degree in Breeding, Agronomy, Genetics, Horticulture, or related field
• Previous work experience in hybrid crop breeding program
• Forklift license, or ability to obtain one
• Proven skills demonstrating critical, logical and innovative thinking
• Experience with hybrid crop breeding

Working Environment:

• Must wear required PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) as needed
• Able to work indoor/outdoor in varied environmental conditions (loud, hot, cold, dusty, damp, etc.)
• There are critical times for the success of the research program, so weekend work and overtime will be required at these times
• Driving vehicles for extended periods of time.
• Occasional overnight travel as needed, including international travel
• Exposure to pollen and chemicals

Physical demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and move objects up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.