Wheat Breeding Assistant

The main focus of this position is to enhance and refine a robust Soft White Winter Wheat (SWW) breeding initiative, alongside aiding the Soft Red Winter Wheat (SRW) breeding efforts by providing reliable and effective daily support for various tasks at the breeding facility. A significant aspect of this role involves leading and mentoring breeding and field technicians to ensure the success of all projects through activities such as trial and nursery planning, seed management, data collection and analysis, as well as field operations including planting, harvesting, and crossing. Additionally, this position will entail the application and further development of Genomic Breeding Techniques across all breeding programs, while actively engaging in all facets of the wheat breeding process.

Key Responsibilities:

• Establish and uphold a competitive product lineup for SWW within the United States.
• Gather and assess breeding data, including molecular marker information, and integrate it into the breeding workflow for variety enhancement.
• Refine breeding strategies by leveraging modern technologies.
• Provide SWW experimental line entries for Official Variety Trials (OVT) annually.
• Collaborate actively with the Commercial Team in the USA as necessary.
• Participate in Research and Development meetings to contribute insights.
• Offer input on operational budget considerations.
• Plan, execute, and assess SWW yield trials and screening nurseries across various locations.
• Assist the SRW Breeder by coordinating essential activities to facilitate seed turnaround between harvest and sowing; develop field plans and documentation; provide technical expertise for breeding machinery, or undertake other tasks as required.
• Engage in the advancement of hybrid wheat breeding initiatives.
• Train and supervise seasonal staff as necessary.
• Collaborate within an international network of breeders and researchers.
• Travel regularly and/or operate vehicles or forklifts on behalf of the organization.
• Adhere to attendance expectations.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, guidelines, and safety protocols, including the proper use of personal protective equipment.
• Support additional research projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Breeding or related scientific disciplines (e.g., Agronomy, Genetics, Horticulture, etc.).
• Proficient computer and analytical skills for data analysis and management reporting. Capability to learn new database systems.
• Solid understanding of quantitative genetics, breeding techniques, and molecular biology.
• Specialized knowledge in variety testing, statistical analysis, and experimental design.
• Self-driven with the ability to initiate projects, implement improvements, and solve problems.
• Capacity to work independently while maintaining high standards.
• Positive demeanor and ability to work collaboratively.
• Strong people management abilities.
• Capability to contribute to plant operations budgeting.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctorate in Breeding, Agronomy, Genetics, Horticulture, or a related field.
• Prior experience in a hybrid crop breeding program.
• Forklift certification or the ability to obtain one.
• Demonstrated critical, logical, and innovative thinking skills.
• Experience with hybrid crop breeding.

Working Environment:

• Compliance with required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as necessary.
• Able to work indoors and outdoors in diverse environmental conditions (e.g., loud, hot, cold, dusty, damp).
• Availability for weekend work and overtime during critical periods for the research program.
• Ability to drive vehicles for extended durations.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required, including international travel.
• Exposure to pollen and chemicals.

Physical Demands:

The physical requirements outlined here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. While executing the responsibilities of this position, the employee is regularly required to communicate effectively. The employee frequently stands, walks, sits, uses hands for handling or feeling, and reaches with hands and arms. Occasionally, the employee may need to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and move items up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Specific vision capabilities required for this role include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

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