Job description summary:

As a breeder you will have primary responsibility to develop better IND varieties that are input efficient, biotic and abiotic tolerant, and have desirable market characteristics. You will be working with growers to develop varieties that are profitable, and with end users to ensure that the seed satisfies the edible, ingredient, oil, and/or tahini markets.

Reporting relationship:

• Reports directly to the Director of R&D

Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Genetics or relevant fields and minimum five years working experience in plant breeding/genetics at a seed company are required.
• Strong background in plant breeding, genetics, computers, field plot technique and statistical analysis, molecular biology, and molecular marker application to plant breeding.
• Demonstrated success in technical proficiency, scientific creativity, and collaboration with others.
• Excellent managerial and organizational skills; ability to balance multiple tasks and achieve milestones.
• Ability to work in a team-based environment with multidisciplinary teams; effective verbal communication skills.
• Leadership capabilities within the technology community that can extend into other functional areas.
• Experience with field crops is a plus, particularly dicots.
• Experience in farming is a plus, particularly with planters and combines.
• Spanish is a plus, but not required.
• The candidate must be eligible to work in the United States.

Physical: Lifting up to 50 pound.

Working conditions: Field conditions and office area

Salary range: $80,000 - $90,000

Scope of responsibility:

Direction and management of all components of a successful commercial sesame breeding program. Including, but not limited to:

• Creation and evaluation of breeding populations.
• Utilization of molecular markers to incorporate genes for disease resistance and quality traits.
• Coordinate, place, monitor, and evaluate trials throughout the US (travel as much as 25% of the time).
• Make line advancement decisions.
• Fulfill requirements for variety advancement through documentation of performance.
• Completion of required breeder's seed.
• Manage budget cost center and appropriate allocation of resources – both current and long range.
• Ability to work outside in varying environmental conditions with additional hours/weekends during peak periods.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability and strong desire to articulately convey complex ideas to peers within the technology group and to people with less of an understanding of breeding and genetics such as managers, sales people, and customers.
• Recruitment, training, development, and retention of research support personnel.
• Remain current on new technological developments by participating in professional meetings and skills development opportunities.
• File for intellectual property rights (Patents) for lines.

Application:

Please send resume and cover letter to Angellena Requena: evotava@sesaco.com

EOE