Assistant Plant Breeder - Vegetable Seed

Magnus Kahl Seeds; Merbein; On-site; AUD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Magnus Kahl Seeds seeks an Assistant Plant Breeder to support onion and shallot breeding in the Mildura region. The role involves hands-on field, glasshouse and seed production activities, contributing to the development of improved varieties.

The successful candidate will have a degree in Agricultural Science, with interest in plant genetics and breeding. Strong teamwork and communication are essential for data-driven breeding programs.

Qualifications

• Degree in Agricultural Science with understanding of genetics & breeding principles.
• Experience or knowledge in conducting agricultural field trials is desirable.
• Knowledge of plant pathology is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Assist with seed sowing, transplanting, crop maintenance, data collection and bulb harvesting.
• Support breeding activities in isolation cages, including planting, pollen viability testing, data collection, and seed harvesting.
• Record, organize and manage data from breeding trials and seed production cages.
• Assist with leaf sampling from field trials and breeding cages for DNA analysis.

Skills

Plant breeding

Data collection

Field trials

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Degree in Agricultural Science

Job description

Assistant Plant Breeder - Vegetable Seed

Please note before applying: Australian citizenship or permanent residency is a primary requirement for the successful candidate.

About the role

Magnus Kahl Seeds is seeking a motivated Assistant Breeder to support our onion and shallot breeding program located in the Mildura region. In this role, you will contribute to the development of improved varieties through field, glasshouse and seed production activities. This is a hands-on position suited to someone with a strong interest in plant breeding and applied agricultural research.

We are a specialist vegetable seed company focused on the breeding and development of high-quality onion and shallot varieties. Our program integrates traditional breeding with modern technologies.

Key responsibilities

Assist with seed sowing, transplanting, crop maintenance, data collection and bulb harvesting

Support breeding activities in isolation cages, including planting, fly installation, pollen viability testing, data collection, and seed harvesting

Record, organize, and manage data from breeding trials and seed production cages

Assist with leaf sampling from field trials and breeding cages for DNA analysis

About you

Have a degree in Agricultural Science and an understanding of plant genetics & breeding principles

Knowledge or experience in conducting agricultural field trials is desirable

Knowledge of or a degree in plant pathology is an advantage

Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment

Excellent written and verbal communication skills