Junior Breeder - Tomato

Sakata group; Friauville; Hybrid; EUR 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off (RTT)

Individual bonuses

Profit-sharing

Job summary

Sakata group is seeking a Junior Breeder - Tomato to join the Tomato Breeding team in Uchaud, France. The role combines field and greenhouse work with office tasks, supporting an international breeding program focused on rootstock development.

You will work under the Tomato Breeder, coordinating day-to-day activities, evaluating materials for disease resistance and rootstock traits, and collaborating with Farm Team, Marketing, and Production to meet market needs.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Agronomy (Plant Breeding and Genetics) required or related field.
• At least 5 years breeding experience in the vegetable industry.
• Strong understanding of plant breeding principles especially for fruiting vegetables.
• Analytical, detail-oriented with good problem-solving skills.
• Fluent in English and French; other languages advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead Rootstock Breeding Programs and translate market needs into breeding objectives.
• Plan and coordinate day-to-day breeding activities (sowing, planting, crossing, seed disinfection, inventories).
• Coordinate pathology testing and MAS with laboratories; evaluate materials for key traits.
• Collaborate across functions (Farm Team, Marketing, Production) and with external partners.
• Ensure operational excellence: manage breeding data, budgets, seed inventories, and reporting.

Education

Master's degree in Agronomy (Plant Breeding)

Tools

Phenome

Job description

Junior Breeder - Tomato# Careers## Junior Breeder - TomatoApply: On Site: France - Uchaud: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: December 4, 2026 (23 days left to apply)**Are you passionate about genetics and plant breeding?** **Do you have a first breeding experience in transforming market needs into innovative varieties? Would you like to contribute to an international breeding program developing the next generation of competitive rootstock hybrids?**Interested? Read on to find out more.As part of the research department and under the management of the Tomato Breeder, you will be responsible for the operational management of the Rootstock Program from germplasm enhancement to development of innovating and high-performing for the global market. **What will you do?****Lead Rootstock Breeding Programs**:* Contribute to translate market needs into breeding objectives and breeding strategy* With the support of the Breeder Assistant, plan, coordinate and ensure the correct execution of day-to-day breeding activities (such as sowing, planting, crossing, seed disinfection and inventory)* Plan and coordinate with the laboratories the pathology testing and molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS)* Evaluate breeding materials for key traits such as resistance to diseases and pests, rootstock architecture and rigour as well as compatibility with commercial scions* Coordinate trials and perform field evaluations as well as data analyses to support decisions**Collaborate across functions**:* Close collaboration with other research stations and internal departments (like as Farm Team, Marketing team, Production team etc.) and external partners* Support the Mini Plum breeding program during peak activity periods on the station in Uchaud**Ensure operational excellence and compliance:*** Manage breeding data, budgets, seed inventories and reporting while ensuring compliance with quality, phytosanitary, regulatory, and company standards **Where will you work?**You will be based at our headquarters in **Uchaud**, France.You will be joining the Tomato Breeding team, consisting of 2 people (your future superior and a Breeder Assistant). In this position, you will work in a multicultural environment and be part of an international Tomato Breeding Team across the EMEA region. Your role combines office work and hands-on field and greenhouse work. You will regularly work outdoors under varying climate conditions. The position requires to travel frequently, as needed to support trial activities and business activities.Benefits include: paid time off (RTT), individual bonuses, and profit-sharing. **Do you fit this profile?*** You hold a Masters degree in Agronomy (Plant Breeding, Genetics a related scientific discipline)* You have worked 5 years in breeding, ideally in the vegetable industry* You have strong knowledge in breeding principle and practices in fruity vegetable crops (previous tomato breeding experience is a strong plus)* You combine scientific curiosity with a rigorous approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement* You are analytical, detail-oriented and capable to interpret results* You are highly organized, autonomous, and able to effectively manage multiple projects and priorities* You have strong communication skills, a strong team player and can bring easily people together to collaborate* You are fluent in English and French; other languages are an advantage* You have proficiency in MS Office and you have used research software like Phenome **What are the next steps?**1. Apply via our website and send us your application in English (Resume and Cover letter) **until 04/12/2026**2. First contact with Mélanie (HR Business Partner)3. First Interview with Ganaëlle (Tomate Breeder) + Mélanie4. Final interview with Ian Blokpoel (Breeding Group Leader – Tomato) + other HR Business Partner **The position is available as soon as possible.**