Trainee Plant Breeder (Soft Fruit)

EDWARD VINSON LTD; Faversham; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Edward Vinson Ltd, based near Faversham in Kent, invites applications for a Trainee Plant Breeder. You will join the Breeding Team to learn every stage of the trial pipeline and work toward becoming a Soft Fruit Breeder. The role includes hands-on plant work, data capture and collaboration with trial partners.

You will receive practical training, with opportunities to develop skills in crosses, phenotyping, data systems and field operations across raspberry, blueberry and blackberry programmes.

Qualifications

• Interest in plant breeding, biology, genetics, horticulture or related field.
• Attention to detail when collecting data and maintaining records.
• Clear communication with managers, colleagues and trial partners.
• Good computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Excel.
• Willingness to learn through hands-on training.
• Physical ability to work on your feet in glasshouses and polytunnels.
• Full driving licence and flexibility for occasional travel.
• Fluent English and right to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Establishing new plant material: seed extraction, germination, propagation across raspberry, blueberry and blackberry programmes.
• Creating new crosses: controlled pollination and flower emasculation.
• Selecting promising varieties: scoring plants using commercial metrics (yield, fruit size, Brix, firmness).
• Capturing reliable data: recording real-time trial data and supporting Power BI dashboards and pedigree records.
• Caring for breeding trials: repotting, pruning and routine plant care in glasshouses, polytunnels and field plots.
• Supporting harvest: picking fruit and assisting with harvest and post-harvest evaluations during peak periods.

Skills

Plant biology

Attention to detail

Data management

Communication

Excel

Team player

Driving licence

Education

Horticulture degree

Biology degree

Tools

Power BI

Excel

Job description

Grow your career in commercial plant breeding

Are you fascinated by plant science, genetics and the journey from a single cross to a successful new fruit variety? This is a rare opportunity to learn commercial soft-fruit breeding from an experienced, world-leading team and contribute to raspberry, blueberry and blackberry programmes with a global reach.

About Edward Vinson

Edward Vinson Ltd has been growing fruit in Kent for more than 150 years. Our business spans breeding, propagation and commercial fruit production. Over the last 40 years, our breeding programme has developed successful varieties supplied to major UK and international retailers. From our base in Faversham, we work with trial partners around the world to create high-value, premium varieties for the global market.

The opportunity

As a Trainee Plant Breeder, you will be a hands-on member of the Breeding Team, working alongside experienced breeders across every stage of the trial pipeline. You will receive practical training and structured development, with the aim of growing into a future Soft Fruit Breeder.

What you will be doing:

• Establishing new plant material: Assist with seed extraction, germination, seedling establishment and propagation across raspberry, blueberry and blackberry programmes.
• Creating new crosses: Carry out controlled pollination and flower emasculation in line with annual crossing plans.
• Selecting promising varieties: Score and select plants within progeny and trial blocks using commercial measures such as yield, fruit size, Brix and firmness.
• Capturing reliable data: Record accurate, real-time trial data using an online platform and help maintain Power BI dashboards and pedigree records.
• Caring for breeding trials: Support repotting, pruning and routine plant care in glasshouses, polytunnels and field plots.
• Supporting harvest: Pick fruit and assist with harvest and post-harvest evaluations during peak fruiting periods.

What we are looking for:

• A genuine interest in plant breeding, biology, genetics, horticulture, agriculture or commercial crop development.
• Excellent attention to detail, particularly when collecting data and maintaining pedigree records.
• Clear communication skills and the confidence to work with managers, colleagues, seasonal teams and external trial partners.
• Good computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Excel.
• A practical, adaptable approach and the ability to learn through hands-on training.
• The physical ability to work on your feet for extended periods in glasshouses and polytunnels.
• A full driving licence, reliable transport, a valid passport and flexibility for occasional overseas travel.
• Fluent English and the right to work in the UK.

Useful but not essential:

• A degree or equivalent qualification in horticulture, agriculture, biological sciences or a related subject.

• Experience in soft fruit, horticultural work, trial scoring, controlled pollination or data management.

Job details

Hours: Full-time, day shift. Flexibility and additional hours will be required during peak flowering and harvest periods.

Location: Faversham, Kent. You must be able to commute reliably or relocate before starting. Accommodation may be available, subject to agreed terms.

Start date: Expected 1 December 2026, with an earlier start possible.

Application deadline: 30 September 2026.