Tree Breeding & Gene Editing Expert

Confidential; Jakarta Pusat; On-site; IDR 150,000,000 - 280,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential is seeking a senior leader to drive tree breeding R&D in Indonesia. You will establish a breeding program, design experiments, evaluate germplasm, and push genetic innovation for tropical species with stress tolerance and rapid growth.

You will apply CRISPR and marker-assisted selection, manage field trials, ensure biosafety compliance, and collaborate with local institutes and partners. The role requires 8+ years in relevant R&D, strong leadership, and fluency in English; Bahasa

Qualifications

• 8+ years of R&D experience in tree breeding or gene editing.
• Education in Genetics, Tree Breeding, Plant Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or Bioinformatics.
• Proficiency in CRISPR/Cas gene editing, molecular markers, and genomic tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead breeding R&D and experimental systems for tropical trees in Indonesia.
• Oversee gene editing technologies, protocols, and trait evaluation.
• Manage germplasm collection, characterization, and field trial design.
• Ensure biosafety, regulatory submissions, and compliance.
• Collaborate with research institutions, regulators, and partners.
• Lead local field teams, develop SOPs, and deliver research outputs.
• Work with cross-functional teams to develop improved tree varieties.

Skills

CRISPR/Cas9

Genetic analysis

Project management

Team leadership

Tissue culture

Education

Genetics

Tree breeding/forestry genetics

Plant molecular biology

Biotechnology

Bioinformatics

Job description

Key Responsibilities

1. Breeding Research & Development: Serve as the technical lead for tree breeding and gene editing, establishing a comprehensive breeding R&D and experimental system in Indonesia. Lead genetic improvement programs, experimental design, germplasm evaluation, and genetic innovation, focusing on the targeted development of tropical tree species with enhanced stress tolerance, rapid growth, disease resistance, and reduced fire susceptibility.

2. Gene Editing & Advanced Breeding Technologies: Lead the application and implementation of gene editing technologies (including CRISPR), marker-assisted selection, and genomic selection in target tree species. Establish reliable protocols for genetic transformation, tissue culture regeneration, gene editing efficiency validation, and field-based trait evaluation.

3. Germplasm Management & Field Trials: Oversee germplasm collection, conservation, characterization, and database development. Establish germplasm, genotypic, and phenotypic databases. Design multi-year, multi-location field trials and manage field experiments, phenotypic assessments, statistical analyses, and genetic data interpretation.

4. Regulatory Compliance & External Collaboration: Monitor Indonesian regulations relating to biosafety, germplasm introduction, and biotechnology. Manage regulatory submissions, documentation, and approvals for R&D projects and field trials. Collaborate with Indonesian research institutions, regulatory authorities, and local breeding teams.

5. Research Partnerships & Resource Management: Identify, evaluate, and engage domestic and international suppliers and research partners specializing in genome sequencing, bioinformatics, tissue culture materials, and laboratory equipment. Develop an external network of scientific advisors and manage R&D budgets, experimental sites, laboratories, and greenhouse facilities.

6. Team Leadership & Research Deliverables: Lead local field research teams and technical assistants. Develop SOPs, conduct technical training, and establish standardized breeding processes. Deliver breeding research reports, technical patents, and experimental research outcomes.

7. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with forest fire prevention, forestry operations, and ecological restoration teams to develop genetically improved tree varieties adapted to local environmental conditions, with enhanced fire resistance and tolerance to environmental stresses.

Qualifications & Requirements

1. Education: Degree in Genetics, Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Plant Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, or a related discipline.

2. Professional Experience: Minimum 8 years of R&D experience in tree breeding, perennial woody plant breeding, or gene editing. Experience in tropical tree species and tropical forestry breeding programs is preferred. Prior experience conducting on-site R&D at overseas tropical forestry operations, with integrated field and laboratory management responsibilities, is highly desirable.

3. Technical Expertise: Demonstrated proficiency in CRISPR/Cas gene editing systems, vector construction, plant genetic transformation, somatic embryogenesis, tissue culture regeneration, and identification and validation of edited plant lines. Strong expertise in molecular markers, Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS), genomic selection, and other advanced breeding technologies. Proven ability to independently design breeding experiments, conduct phenotypic evaluations, and analyze genetic data. Comprehensive understanding of the tree breeding lifecycle, from germplasm management and seedling development to multiple rounds of field evaluation.

4. Regulatory Compliance & Project Management: Understanding of biosafety regulations governing plant biotechnology and gene editing. Ability to independently manage R&D projects, experimental facilities, and small local research teams. Experience collaborating with suppliers, research institutions, and scientific partners.

5. Language Proficiency: Fluent English, with the ability to independently conduct technical discussions, prepare research reports, and communicate with local regulatory authorities. Proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia is an advantage.

6. Mobility & Personal Attributes: Willingness to be based in Indonesia on a long-term basis and adapt to tropical field research conditions. Strong cross-cultural team management capabilities, scientific rigor, and risk awareness. Ability to balance fundamental research objectives with practical breeding applications and commercialization goals.

7. Preferred Background: Candidates from forestry research institutes, leading university laboratories specializing in forest genetics and tree breeding, multinational seed or forestry biotechnology companies, or tropical forestry R&D institutions are preferred. Demonstrated success in developing novel tree germplasm through gene editing is a significant advantage.