Junior Breeder - Corn

Mahindra And Mahindra Ltd.; Hyderabad; On-site; INR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. is seeking a field-oriented breeding professional to support breeding trials and data collection for a dedicated crop program. You will follow the guidance of the Senior Breeder to help advance breeding materials and ensure field operations run smoothly.

The role emphasizes rigorous phenotypic data capture, adherence to experimental designs, and collaboration with farm staff and external partners to deliver reliable results and contribute to high-performing hybrids.

Qualifications

• 4–8 years of experience in breeding, field trials, or crop research.
• Exposure to at least one crop (Corn) preferred.
• Familiarity with experimental designs and data collection.

Responsibilities

• Assist planning and execution of breeding trials under senior breeder guidance.
• Execute crossing, selection, nursery management, and advancement of breeding materials.
• Support early-stage and advanced breeding pipelines.
• Conduct field trials and evaluation nurseries across locations per protocols.
• Ensure adherence to experimental designs and trial standards.
• Monitor trials for proper crop stand, uniformity, and reliable data.
• Collect phenotypic and agronomic data per defined traits.
• Maintain data records (manual and digital).
• Support data validation, consolidation, and preliminary analysis.
• Adhere to best agronomic and crop protection practices.
• Coordinate with trial teams, farm staff, and external partners.
• Assist in field visits and reviews.
• Learn and build capability in breeding techniques and data tools.

Skills

Execution focus

Attention to detail

Field work readiness

Coordination & teamwork

Learning agility

Scientific curiosity

Follow guidance

Education

B.Sc. Agriculture (mandatory)

M.Sc. Agriculture (Plant Breeding/Genetics or related discipline preferred)

Job description

To support the breeding program by executing field trials, data collection, and early-stage breeding activities for a specific crop, contributing to the development of high-performing hybrids/varieties.

Key Responsibilities

Breeding Program Execution

• Support the planning and execution of breeding trials under the guidance of the Senior Breeder.


• Execute activities related to crossing, selection, nursery management, and advancement of breeding materials.


• Assist in managing early-stage and advanced breeding pipelines.

Field Trial Management

• Conduct field trials and evaluation nurseries across locations as per defined protocols.


• Ensure adherence to recommended experimental designs and trial standards.


• Monitor trials to ensure proper crop stand, uniformity, and reliable data generation.

Data Collection & Analysis

• Collect accurate and timely phenotypic and agronomic data as per defined traits.


• Maintain proper data records (manual and digital systems).


• Support in data validation, consolidation, and preliminary analysis.

Agronomy & Crop Care

• Ensure adherence to best agronomic and crop protection practices.


• Identify and resolve field-level challenges impacting trials.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Coordinate with trial teams, farm staff, and external partners/farmers for smooth execution of trials.


• Assist in organizing field visits, crop tours, and internal reviews.

Learning & Capability Building

• Continuously build knowledge in:
  
  
  
  • Plant breeding techniques
  
  
  • Crop-specific agronomy
  
  
  • Data recording and analysis tools
  
  
  • Stay updated with new breeding technologies and practices.
  
  
  
  

Eligibility Criteria

Education

• B.Sc. Agriculture (mandatory)


• M.Sc. Agriculture (Plant Breeding/Genetics or related discipline preferred)

Experience

• 4–8 years of experience in breeding, field trials, or crop research.


• Exposure to any one crop (Corn) is preferred as per the role requirement.


• Basic understanding of:
  
  
  
  • Plant breeding concepts and selection methods
  
  
  • Experimental designs and field trial protocols
  
  
  • Data collection and trait evaluation
  
  
  • Familiarity with digital data capture tools (preferred)
  
  
  
  

Skills & Personal Attributes

• Strong execution focus and attention to detail


• High level of discipline in field and data work


• Willingness to work in field-intensive environments


• Good coordination and teamwork skills


• Learning agility and scientific curiosity


• Ability to follow structured guidance from senior team members