Junior Breeder - Corn

Mahindra Group; Hyderabad; On-site; INR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Mahindra Group in Hyderabad seeks a Junior Breeder for maize to execute field trials, collect data, and advance breeding activities under senior guidance.

You will support crossing, selection, nursery management, and pipeline advancement while ensuring robust trial designs and reliable data across multiple locations.

Qualifications

• B.Sc. Agriculture is mandatory.
• M.Sc. Agriculture (Plant Breeding/Genetics or related discipline) preferred.
• 4–8 years of experience in breeding, field trials, or crop research.
• Exposure to Corn is preferred as per role requirement.

Responsibilities

• Assist in 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.
• Conduct field trials and evaluation nurseries across locations per defined protocols.
• Ensure adherence to experimental designs and trial standards; monitor crop stand and data quality.
• Collect phenotypic and agronomic data; maintain records (manual and digital).
• Support in data validation, consolidation, and preliminary analysis.
• Adhere to best agronomic and crop protection practices; resolve field-level challenges impacting trials.
• Coordinate with trial teams, farm staff, and external partners/farmers; assist in field visits and reviews.
• Build knowledge in breeding techniques, crop-specific agronomy, and data tools; stay updated with new breeding technologies.

Skills

Plant breeding concepts

Selection methods

Experimental designs

Data collection

Trait evaluation

Digital data capture tools

Education

B.Sc. Agriculture

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

Job description

Job Description

Title: Junior Breeder - Maize

Location: Hyderabad

Role Purpose

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.

Skills & Functional Competencies

• 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