Director of Breeding Technology

Fall Creek®; Lowell (OR); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Fall Creek is seeking a Director of Breeding Technology to lead the technology-enabled breeding program globally from Lowell, Oregon. This role directs genomics, data science, molecular research and lab innovation to accelerate genetic gain and improve breeding decisions.

You will oversee phenotyping/genotyping tools, build a high-performing team, manage budgets and timelines, and partner with R&D leadership to translate findings into breeding advancement.

Qualifications

• PhD in plant science, genetics, molecular biology, bioinformatics, biotechnology, data science or related discipline.
• 10+ years in breeding support, genomics, molecular research, data science or related R&D.
• Proven leadership experience managing technical teams and cross-functional initiatives (5+ years).

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy and execution of breeding support technology across genomics, molecular biology, data science, laboratory workflows and data capture.
• Build, develop and foster a high-performing, collaborative team.
• Oversee development and improvement of tools and systems supporting breeding decisions (phenotyping, genotyping, parent and variety selection).
• Partner with R&D leadership to identify and prioritize research activities and translate findings into breeding advancement.
• Maintain high standards for data quality, sample integrity, workflow consistency and reproducibility.
• Develop and maintain laboratory and data infrastructure for scalable research operations.
• Build and manage relationships with external researchers, vendors and technology providers.
• Manage project timelines, budgets and resources in support of strategic breeding goals.
• Communicate program progress, risks and opportunities to senior leadership.
• Champion innovation, continous improvement, scientific rigor and accountability.

Skills

Leadership

Genomics

Data science

Molecular biology

Project management

Communication

Education

PhD in plant science or related field

Tools

Phenotyping platforms

Genomics tools

Data capture systems

Job description

Fall Creek is creating a world with better blueberries through its friendly,collaborative team spread across the globe. To help us accomplish this, we are seeking a qualified Director of Breeding Technology This position will be located in Lowell, OR.

The Fall Creek Director of Breeding Technology will lead the technologies behind our global breeding programs from genomics and data science to molecular research and laboratory innovation. The Director of Breeding Technology will also help accelerate genetic gain and make better breeding decisions.

What you'll do at Fall Creek:

As our Director of Breeding Technology, you'll lead the technology-enabled breeding support function across genomics, data science, diagnostics, molecular laboratory operations, and data capture innovation, helping accelerate genetic gain and strengthen Fall Creek's global berry breeding programs.

• Lead the strategy and execution of breeding support technology across genomics, molecular biology, data science, laboratory workflows, and data capture.
• Build, develop, and foster a high-performing and collaborative team.
• Oversee development, deployment and continuous improvement of tools and systems that support breeding decisions, including phenotyping, genotyping, and parent and variety selection.
• Partner with R&D leadership to identify and prioritize research activities and translate findings into breeding advancement.
• Maintain high standards for data quality, sample integrity, workflow consistency, and scientific reproducibility.
• Develop and maintain laboratory and data infrastructure that supports scalable and efficient research operations.
• Build and manage relationships with external researchers, vendors, and technology providers.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources in support of strategic breeding goals.
• Communicate program progress, risks, and opportunities to senior leadership.
• Champion innovation, continous improvement, scientific rigor, and accountability.

What you bring to Fall Creek:

• PhD in plant science, genetics, molecular biology, bioinformatics, biotechnology, data science, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in breeding support, genomics, molecular research, data science, or related agricultural R&D function.
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing technical teams and cross-functional research initiatives (5+ years).
• Strong understanding of emerging science and technologies in the fields of phenotyping, data science, bioinformatics/computational biology, and biotechnology.
• Experience with laboratory operations, field-based phenotyping, and breeding technology platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and subsequently apply molecular, data science, phenomics, or agricultural engineering tools to improve R&D deliverables.
• Strong communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.

Who is Fall Creek?

We’re a US-based company with a keen focus on blueberry genetics, plants, and grower support delivered to the world’s premier blueberry growers. From our humble beginnings in Lowell, Oregon more than 40 years ago, we now also have wholly-owned nurseries in Mexico, Peru, Spain, South Africa, Netherlands, China, and Chile. Additionally, we have built a global team of the finest breeders, researchers, propagators and nursery professionals, grower support technicians, sales and customer service experts and more. We’re a deeply-planted link in a global chain, ready to serve our customers and our industry throughout North, Central, and South America, Greater Europe, Asia, and Africa. Our mission is to serve the growers and to support the blueberry industry, helping to ensure growers maximize success through our delivery of the best genetics and plants, technical know-how and global market intelligence. To fulfill our mission, we focus on cultivating exceptional plants, building strong relationships and providing responsive customer service. This is all part of how we’re helping to build A World with Better Blueberries.