Global Seed Production Research Lead — Innovation & Impact

Ball-Horticultural-Company-; West Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability insurance

401k/Profit Sharing

Paid time off (vacation/holidays)

Tuition assistance

Onsite café and gardens

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Ball Horticultural Company, including PanAmerican Seed, is seeking an experienced Seed Production Research Lead to strategize and lead global programs for optimizing flower and vegetable seed production. You will manage a research team, oversee greenhouse, lab, and field trials, and translate findings into commercial solutions that drive efficiency and quality across our operations.

The role emphasizes leadership, collaboration across global teams, and ongoing innovation in seed production

Qualifications

• Ph.D. preferred but not required; candidates with a master's degree are encouraged to apply.
• Experience in seed production, horticulture, plant science, agricultural research, or related field.
• Experience designing, managing, and executing greenhouse, laboratory, and field trials.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to translate data into business solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead global research initiatives to improve flower and vegetable seed production systems.
• Design, prioritize, and oversee greenhouse, laboratory, and field trials with sound experimental design.
• Analyze results and develop practical recommendations for data-driven decisions.
• Communicate findings and updates to internal stakeholders and global teams.
• Collaborate with Production, Breeding, Operations, and Commercial teams to align priorities.

Skills

Leadership

Global collaboration

Data analysis

Project management

Communication

Seed production

Horticulture

IPM knowledge

Research design

Laboratory management

Education

Ph.D. preferred

M.S. in related field

Tools

Greenhouse control systems

Fertigation systems

Laboratory management software

Data analysis software

Job description

Ball Horticultural Company, including PanAmerican Seed, is seeking an experienced Seed Production Research Lead to strategize and lead global programs for optimizing flower and vegetable seed production. You will manage a research team, oversee greenhouse, lab, and field trials, and translate findings into commercial solutions that drive efficiency and quality across our operations.

The role emphasizes leadership, collaboration across global teams, and ongoing innovation in seed production