Remote Plant Breeder - Germplasm Development

Placements24; Redmond (WA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work setup

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Professional development

Access to advanced breeding tools

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Plant Breeder to join a global agricultural research team. The role encompasses breeding program design, germplasm evaluation, crossing, and advanced testing to deliver higher-yielding, more nutritious crops with improved environmental resilience.

You will work with molecular markers and genomic selection in a fully remote setting, collaborating with scientists worldwide to advance breeding technology and contribute to IP through publications and patents.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or related field.
• Proven experience in applied plant breeding with quantitative genetics and experimental design.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software (SAS, R, JMP) and genomic data analysis tools.
• Familiarity with molecular breeding techniques and technologies.
• Strong problem-solving and data-analysis skills for field evaluations.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute plant breeding programs to improve yield, disease resistance, drought tolerance, and nutrition.
• Evaluate germplasm collections and identify superior lines for crossing.
• Perform controlled crosses and manage breeding nurseries with accurate data collection.
• Apply molecular markers and genomic selection to accelerate breeding.
• Analyze field trial data with statistical software to select promising candidates.
• Collaborate with geneticists, physiologists, and pathologists on trait inheritance and selection strategies.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and publications on breeding progress.
• Contribute to IP via patent submissions.

Skills

Plant Breeding

Quantitative Genetics

Genomics

Statistical Analysis

Remote Collaboration

Education

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

SAS

R

JMP

Genomic selection tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in agricultural innovation, is seeking a talented Remote Plant Breeder to join their dedicated research team. This fully remote position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of improved crop varieties that enhance yield, nutritional value, and resilience to environmental challenges. You will be involved in all stages of the breeding cycle, from germplasm evaluation and characterization to crossing, selection, and advanced testing. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in genetics, quantitative genetics, and plant physiology, coupled with a passion for applying scientific knowledge to real-world agricultural problems. Working remotely, you will collaborate with a global network of scientists and researchers to drive progress in plant breeding technology. This role is ideal for an expert who wants to influence agricultural productivity from anywhere, contributing to advancements originating from **Welkom, Free State**.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute plant breeding programs to develop new crop varieties with improved traits such as yield, disease resistance, drought tolerance, and nutritional quality.
• Evaluate and characterize germplasm collections, identifying superior lines for breeding programs.
• Perform controlled crosses and manage breeding nurseries, ensuring efficient and accurate data collection.
• Utilize molecular markers and genomic selection techniques to accelerate the breeding process.
• Analyze field trial data using statistical software to assess performance and select promising candidates.
• Collaborate with geneticists, physiologists, and pathologists to understand trait inheritance and develop effective selection strategies.
• Prepare detailed reports, presentations, and scientific publications on breeding program progress and findings.
• Contribute to the company's intellectual property portfolio through patent submissions.

Requirements

• A Master's or Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Proven experience in applied plant breeding, with a strong understanding of quantitative genetics and experimental design.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., SAS, R, JMP) and experience with genomic data analysis tools.
• Familiarity with molecular breeding techniques and technologies.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a keen eye for detail in field evaluations and data analysis.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a remote, multidisciplinary team.
• Experience with data management systems for breeding programs.
• A proactive approach to research and development, with a commitment to innovation.

Benefits

• Fully remote work setup, providing unparalleled flexibility.
• Highly competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health insurance and other employee benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development, including training and conference attendance.
• Access to advanced breeding technologies and resources.
• Be part of a global team making a significant impact on agriculture.