Do you want to be part of the world’s largest, most diversified, and innovative lettuce breeding team? And do you have a passion for plant breeding and genetics? Then you may be the Breeder-Lettuce that we are looking for our team in Salinas, California!
The role of Breeder at Rijk Zwaan
The role is made up of specific components: grower and customer relationships and engagement; understanding of seed breeding process and procedures; and ultimately leading the local R&D team. As Breeder Lettuce USA you are co-responsible for developing the next generation of varieties for the American market, including new concepts and resistances. Besides working in the field and greenhouse, you also will have office tasks. You will be responsible for typical breeding tasks like design selection trials, to phenotype and select breeding trials and to evaluate variety trials. Also, you will take care of trial planning and administration. During the winter season you will regularly visit your trials in the desert region (near Yuma, AZ).
Responsibilities:
- Plan, organize and, if required, improve local breeding activities.
- Cooperate with farm management, seed production and commerce.
- Evaluate the progress of seed breeding research projects to ensure they are meeting deadlines and milestones throughout their marketplace.
- Ensures that the R&D team maintains compliance with all regulatory guidelines.
- Report data about research topics current to the region.
- Develop new varieties that meet customers’ needs.
- Consistent and timely communication with lettuce breeding team to ensure proper records are maintained and inventory is updated.
- Evaluation of R&D trials in company systems and report results to the breeding manager.
- Establish and manage relationships with universities, research labs, and other organizations that conduct research in areas related to the RZ’s interests.
- Development of budgets for R&D to drive cost efficiencies.
- Promote a positive company image while supporting research, product development and marketing efforts.
- Consultant to customers, understanding their needs and objectives.
- Work handin-hand with sales and customers on site domestically and internationally to develop, evaluate and produce deliverables.
- Report research activity on a biannual basis regarding R&D budget and projects to home office.
Salary: $70K - $150K per year
