Breeder II (IL)

Confluence Genetics • Urbana, IL

3h • Onsite

About The Position

The primary responsibility of Breeder II is to manage a commercial variety development program focused on improved nutritional profile of the grain. The Breeder must have an affinity for the application of technology in soybean breeding and a strong innovation mindset.  Rapid establishment of expertise on the identification, expression and phenotyping of target traits in soy germplasm and across growing environments is expected.  As a Breeder II, the candidate will be expected to learn and assist in Product Design pipeline execution focused on the development of new populations using genomic prediction. The successful candidate will possess excellent collaboration skills and ability to lead through influence.  The position will be based in Champaign, Illinois.

Requirements

• MS degree or PhD (preferred), in plant breeding, genetics, crop physiology, pathology, or related field.
• 4+ years experience in a crop breeding program
• Excellent skills in breeding, molecular breeding, and phenotyping
• Strong understanding of experimental design, scientific concepts, approaches, application, and interpretation.
• Strong data management skills and ability to use proprietary and commercial analytical applications
• Proficient in R or Python programming is preferred.
• Experience with technology applications that support and accelerate breeding such as data analytics, imaging and visualization, machine learning, environmental analysis, physiology, pathology, etc.
• Action-oriented and able to deliver timely results
• Strong organization and problem-solving capabilities
• Strong people leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to travel to trial and nursery locations and for other supporting activities

Responsibilities

• Manage the product development program focused on improved compositional traits for soybean relative maturity groups 3.5 to 5
• Work closely with the breeding operations team on the establishment and execution of nursery and yield trial plans.
• Actively lead phenotyping coordination with the Champaign, IL operations team.
• Identify and communicate strategic improvement opportunities to the breeding program with leadership and other teams across the organization.
• Execute data analysis and results interpretation within the relative maturity zone, and nominate candidates for commercial variety development program
• Engage actively with other breeders and scientists to build tools and processes that accelerate genetic gain in the breeding program.
• Assist with prediction models validation targeting accuracy during varietal advancements
• Work closely with the Product Design breeding team to learn state-of-the-art software for population development and assist in selections.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level