Forage Research Pathologist

Land O'Lakes • West Salem, WI

4h

About The Position

Forage Research Pathologist The goal of this position is to develop and execute new research projects focused on improving the disease resistance profile of our alfalfa pipeline. This will include developing research projects, screenings, and protocols internally, as well as working collaboratively across the alfalfa industry. The incumbent will also be responsible for assisting with greenhouse and on-farm duties at the West Salem R&D location and providing training and support to the FGI marketing and sales team. Research Design & Trait Development Projects (60%) Execute pathology-based research projects, working closely with FGI breeders and scientists Develop pertinent data that can be used for marketing, as well as sustainability and cropping systems information relevant to enterprise goals Develop screenings and protocols to improve selection of disease resistant germplasm and marker development Develop and promote cross-collaborative projects that help to benefit the enterprise and overall product positioning Marketing and Sales Training (20%) Work with FGI Marketing (including any collaborating agencies) to develop and/or review articles, technical bulletins, content for marketing materials, or other informational pieces that promote alfalfa and forage management Work with marketing and sales on developing and presenting training materials as requested Assist in dealing with in-field customer concerns, providing assistance to resolve or amend issues Greenhouse and Research Assistant (20%) Work with team at West Salem to assist in field duties, including but not limited to: data collection, harvesting, seed collection, crossing, plot establishment, and plot maintenance Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Plant Pathology or related field with 4+ years of related work experience
• Strong speaking and communication skills are required, along with the ability to collaborate and work well with other team members.
• Travel up to 25%.
• Must be able to work with farm and greenhouse equipment.

Nice To Haves

• A PhD in Plant Pathology, including experience in academic and/or industry-based research preferred.

Responsibilities

• Execute pathology-based research projects, working closely with FGI breeders and scientists
• Develop pertinent data that can be used for marketing, as well as sustainability and cropping systems information relevant to enterprise goals
• Develop screenings and protocols to improve selection of disease resistant germplasm and marker development
• Develop and promote cross-collaborative projects that help to benefit the enterprise and overall product positioning
• Work with FGI Marketing (including any collaborating agencies) to develop and/or review articles, technical bulletins, content for marketing materials, or other informational pieces that promote alfalfa and forage management
• Work with marketing and sales on developing and presenting training materials as requested
• Assist in dealing with in-field customer concerns, providing assistance to resolve or amend issues
• Work with team at West Salem to assist in field duties, including but not limited to: data collection, harvesting, seed collection, crossing, plot establishment, and plot maintenance
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food.
• We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.
• We provide a broad portfolio of benefits to keep you and your family at your best.
• Land O'Lakes is Where Your Future Takes Root.
• Land O’Lakes and our global entities support diversity in employment practices.
• Neither Land O’Lakes, nor its affiliates or search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email.
• If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.
• If you need to submit a reasonable accommodation request to complete the employment application process, please call the HR Solution Center at 844-LOL-HR4U (844-565-4748) M-F 8:00am-4:30pm CT.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees