Principal Specialist

BASF SE • Davis, CA

1d • $110,261 - $168,000

About The Position

We are looking for a Principal Specialist to join our Agricultural Solutions team in at our Davis, CA.

BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division connects innovation, customers, partners and agricultural experts and integrates sustainability criteria into all business decisions. We help farmers deliver the best possible outcomes, working to achieve the balance between economic, environmental, and social value creation for sustainable and efficient agriculture.

BASF Agricultural Solutions US LLC is seeking a Principal Specialist at our Davis, CA location to support the development and implementation of molecular marker technologies for the improvement of breeding efficiency.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Agricultural Sciences, Genetics, Biology, or a related field of study (or foreign equivalent) and 5 years of related experience required.
• 5 years of experience in: genomics, bioinformatics, statistics, and plant breeding; statistical genetics (e.g., mixed linear models and population genetics); QTL analysis software programs, such as JoinMap and MapQTL; large sequencing data analyses using programming language, such as R;
• Ability to generate and implement trait markers in plant breeding programs; molecular genetics techniques, such as DNA extraction, primer design, PCR, qPCR, electrophoresis, and genotyping platforms;
• Ability to initiate, execute, and complete research projects independently in a fast pace environment.
• Evidence of contribution to scientific knowledge in form of publications and patents, and the development of commercial products such as crop varieties.

Responsibilities

• Initiating and executing internal molecular assisted breeding (MAB) project proposals addressing global R&D strategies of assigned crops.
• Designing, formulating, and recommending best practice of methods and ways of working, in cooperation with R&D, QA, Production, and M&S and implementing and monitoring the research policy.
• Formulating, controlling, and securing the realization of research goals as a strategic partner with R&D, QA, Production, and M&S.
• Implement, oversee, steer, and direct the goals within the team in line with the long and short term research strategy.
• Designing the operational plan for the research team. Direct, coordinate, support, train, monitor, and advise the members of the research team.
• Identifying and proposing research projects in cooperation with R&D, QA, Production, Legal and M&S to solve highly complex problems.
• Being responsible for development of tools and technologies that enable the implementation of genetic information in variety development in an efficient manner.
• Executing of research project activities in close collaboration with counterparts in Breeding and Breeding support functions (Phytopathology, Prebreeding and Molecular Breeding) along with statistics, Quality & Nutritional Analytics, Cell biology, and Bioinformatics teams.
• Preparing RGC dashboards, development of diagnostic markers, support with MABCs, perform quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, running Genome wide association (GWAS) analysis. Data analysis and interpretation for the development of new molecular markers and genetic linkage maps.
• Maintaining integrated Genetic maps, marker improvements and development of genome wide markers, Infinium XT add-ons, maintenance of marker sets.
• Participating in Technology Development portfolio, including Phoenix, RGC pipeline, Dashboard development, new pipeline development and add-ons. Responsible for validation of new genotyping technology.
• Ensuring project activities are executed in multiple assigned research projects with pressing deadlines. Interact with a global team at separate locations globally.

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements whenever possible
• Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options
• Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members
• Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more)
• Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages
• Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive
• Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.
• Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens
• Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more!

What This Job Offers

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