Melon Breeder

Education

Masters of Science in Genetics and Plant Breeding, Horticulture or related field, PhD a plus.

US Agriseeds is a leading vegetable seed breeding company specializing in open-field cultivation. For over 20 years, we have delivered high-performing cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, melons, watermelons, and squash. With research facilities in California, and Sinaloa, Mexico, we ensure year-round breeding using natural counter-seasons. Our expert team leverages cutting-edge technology to develop innovative, high-yielding, and disease-resistant varieties.

US Agri seeds is seeking a Melon Breeder to drive the execution of our Melon and Watermelon breeding programs. This role will be focused on the delivery of new competitive varieties tailored to US, Mexican, South American and Middle Eastern markets. This role will support all aspects of the breeding programs and will participate in project teams focused on developing new screening protocols and trait-linked markers for important plant phenotypes and disease resistances in your crops.

This role requires extensive travel within and outside the US as well as a proven track record of developing and bringing new melon varieties to the market. The successful candidate will be a natural leader and team player willing to work long hours to support the team and in pursuit of their breeding goals. The ideal candidate will be bi-lingual in English and Spanish and deeply motivated to learn about and incorporate cutting edge tools and technologies into their breeding program to make it the most efficient and competitive in the world.

• Manage commercial breeding programs based in Woodland, California and off-station breeding trials in the US, Mexico, Brazil and other key locations. This role has a particular emphasis on developing commercially superior Melon and Watermelon hybrids for the Americas and the Middle East.
• Manage budgets, germplasm resources, and the collection and curation of data in breeding nurseries.
• Manage the selection, characterization, and conservation of elite breeding materials, the collection of phenotypic data and the maintenance of records in the germplasm database.
• Manage the design, execution and data-analysis of multi-location field trials to evaluate variety performance under diverse geographies and environmental conditions.
• Support the cell biology, molecular biology and plant pathology teams and projects in US Agriseeds research locations.
• Collect, curate and upload field trial data to drive routine data analysis and informed breeding decisions to optimize line and hybrid selection and advancement decisions.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including seed production, sales, product development and marketing, to understand market trends and help align breeding objectives with market needs.
• Drive product launches through the support of sales and development teams during grower and customer visits, field days and expos.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and technical documentation to communicate research findings.

• Education: Master’s degree in plant Breeding, Genetics or related Crop Science; minor in Plant Pathology desirable.
  
  Ph.D. degree in plant breeding, genetics or plant pathology a plus.
• Experience: Minimum 10 years of experience working in the field of plant breeding and/or leading a commercial plant breeding program.
  
  Must have at least 5 years working in or directly leading a commercial melon breeding team in an international context.
• Experience in Watermelon Breeding would be a plus.
• Experience with data management, statistical analysis and the use of analytical software

• Knowledge and experience with molecular breeding techniques including marker-assisted selection and marker assisted back crossing.
• Knowledge of field trial design, data analysis, and proficient with the use of statistical software.
• Familiarity with plant pathology and entomology screening related to vegetable breeding.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data management skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work independently as well as within a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience in an international work environment; ability to interact well and navigate diverse cultures and work habits.
• Must be willing to travel for extended periods of time nationally and internationally.

Work Authorization: U.S. Work Authorization

Start Date:

ASAP

Position:
Full time

Compensation:
Salary is based on experience and skill set and offers a competitive benefits package. The current pay scale for this role is from $110,000 to $120,000 plus benefits. A good faith estimate of the pay range the company reasonably expects to pay a successful applicant for the current opening is in that range. The pay scale for this role considers the wide…