Fall Creek Farm & Nursery, Inc. is a US-based company with a keen focus on blueberry genetics, plants and grower support delivered to the world’s premier blueberry growers. Our company’s tradition of excellence has been a cornerstone throughout Fall Creek’s 40 year history. Our state-of-the-art propagation and growing facilities and innovative growing techniques ensure that we produce the healthiest and highest quality plants on the market. The company has the industry's largest portfolio of leading varieties and continues to introduce new varieties from its private breeding program and breeding program partners. At Fall Creek, it is our mission to serve the growers and to support the blueberry industry. To fulfill our mission, we focus on cultivating exceptional plants, building strong relationships and providing responsive customer service. This is all part of how we’re helping to build A World with Better Blueberries™!

We are excited to announce that Fall Creek has an opportunity for an experienced Blueberry Pre-Breeder and Applied Research Lead to join our team in Oregon, US.

Pre-Breeder / Applied Research Lead-US

The Pre-Breeder/Applied Research Lead is a hands-on foundational and applied research position that will be part of a team developing Fall Creek’s molecular genetic and genomic capabilities in the US. Specifically, this role will be responsible for translating results to the appropriate breeding programs to enhance the understanding of Fall Creek’s germplasm base as well as the performance of advanced breeding material.

The Pre-Breeding/Applied Research Lead reports to the US Blueberry Breeder and is a member of the global Research and Development department.

This position represents the company to customers, associations and other industry groups.

Other Responsibilities

• Leads physiological and molecular trait dissection and subsequent translation of findings into breeding applications in collaboration with the global Variety Development team.
• Responsible for the development and application of new phenotyping and molecular genetic technologies and methodologies.
• Responsible for identification of novel genetic material and subsequent incorporation of traits into advanced breeding lines.
• Develops best-practices in variety selection and horticultural management in collaboration with the global Applied Research team.
• Works with breeders in programs around the world to trial advanced material, provide data and feedback, and influence release decisions that support Fall Creek’s goal of bringing the best varieties to market.
• Provides research farm horticultural management support and assists with fruit harvest and evaluation.

Candidate Profile

The Pre-Breeding and Applied Research Lead position requires a PhD in plant breeding, plant genetics or related horticulture discipline with research specializing in the associated fields, or Master’s degree and 5+ years of molecular genetics, plant breeding, and/or horticultural research experience. The ideal candidate will have a passion for plant genetics and physiology and a willingness to learn the blueberry industry.

This position requires authorization to work in the US.

Other Requirements

• Experience with perennial or woody crops, preferably in fruits.
• Familiarity and experience with state-of-the-art DNA based breeding technologies.
• Familiarity with bioinformatics and molecular genetics. •Sound knowledge of plant physiology and horticultural management with a strong understanding of plant nutrition, irrigation, and field operations.
• Ability to work as part of a team and collaborate with other scientists, breeders, and professionals in the industry in achieving goals.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to effectively present information in formal and informal settings to peers, customers and industry leaders.
• Ability to travel internationally.
• Must demonstrate professional and ethical business practices, adherence to company values, and a commitment to personal and professional development.

Position requires an executed Proprietary Information, Assignment of Inventions and Restrictive Covenants Agreement. 

To Apply

For immediate consideration, please contact in confidence:

Trudy Hylemon
Director of Talent Acquisition
fallcreekhr@fallcreeknursery.com