Reference: 2021-6019

"Limagrain is an international agricultural co-operative group specialized in field seeds, vegetable seeds and cereal products. More than 8 600 employees in the world spread out in 41 countries. Limagrain strives to improve agriculture in order to face today's food-related challenges. Established more than 270 years ago, Vilmorin SA, Business Unit of Group Limagrain, is a French company specialized in the creation, production and commercialization of innovative vegetable and trees seeds intended for professionals. Vilmorin teams are present globally through our 10 subsidiaries and our network of over 100 distributors, they work together with passion and commitment to ensure the success of the company."   

Function: RESEARCH & INNOVATION - BREEDING

Employment Type: Regular Full Time

Contractual hours: Full-time

Main Goal

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:
In accordance with the business strategy defined by the company, the Breeder will execute the breeding methodology for Tomato to create innovative and competitive new varieties in his/her target market segments by searching for the appropriate genetic resources and implementing the best technologies and methods available.

Job descriptionEssential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Sets up, coordinates and administers breeding programs based on current line development pipeline templates and defined company objectives
• Designs and participates in the trials plan for key markets
• Develops, executes, and maintains a well-planned breeding program that provides commercial products for key markets
• Stays current with technology developments and introduces innovation to breeding program where appropriate
• Stays current with leading competitors' product lines and strengths and weaknesses
• Coordinates the implementation of programs through a network of breeding stations and screening sites
• Strategically collaborates with key external partners and within BU and within LVS on breeding and technology projects.
• Maximize the use of all resources allocated to the breeding programs (human, technical)
• Significant travel required (in Brazil and outside)
• Supervisory Responsibilities
• Management of breeding assistants, assistance with the direction of temporary or contract workers (in coordination with operations groups of VMK at research stations of Holambra & others).

Profile
Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Functional – Working knowledge and a competent grasp of the methodology of plant breeding and supporting disciplines. Advanced knowledge of assigned species in botany, biology, genetics, biotic and abiotic disorders and is familiar with seed production issues. Solid understanding of the new product development process in the company and of the required traits for target and secondary markets. Demonstrated ability to deliver commercial varieties.
• Strategic Planning and Analysis – Ability to manage multiple projects with the goal in mind and showing long term vision by bringing innovative ideas. Have a good analysis capacity and attention to details, with the ability to detect subtle differences between plants. Ability to design a breeding scheme based on multiple and complex information sources.
• Technical Skills – Experience with collecting and analyzing experimental data, genetics, statistics and experimental design. Ability to use operational IT Breeding system, Microsoft products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Interpersonal Skills – Possess effective communication skills and ability to train others. Ability to develop and maintain productive work relationships with various positions within the organization as scientists, support functions, PD, Sales, Production, Product Managers and other departments. Ability to interact with external partners such as public research personnel, farmers and universities.
• Teamwork - Team player with a positive attitude, willingness to cooperate and openly share information. Ability to facilitate teamwork among colleagues and staff. Ability to manage large projects with multiple partners worldwide.  Capacity to lead a professional team to attain objectives.

Miscellaneous:

Reports to: Senior Tomato Breeder
Collaboration with other functions including Development, Pathology, Sales and Marketing
Travel as needed nationally and internationally

Location: Research Station located near Holambra, Sao Paolo, Brazil

Candidate criteria

Minimum level of education required: Doctoral degree / PhD

Specific expertise

• Agriculture/Agronomy
• Other
• Biology
• Botany/Horticulture

Minimum level of experience required: 3 years or more

Education and/or Experience

• PhD in Plant Breeding and/or significant background in breeding
• Minimum 4 to 5 years work experience managing independently a breeding program with demonstrated ability to develop successful commercial hybrids
• Must be proficient in English; Spanish desired

Languages

• English (3 - Professional)
• Portuguese (4 - Fluent)

To apply

Please click HERE to learn more and to apply online.