To Apply: Please submit your CV/resume to: https://www.careersatdriscolls.com/vacancies/strawberry-breeder-north-europe/

JOB SUMMARY:

The North European Strawberry Breeder will be responsible for the planning and execution of hybridizations, seedling selections, selection advancements and variety commercialization of Driscoll’s high chill short day and everbearer strawberry breeding programs. This role will also collaborate with other strawberry breeders and scientists in the United States and Mexico to identify the best-suited genetics across the production regions within EMEA. The North European Strawberry Breeder will work cross-functionally with regional trials plot managers, agronomists, applied researchers and district operations personnel to create alignment in testing processes and commercialization of genetics following product requirements within each country and region. Additionally, the candidate will coordinate with all other departments associated with the breeding program, including but not limited to:  Molecular Genetics, Plant Health, Entomology, Chemistry, Postharvest, Consumer Lab, Physiology, Nursery.  The ideal candidate will have a passion for applied plant breeding, and the knowledge and experience to integrate the next generation of molecular breeding into a thriving cultivar development program. The position will require flexibility to work overtime during the fruiting season. Within country and a modest amount of international travel will also be compulsory.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Develop novel strawberry cultivars that are adapted to Driscoll’s North European growing and production regions, superior for target traits, stable in performance and acceptable by growers, customers and consumers.
• Design and implement an appropriate hybridization and selection program including the application of molecular markers for parent and seedling selection.
• Conduct independent evaluations of hybrid seedlings and selections for horticultural characteristics, encompassing field ratings, yield, shelf life, and flavor in strawberries.
• Collaborate with the Genomic Scientists, Plant Pathologist, Entomologist to design and establish experimental trials for marker development.
• Supervise phenotyping activities to support marker validation and development.
• Work collaboratively with other Driscoll’s departments and the grower community to design and establish field trials for strawberry variety development. 
• Screen, evaluate, select and develop varieties from other Driscoll’s strawberry breeding programs that are best adapted to local growing conditions.
• Manage plant orders, overview plant logistics and planting of genetic material.
• Collect, analyze and report results to peers, growers and retailers on a regular basis though field tours and formal meetings.
• Liaise and conduct regular visits to the breeding nursery to evaluate nursery performance of genetic material and support continuous process improvement in plant propagation.
• Ensure IP protection of developed genetics prior to commercialization.
• Actively participate in local commercialization teams which includes district applied research, agronomy and production personnel to facilitate successful introduction and commercialization of new varieties.
• Create awareness and generate excitement of promising genetics, publishing advanced genetics slides, production guides, and the effective execution of on-farm trials.
• Provide leadership for test plot and postharvest staff for daily activities and priorities, ensure accuracy of collected data.
• Maintain a safe and professional office and other work-related areas. Maintain the overall appearance, housekeeping, and safety of the test plot.
• Perform other duties as directed by supervisor.
• Exhibit Driscoll’s values of passion, humility and trustworthiness in all interactions.
• Works well in a team environment by supporting fairness, a strong work ethic, accountability to the team and leading by examples. Utilize team building and communication skills to create strong department and company alignment.
• Follow Company policies and practices while representing Driscoll’s in an ethical and business-like manner in all interactions with employees, governmental agencies, growers, customers, etc.
• Ensure the safekeeping of Driscoll’s confidential and proprietary information and materials.
• Other duties as assigned.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by employees in this job.  It is not an exhaustive list of all the job's responsibilities.  At Driscoll’s, all our jobs include broad responsibilities for continually improving the processes we use to develop our products.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

•  Ph.D. in Plant Breeding/Genetics or other relevant discipline such as Horticulture or Agronomy with a focus on Plant Breeding and a few years of experience in plant breeding in a commercial setting will be required.
• Familiarity with berry specific genetics and plant physiology will be advantageous.
• The candidate must be a self-starter with the ability to work independently and as part of a team and to collaborate with other scientists to achieve team goals and have the ability to devise innovative breeding solutions to improve processes.
• Broad industry knowledge including awareness and understanding of competitors, global genetic tools and cultural systems and solid understanding of the drivers of grower economics is necessary.
• The job holder will need to be disciplined, able to lead and supervise people, manage several projects at the same time and have good verbal and written communication skills.
• Fluency in both written and spoken English is fundamental.
• A valid UK/European driver’s license with the ability to be insured under company sponsored liability is required
• Candidates must have the “right to work” in the UK and the ability to travel internationally without restrictions.  Consideration will be given to sponsoring the right candidate for a skilled worker visa.

About the Company:

Driscoll’s is the global market leader for fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries.  With more than 100 years of farming heritage and hundreds of independent growers around the world, Driscoll’s is passionate about growing fresh, beautiful and delicious berries.  Our values of humility, passion and trustworthiness have guided our mission to delight consumers around the world.

Driscoll’s exclusive patented berry varieties are developed through years of research using only natural breeding methods – meaning, no GMOs. From farm-to-table, we focus on delivering a high quality, premium berry experience with our many supply chain partners.

Driscoll’s is the trusted brand for Only the Finest Berries ™.

To apply: Please submit your CV/Resume to: https://www.careersatdriscolls.com/vacancies/strawberry-breeder-north-europe/