Weaver Popcorn Company, Inc. is recruiting to fill an open position for a Breeder/Geneticist at its research facilities in New Richmond, Indiana (23 miles south of Lafayette, Indiana).

Weaver’s hybrid research efforts, started in 1976, are an integral part of the company’s successes in developing, growing, processing, packaging, and selling a variety of popcorn products throughout the United States and to over 90 countries around the world. For more information about our Company, visit: http://www.popweaver.com/about-us.html.  

Responsibilities:

1. Manage, coordinate and execute a comprehensive popcorn breeding program for inbred line development focused on improved quality traits.
2. Integrate molecular marker assisted technologies into the study and characterization of genes determining the genetic bases of quality traits.
3. Develop high quality popcorn breeding populations.
4. Develop new high quality, high yielding popcorn hybrids for testing.
5. Study the interaction between quality traits, agronomic traits and practices.
6. Provide input into other areas where the genetic component is relevant.

Requirements:

• PhD with 3-5 years of experience in Plant Breeding and Genetics, (preferably in corn).
• Comprehensive knowledge of agronomics, grain quality and production practices.
• Ability to manage personnel and communicate well.
• Knowledge and experience in experimental design and statistical analysis.
• Experience in the application of molecular markers to breeding programs.
• Advanced computer skills, including programs used for the analysis of molecular marker data.
• Understanding of biotechnology and intellectual property rights concepts.
• Experience with farming equipment a plus.

Environment:

This position includes spending time in the nursery and test plots and in planning experiments, evaluating quality and yield, inputting, analyzing and interpreting results.
This position also requires an individual who wants to make a difference as the 3 – 4 breeder team is in charged with developing popcorn hybrids that meet our customers’ popcorn needs and preferences as well as those of our growers.
Our goal has always been to have the best hybrids in the industry for all the different market divisions.
The hybrid research team meets regularly with the company’s agronomists and sales, marketing and R & D associates as well as growers, customers and consumers to learn directly of their needs and to gain feedback as to how well our hybrids are meeting their needs.

Contact:

Bob Hawk: bob.hawk@popweaver.com or
Carlos Iglesias: carlos.iglesias@popweaver.com