About the Opportunity

As a team member of the global blackberry breeding group, the Research Scientist-Blackberry Breeding has the responsibility to execute the breeding program locally in Central Mexico. The Research Scientist reports to the Principal Scientist in charge of Central Mexico Variety Development. All blackberry breeding efforts are ultimately coordinated globally through the Principle Scientist for Blackberry Breeding, based in Watsonville, CA, who is accountable for the global program. This position will act as the local blackberry breeding representative and interact with all departments associated with the breeding program including but not limited to: nursery, production management, production research, marketing, and sales. These interactions provide key informational inputs and the Research Scientist must act as the key point of contact.

About the Company

Driscoll's is the leading supplier and marketer of organic and conventional strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries in the world.
A fourth-generation, family-owned and operated company, Driscoll’s has built upon the genetic work and innovation of our founders to fulfill our mission to ‘Continually Delight Berry Consumers.’ We utilize traditional plant breeding methods to create plant varieties (genetic breeds) that produce ONLY THE FINEST BERRIES™. This plant material is then patented, cultivated in Driscoll’s nurseries and supplied to our independent farmer partners around the world to grow Driscoll’s brand berries. 

 Driscoll’s company culture is rooted in our mission, values, and commitment to creating a supportive work environment that fosters open and friendly communication, encourages collaboration and team interaction, and provides clear focus and direction. 

 At Driscoll’s, we’re committed to Growing Great People. This means that we help our employees learn about and support our overall business strategies. We also provide opportunities for individuals to grow along with the company. Most importantly, Driscoll’s encourages our employees to achieve their career growth and cultivate their personal well-being. For more information about our company, including our Mission and Values, please go to www.driscolls.com.

Responsibilities

• Manage blackberry breeding program in Central Mexico.
• Coordinate Central Mexico blackberry breeding efforts with global breeding efforts through adherence to established or newly designed crossing, testing, nursery, on-farm trialing, commercialization, and export protocols.
• Design and implement appropriate hybridization and selection program to develop new blackberry cultivars for fresh markets.
• Supervise seedling development, selection procedure, and testing of selections then provide data and recommendations to the growers. Collect, analyze and report evaluation data for selections to peers and Driscoll’s growers.
• Coordinate with laboratory and nursery on propagation of selections. Develop basic cultural recommendations for new cultivars.
• Assist in acquisition of Intellectual Property Rights for new cultivars.
• Provide leadership in On-Farm Trials and with the commercialization of selections and cultivars in Central Mexico.
• Provide support for selections cross-trialed in other areas.
• Recommend and coordinate research to improve program efficiency.
• 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 security of Driscoll’s confidential and proprietary information and materials. • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree and 3+ years’ experience or Ph.D. in Plant Breeding/Genetics or related discipline.
• Ability to work as part of a team and collaborate with other scientists in achieving team goals.
• Passion for practical plant breeding.
• Fluency in English and Spanish.
• Candidates must be self-disciplined, self-motivated and have good verbal/written communication.
• Must be able to work in a field setting.
• Experience with database management, Excel and statistical software.
• Regular domestic and international travel required.
• A valid passport and the ability to travel internationally without restrictions are also required.

To apply, please send resume/CV and a cover letter to: Cassandra.carvajal@driscolls.com with ‘RSII – Blackberry Breeding – MX’ in the subject line and apply online to Job #1932 through our Career section at www.driscolls.com.