Monsanto is seeking a highly motivated individual to join the processing tomato breeding group in the Vegetables R&D organization as a Research Associate. Working as part of a team, you will assist in managing, developing and executing field trials, as well as contributing across breeding program activities to develop successful commercial hybrids. The individual is expected to work closely with internal and external colleagues to help generate trial data for product advancement decisions and contribute to the development of new commercial hybrids using the latest technology. 

Responsibilities include:

• Responsible for maintaining and developing extensive internal and external relationships (including growers, commercial transplant operations, seed dealers, and other industry personnel), requiring excellent and outgoing communication skills 
• Provide leadership and execution for all phases of field trials in the breeding program, particularly hybrid trials, including: coordination of field space and logistics, preparation of testing material, sowing, transplanting, harvesting, data management (data collection, upload, and QC) and associated use of in-house software applications 
• Lead and assist in all aspects of collecting trial data and management of contract labor 
• Ensure that data quality/quantity and information is available in specified timelines and format to enable selection/advancement decisions 
• Ability to operate large research equipment, including extensive in-season time spent operating harvest machinery 
• Frequent overnight and off-station travel to field sites throughout the target region during the season, particularly in the Central Valley of California 
• Assist in all parts of the breeding program activities, as requested, including but not limited to: population development/selection, genotyping, seed inventory management and database management 
• Lead implementation of company policies on safety (ESH) in the work place 

Required Education & Skills/Experience: 

• Minimum of a Bachelors Degree in Plant Breeding, Crop Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, or related Agricultural field of study 
• Minimum of three or more years of experience in applied field research, agronomy, horticulture, breeding, plant genetics and/or crop physiology 
• Demonstrated experience with field trial management and research trials (including educational work) 
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex timelines and logistics across multiple projects and stakeholders 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills 
• Self-motivated person that takes initiative and is able to work with minimal supervision 
• Foresight, agility, detail-orientation and organization are a must 
• Computer skills in word processing and spreadsheet programs, and ability to learn and implement proprietary and other software 
• Ability to work weekends and holidays during peak times of the season 
• Ability to work outdoors and in greenhouse in extreme conditions 
• Ability to operate a company vehicle and meet DOT background and physical requirements 
• Ability and willingness to participate in Monsanto’s North American Federal Motor Carriers Compliance Program for commercial drivers (a CDL A is not required) 

Desired Education & Skills/Experience: 

• Masters Degree in Plant Breeding, Crop Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, or related Agricultural field of study 
• Spanish/English bilingual highly desired 
• Five or more years of experience in applied field research, agronomy, horticulture, breeding, plant genetics and/or crop physiology 
• Experience with farm equipment, ability to troubleshoot mechanical problems 
• Prior experience in the agricultural or seed industry 
• Experience in the production and testing of processing tomato varieties 
• Experience with greenhouse or nursery operations, particularly in a research setting

Applications

Please apply at: jobs.monsanto.com
Job ID number: 016JC
https://jobs.monsanto.com/job/woodland/research-associate/769/1319027