Advanta US is an operating unit of Advanta, a global seed business that combines the most advanced techniques in conventional plant breeding with biotechnology to deliver world-class seed. Advanta is one of the international leaders in the research, development, production, processing, marketing and sale of high-performance agricultural seeds.

Primary Responsibility:

Under the supervision of the Plant Breeder, the Research Associate will contribute to the team’s efforts to develop and evaluate sorghum inbreeds and hybrids by performing and assisting with many aspects of the station’s breeding program. Duties and responsibilities may be revised as needed by the Plant Breeder either verbally and/or in writing

Major Job Responsibilities:

• Seed packaging, planting, pollinating, note taking, harvest and shelling. 
• Inventory and maintenance of seed stocks.
• Recruiting, training and supervising work with crews in field trials, nurseries and seed lab. 
• Organizing and conducting field experiments. This includes site selection, planting, scouting, coordination of field activities, spraying and timely harvest.
• Use of MS Office programs especially Excel, Word and Outlook and learning in-house plant breeding software programs.  
• Operation of field research equipment. Ability to maintain and make repairs is desirable but not mandatory.
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality, customer service and professionalism that promotes a positive image of the company and the research department.

Job Skills & Requirements:

• Able to work well independently and with team members in a professional and respectful manner.
• Ability to organize and oversee multiple projects concurrently to meet deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Flexibility to travel and to work extended hours, including weekends, during planting, pollination and harvest season as needed.
• Able to obtain a valid Texas Pesticide Applicators license, have or obtain a Class A motor vehicle license 
• Ability to work required hours in both station and field, lift 50 pounds, work in testing and nursery fields including during pollen shed and operate a motor vehicle

Qualifications:

Agriculture - Knowledge of agriculture industry including sorghums - Strongly Preferred
Equipment Operation - Experience operating and repairing agricultural equipment preferred
Research - Experience in seed research preferred
Quality - Attention to Detail 
General Math Skills - Including statistical analysis and interpretation
Computer knowledge – Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office Suite, 
Teamwork - Ability and willingness to work cooperatively with others
Multicultural Approach - Ability to work in a corporation with global network (global company)

Educational Background:

Bachelor’s Degree and 5+ years of experience in agricultural research field required.
Master’s Degree and experience in seed research preferred. 

Travel Requirements:

Approximately 30% travel to company sites and including domestic and international travel

Compensation:

Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Applications

Please send application and CV to Michael Nesti, michael.nesti@uniphos.com