About the Opportunity

The Research Scientist will be responsible for deployment of applied markers that accelerate traditional plant breeding. This role will work together with the molecular genetics team and applied breeders to support marker deployment and will help ensure a steady lab output. Responsibilities include assay design, optimization, validation, and deployment in applied breeding programs. Other responsibilities include supervision of other technical staff and maintenance of laboratory equipment including genotyping machines, robots, and sequencers. The candidate will have a strong background and experience in plant breeding and molecular genetics. The marker scientist will stay current with the newest molecular techniques that would aid Driscoll’s in accomplishing our mission.

Responsibilities

Research: 

• Assist in translation of marker-trait associations from the statistical genetics team into functional markers for use in applied breeding. 
• Design and optimize KASP, droplet digital PCR, HRM, qPCR, or other assays as needed. 
• Plan successful deployment of marker-assisted selection assays in applied breeding programs. 
• Maintain a portfolio of optimized MAS assays for internal use or deployment to our outsourcing partners. 
• Management of data streams and relationships with third party service providers during marker screening season. 

Supervision:

• Supervise technical staff to assist in the research efforts as needed.
• Support and promote safety. 
• Develop, train, and evaluate performance of employees on a continuous basis.
• Collaboration/Communication: 
• Establish collaborative relationships with other researchers in the field through attendance of conferences and symposia. 
• Maintain strong relationships with applied plant breeders in all crops. 
• Occasional travel to locations in the European Union will be required.

General:

• 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. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Candidate Profile

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree with work experience in plant breeding or an applied molecular genetics program. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage high throughput DNA extraction and genotyping.
• Experience with high throughput genotyping in plants using a variety of technologies.
• Experience in design of KASP, qPCR, HRM and droplet digital PCR preferred.
• Experience with lab organization, sample collection, RNA & DNA extraction from plant tissues. 
• Experience with sequencing library preparation highly desired.
• Experience with laboratory automation and sequencer operation highly desired.
• Individual must possess the ability to develop strong trust in all working relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to lead programs and work in a cross-functional team environment.
• Excellent communication skills, including written, verbal, and presentation.
• Some travel will be required. 
• A California driver’s license and the ability to be covered under company-sponsored vehicle insurance program are also required.
• Passport and the ability to travel internationally without restrictions is also required.

About Driscolls

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™.

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Driscoll's es el proveedor líder en la comercialización de Fresas, Frambuesas, Zarzamoras y Arándanos Azules en el mundo. Con más de 100 años de herencia en agricultura y cientos de productores independiente alrededor del mundo, Driscoll's es una compañía apasionada por cultivar Berries frescas, hermosas y deliciosas. Nuestros valores de humildad, pasión y confianza han guiado nuestra misión de deleitar a los consumidores en el mundo.

Las variedades exclusivas de Driscoll's han sido desarrolladas a través de años de investigación usando sólo métodos de mejoramiento natural. De la granja a la mesa, nos enfocamos en ofrecer una experiencia de alta calidad con apoyo de nuestros socios de la cadena de suministro.

Driscoll's es la marca de confianza de sólo las mejores Berries.

Learn more and apply online at:

https://www.driscolls.com/about/careers/job?id=R0001146&returnUrl=%2Fabout%2Fcareers