KWS Cereals USA is looking for a Senior Breeder Spring Wheat to be based out of the KWS breeding station in Moorhead, MN. The responsibility of this position is to further develop our young Hard Red Spring Hybrid Wheat breeding program. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

(functions include but are not limited to the below mentioned responsibilities)

Hybrid Wheat Breeding

• Develop competitive hybrid spring wheat varieties for the relevant Northern American markets
• Explore, evaluate and further develop a pool concept for wheat hybrids in the Hard Red Spring market in the US
• Follow maintenance breeding protocols and become an expert on KWS’ proprietary male sterility system
• Work with KWS’ breeding technology team in Einbeck to develop hybrid predictive breeding strategy
• Continued development of the heterotic pools
• Explore F1 trait expression in US germplasm for key traits
• Manage GCA and SCA test cross productions and trials, using chemical hybridization agents and our genetic male sterility system
• Coordinate US aimed test cross production where necessary
• Build data sets on relevant traits in male and female pools
• Work closely with Group Lead Wheat Breeding NA, Wheat Breeders and Pre-Breeders in the USA and Europe on pool development and breeding systems, ensuring that similar breeding approaches/strategies are implemented across hybrid programs globally
• Line management of Assistant Breeders and Breeding Technicians

General

• Manage and assist in phenotyping, seed processing, planting, harvest and data management processes
• Engage with breeding and technology teams in Europe and HQ, volunteering to lead cross-program / cross-crop topics where appropriate
• Budget responsibilities for spring wheat breeding activities in the US
• Train and provide technical supervision of permanent and seasonal staff as needed
• Ensure compliance and participation in Safety, Stewardship and Regulatory policies, while setting high standards of professional conduct
• Regular travel and/or drive on behalf of the business (domestic and international), at times for periods up to two weeks
• Meet attendance requirements, this position is not suited for hybrid or remote working
• Ensure the Company handbook, Rules, Guidelines and Procedures, and safety policies are followed, and personal protective equipment is used correctly
• Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• MSc or PhD degree in Breeding, Agronomy, Plant Genetics or Horticulture or a related scientific field

• 8 or more years of relevant work experience in crop improvement and successful variety development
• Experience in wheat and hybrid field-crop breeding highly desirable
• Strong computer and analytical skills and the ability to learn new database and related computer systems
• Working knowledge of molecular markers and implementation of genomic prediction methods in a breeding program
• Working knowledge of wheat quality parameters desirable
• Specialized knowledge of variety testing, statistical analysis and experimental design
• Ability to work independently
• People management skills, excellent organizational and time management skills
• Strong English language verbal and writing communication skills
• Critical, logical and innovative thinking ability to plan present and future needs
• Valid Driver’s license
• Flexibility to work extended workdays and occasional weekends as season requires

OUR OFFER: 

• A salary between $95,000 to $120,000. This role is also eligible for a 18% annual bonus. This reflects a reasonable estimate of the targeted base salary for this role. Based on factors such as geographic location and candidate qualifications, actual base pay is determined when an employment offer is made
• Health, dental, vision benefits
• Pension plan and 401(k) with employer match
• Flexible paid-time-off (PTO)
• Professional training and development opportunities

Grow your career forward by submitting your application online via our online application system SuccessFactors! Please click the “Apply” button which you can find in the online ad. 

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Must wear required PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) as needed. Ability to work indoor/outdoor in varied environmental conditions (loud, hot, cold, dusty, damp, etc.). Occasional overnight travel as needed, including international travel. Exposure to pollen and chemicals.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and move objects up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.