Senior Breeder
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada We are recruiting for a Senior Wheat Breeder to lead the new cereals breeding program for Limagrain Cereals Research Canada (LCRC).
This position will be based in Saskatoon and report to the Vice President, Research of LCRC.
BACKGROUND:
Limagrain is an international agricultural co-operative group, specialized in field seeds, vegetable seeds and cereal products. Based in France, Limagrain is the 4th largest seed company in the world through its holding Vilmorin & Cie. The Group has annual sales of almost 2 billion Euros and over 8,200 employees, including 1,700 researchers, spread out over 39 countries. Limagrain conducts its business within the framework of a global, sustainable vision of agriculture and agri-food based on innovation and regulation of agricultural markets.
Canterra Seeds is owned by western Canadian seed growers and agricultural retailers, Limagrain, Ceres Global Ag and private investors, Canterra Seeds is committed to sourcing genetically superior seed products that deliver agronomic and economic benefits for producers, while also meeting end-user needs. With a versatile portfolio of cereals, pulses and canola, Canterra Seeds seeks opportunities that allow for mutual success in the agriculture industry.
Limagrain Cereals Research Canada (LCRC) was formed in 2015 via a partnership of Limagrain and Canterra Seeds.
For further information: www.limagrain.com and www.canterra.com
MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
- Develop and implement a strategy to breed new varieties of wheat and other cereals for the Canadian prairies.
- Build, manage and lead the cereals breeding team, engaging in breeding, field and greenhouse trials, crossing, and variety purification and maintenance.
- Use molecular markers, doubled haploids, and other modern technologies to rapidly develop commercially competitive and successful varieties.
- Coordinate activities with the US sister company, Limagrain Cereal Seeds, and with other international wheat breeding programs of Group Limagrain. Travel abroad and participating in wheat breeding activities and meetings as is necessary.
- Develop and manage collaborations and exchanges with public and private programs involved in cereal breeding and research.
KEY ELEMENTS OF THE JOB:
- Contribute to strategic planning, review, and decision-making of LCRC; align research strategies with the long-term vision and mission of LCRC.
- Develop and implement breeding strategies to create new varieties and build a competitive portfolio. Manage breeding trials, make selections, pursue variety registration, purify seed stocks, and release cultivars for commercial grain production.
- Provide technical support and information as required for marketing purposes. Represent LCRC and present varieties and information in field days, grower meetings, regional and national meetings.
- Propose, develop, and implement the most appropriate methods and innovations for wheat breeding: strategies for using doubled haploids and molecular marker technologies, growth facilities, disease and insect screening, and quality evaluation.
- Implement the approved strategies for wheat breeding that, in compliance with regulations and requirements necessary to obtain Canadian variety registration and IP protection, have the best possible likelihood of providing a continual supply of competitive commercial varieties for the Canadian prairies.
- Manage applications for Plant Breeders Rights and protection of intellectual property. Manage germplasm exchange with public and private collaborators. Ensure compliance with IP guidelines from Group Limagrain.
- Manage the Canada wheat breeding team and ensure that adequate training and direction is provided in order that the team members complete their own responsibilities to a high standard.
- Ensure that all team members followed the company standards for health, safety and the environment.
- Propose an annual budget for the Canada wheat breeding effort, manage the approved budget, and provide updates as required by the VP, Research and/or CEO.
- Develop relationships, exchanges, and collaborations with Limagrain wheat breeders and researchers operating in other territories
- Develop and maintain an intimate relationship with public sector and private partners engaged in wheat breeding and genetics to obtain maximum advantage from new innovations that can be applied to the wheat breeding strategy.
- Develop and maintain a strong relationship with Canadian wheat end-users, in particular technical experts of milling and baking companies, to obtain maximum advantage in technologies, market opportunities, and developing relationships that can be applied to the wheat breeding strategy.
PROFILE:
- PhD in Plant Breeding and Genetics, or closely related field, is required.
- Strong demonstrated knowledge in breeding, genetics, agronomy, and application of modern technologies for improvement of cereals are necessary.
- Experience as a plant breeder of wheat or other small grains, preferably in a successful commercial program, is necessary.
- Knowledge of the target production region, associated biotic and abiotic stresses, and relevant germplasm base would be highly advantageous.
- Knowledge of cereal chemistry principles and their application to breeding and marketing would be advantageous
- Ability to use software for data analyses, management, presentation, and reporting; general competence in statistics and data management is required
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills are needed
- Leadership skills and experience in managing people and programs is essential
- International exposure would be a plus
Closing date for initial review of applications is August 31, 2015, but the position remains open until filled.
If you are interested to join an international growing organization, please send your CV as well as a short letter describing your motivation and a list of 2 to 3 references at http://limagrain-recrute.talent-soft.com/accueil.aspx?LCID=2057 and send an application message to Jim.peterson@limagrain.com.
More positions from: Limagrain Cereals Research Canada (LCRC) Posted from July 31, 2015 until January 31, 2016 SeedQuest reference number: 66181 |