Advanta

Advanta is a Plant Genetics company with a global presence. Advanta is currently embarking upon a very aggressive growth strategy in the emerging markets of Africa, Asia and Latin America. Advanta’s unique germplasm collection combined with emerging technology and bioscience capability provides a robust platform for growth.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual to lead its India R&D Field Crops Team. The individual selected for this role will have extensive experience in plant research, with specific emphasis on plant breeding, biotechnology and the incorporation of molecular markers and transformation technologies in the development of new products. The selected candidate will have knowledge of the latest trends, including availability and application, of biotechnology traits, tools and techniques to enhance Advanta’s breeding and product development capabilities. A track record of success in breeding for India markets and commercialization of Field Crop products is required. Position will be based at Hyderabad, India reporting to Global Plant Breeding Lead – Field Crops.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for understanding and executing R&D direction for each Global Crop and Global Biotech function
• Provide direction and leadership for India Field Crop research activities and the implementation of Global Breeding and BioTech Strategies
• Strategy implementation, including administration, planning, maintenance and tracking of all facets of the research process (including conventional breeding and biotechnology)
• Oversight of the competitiveness of research investments
• Develop and ensure that each global crop strategy is appropriate for local markets and is implemented in an efficient and effective manner
• Implementation of Crop Trialing systems, enabling the generation of a sufficient number of high quality data points, allowing the best experimental products from Research Trials (MLT) to be advanced to the Pre-Commercial level of Strip Testing (PD Trials)
• Secure the application and use of beneficial Bio Tech tools in Advanta India breeding programs
• Organize and secure the interaction of the local Breeding teams with the Global Breeding and Bio Tech teams
• Continuously scan the technology environment to identify new technologies and determine their value and fit for Advanta
• Lead regulatory work and approval process for new traits that are being developed/acquired
• Develop and monitor manpower and research technologies, tracking performance to ensure proper execution of organizational strategies
• Initiate special studies, strategy reviews, market and competitive research updates pertaining to the support of established Field Crop and BioTech strategies
• Working relationships will include Crop Research Leads, TD Lead, BioTech managers, India Field Crop Breeders and Sales & Marketing managers

Qualifications:

Experience

• PhD in Plant Breeding or Genetics
• 10 years of experience in the commercial seed industry
• 3-5 years in a leadership role (within the 10 years of seed industry experience)
• Must possess a high level of technical aptitude and demonstrated comprehensive & current knowledge in relevant research technology

Skills

• Leadership, innovative, creative, strategic
• Analytical and communicative
• People Management experience, personal integrity, ability to interact effectively with multi-functional teams
• Organizational skills – ability to balance multiple tasks and achieve milestones and cumulative goals
• English language fluency is necessary
• Ability to manage in a multicultural environment

Compensation for this position is designed to attract the best talent.

Interested candidates may send their resume by email to careers@advantaseeds.com by mentioning the position applied for in the subject line.

Company information can be access from website www.advantaseeds.com