We are recruiting for a Senior Wheat Breeder to lead our Pacific Northwest breeding program for Limagrain Cereal Seeds. This position is based in Waitsburg (WA) in the US and report to the Vice President, Research of LCS.

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.

Limagrain Cereal Seeds (LCS) was formed in 2010 through a joint venture of Group LImagrain (through its subsidiary Vilmorin& Co.) with minority shareholder Arcadia Biosciences of Davis, California.  Since inception, LCS has develop industry-leading breeding programs in each of the four major wheat growing areas of the US. Headquarters for LCS are located in Fort Collins, CO.  

For further information: www.limagrain.com and www.limagraincerealseeds.com

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

Develop and implement a strategy to breed new varieties of wheat for the Pacific North West of the US. Manage and lead the wheat breeding team engaged in breeding, field and greenhouse trials, crossing, quality evaluations, and variety purification and maintenance. Use molecular markers, doubled haploids, and other biotechnologies to rapidly develop commercially competitive and successful varieties.

Coordinate activities with Limagrain Cereal Seeds (LCS) breeding programs throughout the US and with international wheat breeding programs of Group Limagrain; travelling abroad and participating in wheat breeding activities and meetings as necessary. 

KEY ELEMENTS OF THE JOB:

Identify and propose, in consultation with LCS managers, the most appropriate methods and innovations for wheat breeding in the Pacific North West region and, periodically, present strategies for review and approval. Contribute to strategic planning, review, and decision-making of the LCS business unit to be sure that strategies are aligned within the unit, and with long-term vision and mission of the Limagrain organization. 

Identify and propose, in consultation with LCS managers, appropriate methods and strategies for using DH, SSD, disease and insect screening, and molecular marker technologies that contribute to LCS breeding efforts.  

Provide technical support and interface between LCS and Limagrain programs internationally with regard to development and applications of molecular markers, training and IT, scientific and germplasm exchanges,.  

Implement the approved strategies for wheat breeding that, in compliance with regulations and requirements necessary to obtain US IP protection, has the best possible likelihood of providing a continual supply of competitive commercial varieties to the US wheat market of the Pacific North West US region. 

Develop and maintain an intimate relationship with public sector scientists engaged in wheat breeding and genetics, with LCS researchers and with Limagrain Field Seed Research teams to obtain maximum advantage from new innovations that can be applied to the wheat breeding strategy.

Develop and maintain a strong relationship with US 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.  Also, develop and maintain a strong relationship with regional and national wheat grower organizations, and regional and national wheat scientific organizations that complement and advance the wheat breeding strategy.

Train and manage the LCS wheat team for the Pacific North West region in all aspects of wheat breeding, field trials, disease and insect screening, quality evaluation, variety purification and maintenance; where appropriate in cooperation with line managers of particular specialists.

Manage applications for Plant Variety Protection and/or Utility Patents.  Enter varieties and experimental lines into regional performance and state variety trials and manage germplasm exchange with public and private collaborators. Ensure compliance with IP guidelines of LCS and Group Limagrain. 

Manage production of appropriate quantities of pure seed to meet needs for field and laboratory trials, regional and state performance trials, quality testing, and Breeder seed stocks that are used to produce Foundation seed. 

Provide technical support and information as required for marketing purposes. Represent LCS and present varieties and information in field days, growers meetings, regional and national meetings. 

Propose an annual budget for the Pacific North West US wheat breeding effort, manage the approved budget, and provide updates as required by the LCS Research VP. 

Comply with all relevant requirements of the LCS and Group Limagrain Health and Safety policy as well with procedures, controls and legal requirements that control Genetically Modified plant material and crops.

PROFILE :

A good knowledge of the target production region, associated biotic and abiotic stresses, and relevant germplasm base would be highly advantageous.

Specific knowledge or experience US wheat production relevant to the above would be highly advantageous. 

The job also requires strong management skills, good computing ability and general competence in English, math and statistics. 

• 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.
• A good 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

The job will include regular travel to locations in the Pacific North West US and visits to field sites or meetings held elsewhere in the US or overseas, which often require overnight stays.

Closing date for initial review of applications is January 15 2016, 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

LCS is an "at will" employer.Equal Opportunity Employer.Drug Free Workplace

Reference : 2015-666