Plant Breeder - Plant & Food Research

at  Science New Zealand

MINIMUM GUARANTEED HOURS 38 HOURS PER WEEK

Does the prospect of leading a berryfruit breeding programme excite you?

• Are you an experienced breeder, able to set strategy and targets and looking for a new challenge?
• Can you work collaboratively across multiple science disciplines?
• Would you like to work for a company that offers great benefits while living in a region known for its outdoor lifestyle?

ABOUT US | KO WAI MĀTOU

At Plant & Food Research, Rangahau Ahumāra Kai, we believe science can create a better future. By finding smarter, greener options today, we’re helping secure the world we want to live in tomorrow. With our partners, we use world-leading science and technology to improve the way they grow, fish, harvest, create, prepare and share kai. Every day, we have 1000 people working across Aotearoa New Zealand and the world to help develop and deliver healthy foods from the world’s most sustainable food systems. We are on our journey towards becoming a meaningful and trusted partner to Māori, promoting the weaving of Mātauranga Māori and science to create growth and success for all of Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Job Details
Crown research institute

Plant & Food Research
Reference #

54161
Posted on

12 Aug 2024
Closes on

25 Aug 2024 23:55
Location(s)

Motueka
Expertise

Crop Production, Farm & Orchard Management, Food Science & Technologies
Job level(s)

Senior scientist, Experienced
Work type(s)

Permanent
More details (document)

54161 - PD - Plant Breeder - Berry Fruit - May 2024.docx

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING | NGĀ WHĀINGA MATUA

You will be part of a programme delivering Rubus, Vaccinium and Ribes fruit cultivars from the Plant & Food Research (PFR) Berryfruit breeding programme based in the Motueka / Tasman region of New Zealand. Working with a diverse team who provide multi-discipinary expertise you will ensure maximum genetic gain by incorporating appropriate breeding technologies to deliver quality cultivars.
This will include leading the breeding targets and strategic direction and overseeing management of the berry fruit programme to meet commercial product concepts and enhance genetic gain within the wider Vaccinium, Rubus and Ribes programmes.

To be successful in this role, ideally candidates will have:

• A Postgraduate degree, preferably a PhD, in Horticulture/Plant sciences that is Plant Breeding or Genetics related
• Significant (at least five years) relevant practical breeding experience in horticulture crops (Berryfruit crops preferred).
• Experience in quantitative genetics, application of genomics and marker-assisted selection.
• Well-developed analytical skills including programming languages such as R or Python.
• An organised and methodical approach to tasks with attention to detail and commitment to effective work/project management.
• Able to work effectively as part of a larger team that may be distributed nationally and internationally. Demonstrated skills in facilitating collegial interactions across disciplines