Requisition # 20222BR
Title Research Scientist
Functional Unit Research - Americas Maize Product Development
City Dallas Center
State Iowa
Country United States (USA)
Position Type Full-Time Regular
Hiring Manager Title Research Director

Job Description The scientist will lead a maize breeding program that contributes to the product development and strategies in the Central Corn Belt. The scientist will be responsible for planning and conducting a comprehensive maize genetics and breeding program for 108 CRM in Dallas Center, IA. The scientist will also work with the regional lead and breeders to define native trait development needs, targets, and strategies and lead a field breeding program to accomplish them. The position will include activities including but not limited to designing experiments, data analysis, genetic analysis, molecular breeding analysis, training staff, and many field activities.
Duties/Responsibilities Project will be responsible for planning and conducting a comprehensive maize genetics and breeding program for 108 CRM in Dallas Center, IA.
Lead a breeding and genetics research program that delivers inbred lines and other germplasm that provides superior performance improvements consistent with maize product development objectives (40%)
Participate in a team focused on implementation of enabling technologies to improve breeding effectiveness and utilization of breeding resources (30%)
Perform genetic analyses, including molecular breeding, QTL detection, whole genome prediction, and field experimentation, to identify and deploy native trait variation for the traits of interest
Collaborate with existing research efforts to identify and monitor germplasm diversity using molecular tools and its application to hybrid advancement, including the mining and sharing of QTL information across the breeding organization
Work with other corn breeders and molecular breeding scientists to develop strategies to identify the underlying genetic factors responsible for traits important to the breeding programs (20%).
Work in conjunction with Regional Maize Research Director and Breeding Lead and other maize breeders to identify native trait development needs and targets (10%).
Leverage enabling breeding technologies to drive product development improvements including but not limited to breeding and selection of doubled haploid lines while utilizing molecular data, genetic and trait characterization data to identify improved inbreds and hybrids.
The research scientist will contribute to leadership aspects of the Research Center activities, and effectively communicate with other scientists as necessary to ensure the success of all research activities at that center.
Education and Experience PhD in plant breeding or plant genetics, with an emphasis in the areas of genetics and molecular genetics and 4-6 years of related experience required.
Experience or familiarity with quantitative/population genetics, meta analysis, genome wide prediction methods, and other molecular breeding methods.
Experience with field research processes and phenotypic data analyses and utilization is essential.
Competencies An independent, highly motivated, and self-directed scientist is required.
Comprehensive knowledge and applied research experience in plant genetics or plant breeding.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and a proven ability to work well in a team environment.
Strong organizational skills to plan and coordinate experiments across projects and abilities to effectively share results across the organization are required.
Excellent personal interaction skills required for effectively developing strong internal and external working relationships with a diverse group of people.
We seek unique leaders who are strongly motivated by the desire to solve scientific questions; who are highly skilled quantitative scientists that excel at deeply investigating phenotypic and genetic information; and who can deliver results in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Knowledge of new technology applications. Supervision/management, communication and interpersonal skills. Computer skills. Understanding of the business.