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Crop Breeding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Limagrain

Global Breeding Director (M/F)

Davis, CA · On-site

$180 - $280/hr

Lead the Breeding Leadership Team (BLT) and translate company and crop strategies into concrete breeding strategies. * Represent HM.CLAUSE's breeding function in the LVS Breeding Application Strategy ...

Ohalo

Global Crop Product Manager

San Francisco, CA

$150K - $250K/yr

Collaborate with Breeding to maintain visibility into the pipeline, ensuring product roadmaps and ... crops to sustainably feed our population. Ohalo's breakthrough technology, Boosted Breeding™ ...

Ohalo

Global Crop Product Manager

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

Collaborate with Breeding to maintain visibility into the pipeline, ensuring product roadmaps and ... crops to sustainably feed our population. Ohalo's breakthrough technology, Boosted Breeding™ ...

Ball Horticultural Company

Plant Breeder

Guadalupe, CA · On-site

$120K/yr

At PanAmerican Seed, breeders work across a diverse portfolio of globally recognized ornamental crops and collaborate closely with experts in pathology, molecular breeding, breeding technology ...

BALL HORTICULTURAL COMPANY

Plant Breeder

Guadalupe, CA

$83K - $120K/yr

At PanAmerican Seed, breeders work across a diverse portfolio of globally recognized ornamental crops and collaborate closely with experts in pathology, molecular breeding, breeding technology ...

BALL HORTICULTURAL COMPANY

Plant Breeder

Guadalupe, CA

$83K - $120K/yr

At PanAmerican Seed, breeders work across a diverse portfolio of globally recognized ornamental crops and collaborate closely with experts in pathology, molecular breeding, breeding technology ...

AB InBev

GLOBAL ANALYST, PRE-BREEDING

Fort Collins, CO · On-site

$67K - $79K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Candidates must demonstrate competency in crop variety development standards and practices. We use both traditional and genetic breeding techniques to develop innovative barley varieties that meet ...

OFI

Crop Supervisor

Las Cruces, NM

Bachelor's Degree is required, major in horticulture, entomology, plant breeding, crop science, agri-business, farm management or related field is preferred. In lieu of degree, five (5) years of ...

Enza Zaden

Breeder

Myakka City, FL · On-site

$77K - $92K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Strong understanding of plant breeding principles, modern breeding techniques, and phytopathology. * Knowledge of various cultivation practices and crop production systems. * Basic to intermediate ...

KWS SAAT SE

Station Technician Champaign

Champaign, IL · On-site

$25.50 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Breeding resilient crops requires diversity; likewise, our strength comes from the diversity of our teams. Whatever your background or identity is, we invite you to join us. Further information:

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Crop Breeding information

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$25K

$69.4K

$99K

How much do crop breeding jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for crop breeding in the United States is $69,416.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Crop Breeding vs Plant Geneticist?

AspectCrop BreedingPlant Geneticist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Agriculture, Plant Science, or related fields; experience in breeding programsDegree in Genetics, Plant Biology, or related; often advanced degrees for research roles
Work EnvironmentField trials, breeding stations, laboratoriesLaboratories, research institutions, universities
Industry UsageApplied breeding programs to develop new crop varietiesResearch on genetic mechanisms, gene editing, and trait development

While both roles focus on improving plants, Crop Breeding involves practical development of new crop varieties through crossing and selection, often in field settings. Plant Geneticists conduct research on plant genes and traits, often in labs, to understand and manipulate plant genetics. Both are essential in agriculture but differ in their focus and work environment.

What are some common challenges faced by crop breeders, and how can they be addressed in the workplace?

Crop breeders often encounter challenges such as managing long breeding cycles, adapting to changing climate conditions, and integrating new technologies like genomics into traditional methods. Addressing these obstacles typically involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, continuous learning, and staying updated on the latest scientific advancements. Employers often support breeders through training, access to advanced lab facilities, and opportunities to collaborate with researchers in genetics, data science, and agronomy, which helps to streamline processes and improve outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a crop breeder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Crop Breeder, you need expertise in plant genetics, agronomy, and data analysis, usually supported by a degree in plant science, genetics, or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as molecular markers, gene editing technologies, and statistical software is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the development of improved crop varieties, driving agricultural productivity and sustainability.

What is crop breeding?

Crop breeding is the science and practice of improving plants to develop new varieties with desirable traits such as higher yield, disease resistance, drought tolerance, and improved nutritional quality. Plant breeders use techniques like cross-breeding, selection, and modern genetic tools to combine the best traits from different plants. This process helps create crops that are more productive and better suited to specific environmental conditions, benefiting both farmers and consumers.
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Crop Breeding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Crop Breeding job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,416 per year, or $33.4 per hour.

Biostatistics Scientist (Plant Science)

Sakata Seed America, INC.

Woodland, CA • On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description


JOB SUMMARY

The Biostatistics Scientist supports applied statistical analysis, quantitative genetics, and breeding analytics for vegetable crop research programs. This entry-level role contributes to genomic, phenotypic, and field-trial data analysis under the guidance of senior scientists, managers and cross-functional project teams. The position helps develop reliable, reproducible analytical workflows that improve trait evaluation, marker-assisted selection, genomic prediction, and data-driven breeding decisions.

Key Responsibilities

Statistical Analysis, Quantitative Genetics & Genomic Prediction

  • Support the development, testing, and interpretation of statistical and genomic prediction models for vegetable crop breeding programs.
  • Apply standard statistical and quantitative genetics methods, such as mixed models, heritability estimation, genetic correlations, and basic genomic prediction approaches.
  • Assist with evaluating model performance, prediction accuracy, and data quality across populations, environments, and breeding stages.
  • Contribute to analyses that help breeders understand trait variation, experimental results, and selection opportunities.
  • Document methods, assumptions, code, and results clearly to support reproducibility and team review.

Molecular Marker & Trait Analytics

  • Analyze molecular marker datasets, including SNP and haplotype data, to support trait mapping, marker validation, and breeding decisions.
  • Assist molecular and breeding teams with data summaries for marker development, marker deployment, and trait evaluation projects.
  • Support quality control of genotypic and phenotypic datasets, including data cleaning, formatting, consistency checks, and basic exploratory analysis.
  • Help prepare selection metrics, trait summaries, and visualizations that integrate multiple sources of breeding data.
  • Translate analytical results into concise summaries that can be reviewed by breeders, molecular scientists, and project teams.

Genomic, Phenotypic & Field Trial Data Analysis

  • Prepare, manage, and analyze genomic, phenotypic, greenhouse, and field-trial datasets under guidance from senior team members.
  • Develop and maintain reproducible scripts for data quality control, statistical analysis, visualization, and reporting.
  • Contribute to the improvement of analytical templates, reporting workflows, and shared data practices in collaboration with bioinformatics and data teams.

Project Support & Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Support analytical components of breeding, trait development, molecular marker, and technology projects.
  • Collaborate with breeders, phenotyping, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and data teams to understand project objectives and data requirements.
  • Prepare clear technical summaries, tables, figures, and presentations to communicate results to internal stakeholders.
  • Learn and apply current methods in biostatistics, quantitative genetics, breeding analytics, and reproducible scientific computing.


Required Qualifications

Education

  • PhD in Biostatistics, Statistics, Quantitative Genetics, Plant Breeding, Computational Biology, Data Science, or a related field; industry experience a plus
    or
  • MS in Biostatistics, Statistics, Quantitative Genetics, Plant Breeding, Computational Biology, Data Science, or a related field with 0–2 years of relevant academic, internship; industry experience a plus


Experience & Technical Skills

  • Foundational training in statistics, biostatistics, quantitative genetics, plant breeding, computational biology, or related analytical disciplines.
  • Experience with statistical analysis of biological, genomic, phenotypic, field-trial, or experimental datasets through graduate research, internships, or applied projects.
  • Working knowledge of statistical programming in R, Python, SAS, or similar tools.
  • Good understanding of experimental design, mixed models, regression, data visualization, and reproducible analytical workflows.
  • Experience with molecular markers, genomic data, plant breeding concepts, or trait analysis is desirable.
  • Ability to learn new methods, manage multiple analytical tasks, and deliver accurate results with guidance.
  • Strong attention to detail, scientific curiosity, communication skills, and willingness to collaborate across disciplines.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Research experience in plant breeding, seed industry research, agricultural biotechnology, or applied life-science data analysis.
  • Experience in genomic prediction, QTL mapping, GWAS, marker-assisted selection, or trait discovery workflows.
  • Familiarity with breeding databases, phenotyping systems, laboratory information systems, or integrated data platforms.
  • Experience preparing figures, tables, dashboards, or technical reports for scientific or cross-functional audiences.
  • Exposure to cloud-based, Linux, Git, or high-performance computing environments for data analysis.
  • Interest in applying AI, machine learning, and modern statistical methods to practical breeding and research questions.

Competencies & Behaviors

  • Demonstrates curiosity, initiative, and accountability in learning new analytical methods and scientific workflows.
  • Applies statistical methods carefully, with attention to data quality, assumptions, and reproducibility.
  • Works collaboratively with scientists from breeding, molecular biology, phenotyping, bioinformatics, and data teams.
  • Communicates analytical results clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Manages assigned tasks effectively, asks timely questions, and follows through on deliverables.
  • Contributes to a culture of scientific rigor, continuous improvement, teamwork, and practical problem solving.

Reporting Structure

  • Reports to Senior Biotech Manager

Works under the guidance of senior scientists, project leads, and cross-functional research teams

BENEFITS:

Health & Wellness
Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
Monthly Wellness Stipend
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Employee Philanthropic Giving Program

Disability Insurance (plans vary by location)


Financial Benefits
401(k) Program + Company Match
Profit Sharing Program (via 401(k)

Holiday Bonus

Performance Incentive Bonus Program
Tuition Reimbursement

529 College‑Savings Plan
Company-Paid Basic Life & AD&D Insurance


Time Off & Flexibility
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
15 Paid Company Holidays
2 Floating Holidays

Birthday Off