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Crop Breeding Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Syngenta

Senior Scientist I

Durham, NC

$88K - $120K/yr

Company Description About Syngenta At Syngenta Seeds Field Crops, we're shaping the future of ... We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for ...

Syngenta Group

Senior Scientist I

Durham, NC · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Company Description About Syngenta At Syngenta Seeds Field Crops, we're shaping the future of ... We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for ...

Syngenta Seeds

Senior Scientist I

Durham, NC

$88K - $120K/yr

Company Description About Syngenta At Syngenta Seeds Field Crops, we're shaping the future of ... We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for ...

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Syngenta

Regulatory Scientist

Durham, NC · On-site

We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for ... and NGT crop products and to interpret and apply safety assessments required by regulatory ...

Syngenta Group

Business Operations Lead

Durham, NC · On-site

We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for ... To support this mission, Syngenta's Seeds Field Crops Business Operations and Portfolio Team is ...

Syngenta

Business Operations Lead

Durham, NC · On-site

We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for ... To support this mission, Syngenta's Seeds Field Crops Business Operations and Portfolio Team is ...

Syngenta Group

Business Analyst

Durham, NC · On-site +1

... breeding that brings vibrant colors to gardens and nutritious vegetables to tables worldwide. We ... Ensure workflows are scalable across crops, regions, and user groups. UAT & User Readiness * Define ...

Syngenta

Senior Data Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

$114K - $163K/yr

We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for ... crop protection solutions that improve farmers' success. To support this mission, Syngenta ...

Varsity Tutors

Agricultural Science Tutor

Raleigh, NC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ... Skilled at breaking down soil composition analysis, crop rotation planning, and integrated pest ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsCrop Breeding JobsCrop Breeding Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Crop Breeding information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$24.3K

$67.5K

$96.2K

How much do crop breeding jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for crop breeding in Raleigh, NC is $67,478.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,400.00 and $91,400.00 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.
What job categories do people searching Crop Breeding jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Crop Breeding jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Crop Breeding jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Crop Breeding job openings:
Crop Breeding jobs near you
Assistant Professor - Sweetpotato Breeding and Genetics

Assistant Professor - Sweetpotato Breeding and Genetics

NCSU

Raleigh, NC

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

North Carolina State University rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

397th of 544 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Information
Posting Number PG194714EP Internal Recruitment No Working Title Assistant Professor - Sweetpotato Breeding and Genetics Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with experience and credentials. Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5 pm Job Location Raleigh, NC Department Horticultural Science About the Department
People depend on plants for food, environmental aesthetics and recreation. No matter where you live, work or play, what we do touches your life. Our faculty and students conduct cutting-edge research that increases the quality and variety of fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants available to consumers worldwide. We are experts in the science, art, technology and business of growing plants. And the demand for our services is growing. Whether through hands-on instruction in our greenhouses, field labs or community gardens, our work ensures the economic and environmental sustainability for horticulture across the state, the nation and the world.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Retirement Programs
  • Disability Plans
  • Life Insurance
  • Accident Plan
  • Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
  • 12 Holidays Each Year
  • Tuition and Academic Assistance
  • And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
NC State University is seeking an Assistant Professor to lead a nationally recognized and internationally renowned sweetpotato breeding and genetics program with a long history of scientific innovation, variety development, and industry impact. In this role, you will provide leadership for applied and fundamental plant breeding research, advancing genomic-assisted breeding, high-throughput phenomics including UAV and optical imaging, and the application of data analytics, machine learning, Artificial Intelligence, and other emerging technologies to accelerate germplasm improvement and the development of the next generation of sweetpotato cultivars. Working alongside faculty, students, growers, and industry partners, you will have the opportunity to translate discovery into practice, helping address agricultural challenges while supporting food production, environmental stewardship, and economic development in North Carolina and beyond.

This position provides opportunities to contribute across five key areas of responsibility outlined below.

Research Leadership:
  • Lead research programs in breeding, genetics, and emerging technologies, including genomic-assisted breeding, genome editing, data analytics, machine learning, Artificial Intelligence, and other innovative approaches that maximize and accelerate variety and germplasm development.
  • Develop, register, patent and promote commercially successful tablestock, industrial and ornamental sweetpotato cultivars with commercial potential, including enhanced adaptability, disease/pest resistance, sustainability, lower input requirements, end-use quality, using both conventional and advanced breeding technologies.
  • Oversee germplasm collection, evaluation and screening, genomic and phenomic characterization, and management/maintenance of germplasm resources to advance and support breeding objectives.
  • Collaborate with local, national and international scientists in plant and sweetpotato breeding and crop improvement.
Program Management:
  • Secure extramural funding through grants, industry partnerships, and public-private collaborations.
  • Lead a multidisciplinary team of scientific collaborators, staff, graduate students, and interns.
  • Manage budgets, facilities, and resources to ensure efficient and effective program operations.
Teaching and Mentorship:
  • Provide graduate and undergraduate training in plant breeding, genetics, and horticultural science including teaching.
  • Mentor and advise graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and interns to develop future leaders in plant breeding and genetics.
Extension and Outreach:
  • Collaborate with industry stakeholders to translate research into commercial products and practices.
  • Engage with growers and allied industries with education programs to facilitate adoption of improved crops and technologies.
  • Present research and contribute to professional meetings.
Service in Professional Societies, Industry, and within the University:
  • Contribute to the programs and governance of the department, college, and university.
  • Provide service and support for professional societies and other organizations outside the University as appropriate.
If you are committed to excellence in research, teaching, and extension and motivated to lead a nationally recognized and internationally renowned sweetpotato breeding program focused on the development of improved cultivars, future scientists, and innovative solutions for agriculture, we encourage you to apply.
Other Responsibilities
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
Ph.D. in Horticultural Science, Plant Breeding, Genetics, or a closely related field.
Other Required Qualifications
  • Experience with specialty crop improvement and new product development, particularly with asexually propagated polyploid crops.
  • Evidence of scholarly engagement in plant breeding and genetics, such as peer-reviewed publications, submitted manuscripts, dissertations, conference presentations, or other recognized research outputs.
  • Demonstrated effectiveness in communicating research through peer-reviewed publications, presentations, teaching, extension activities, or stakeholder engagement.
  • Proven ability to apply data analytics, machine learning, Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies to maximize and accelerate variety and germplasm development.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Contribution to cultivar development and improvement, including participation in variety release, commercialization, patenting, or licensing activities.
  • Knowledge of advanced plant breeding and biotechnology tools, demonstrated through research, training, or application of genomics, gene editing, plant transformation, and/or tissue culture methods.
  • Collaboration with industry partners or participation in applied research and/or technology transfer projects.
  • Mentoring or advising undergraduate and/or graduate students in research or academic settings.
  • Exposure to intellectual property management and/or involvement in variety development and release processes
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
A valid driver's license is required for travel. NC driver's license is required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained.
Valid NC Driver's License required Yes Commercial Driver's License required No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date 06/22/2026 Anticipated Close Date 7/20/2026; review by search committee will begin. If posting is active, we are still accepting and reviewing applications. Special Instructions to Applicants
Please include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of research accomplishments and interest, teaching philosophy, and the names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references.
Position Details
Position Number 00112127 Position Type Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.0 Appointment 9 Month Recurring Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event Department ID 111501 - Horticultural Science EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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About North Carolina State University

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North Carolina State University (NCSU), located in Raleigh, NC, US, is a leading educational institution with a strong emphasis on research, academics, and public service. Established in 1887, NCSU operates in the education industry and endeavors to foster student success, and promote economic development by providing high-quality, affordable education, and conducting groundbreaking research across a variety of disciplines. With more than 100 majors, its academic offerings range from undergraduates to postgraduates along with doctoral studies - in various fields like engineering, natural resources, humanities, and social sciences. NCSU is firmly anchored on the core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, and innovation. Its mission is to create economic, societal, and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina and the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1887

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