You work across crops, technologies, and time zones to ensure our breeding pipelines are powered by the best genomic and predictive tools available.Your key responsibilities:Lead resource planning ...
You work across crops, technologies, and time zones to ensure our breeding pipelines are powered by the best genomic and predictive tools available.Your key responsibilities:Lead resource planning ...
Field Technical Development Lead
Watsonville, CA · Hybrid
$100K - $150K/yr
... from late-stage breeding through commercial readiness. Responsibilities include coordinating agronomic system development for planting, fertility, and crop protection with grower partners ...
Field Technical Development Lead
Watsonville, CA · Hybrid
$100K - $150K/yr
... from late-stage breeding through commercial readiness. Responsibilities include coordinating agronomic system development for planting, fertility, and crop protection with grower partners ...
Field Technical Development Lead
Watsonville, CA · On-site
$100K - $150K/yr
... from late-stage breeding through commercial readiness. Responsibilities include coordinating agronomic system development for planting, fertility, and crop protection with grower partners ...
Field Technical Development Lead
Watsonville, CA · On-site
$100K - $150K/yr
... from late-stage breeding through commercial readiness. Responsibilities include coordinating agronomic system development for planting, fertility, and crop protection with grower partners ...
Agricultural Science Technician
Rhinelander, WI · On-site
$54K - $82K/yr
A creative, results-oriented breeding technician is required to execute breeding activities primarily across potatoes and oat, with potential of expansion to other crops at a PepsiCo breeding ...
Agricultural Science Technician
Rhinelander, WI · On-site
$54K - $82K/yr
A creative, results-oriented breeding technician is required to execute breeding activities primarily across potatoes and oat, with potential of expansion to other crops at a PepsiCo breeding ...
Assistant/Associate Professor - Improvement of Flavor Profiles of Specialty Crops
Gainesville, FL · On-site
... breeding. This position will be responsible for conducting innovative research exploring ... While this position is open for research in any crop, the candidate is expected to dedicate effort ...
Assistant/Associate Professor - Improvement of Flavor Profiles of Specialty Crops
Gainesville, FL · On-site
... breeding. This position will be responsible for conducting innovative research exploring ... While this position is open for research in any crop, the candidate is expected to dedicate effort ...
Field Technical Development Lead
Watsonville, CA · Hybrid
$100K - $150K/yr
... from late-stage breeding through commercial readiness. Responsibilities include coordinating agronomic system development for planting, fertility, and crop protection with grower partners ...
Quick apply
Field Technical Development Lead
Watsonville, CA · Hybrid
$100K - $150K/yr
... from late-stage breeding through commercial readiness. Responsibilities include coordinating agronomic system development for planting, fertility, and crop protection with grower partners ...
UF/IFAS is home to one of the nation's premier public plant breeding programs that is, developing improved fruit, vegetable, ornamental, field crop, and specialty crop varieties that enhance ...
UF/IFAS is home to one of the nation's premier public plant breeding programs that is, developing improved fruit, vegetable, ornamental, field crop, and specialty crop varieties that enhance ...
Field Technical Development Lead
Bakersfield, CA · Hybrid
$100K - $150K/yr
... from late-stage breeding through commercial readiness. Responsibilities include coordinating agronomic system development for planting, fertility, and crop protection with grower partners ...
Quick apply
Field Technical Development Lead
Bakersfield, CA · Hybrid
$100K - $150K/yr
... from late-stage breeding through commercial readiness. Responsibilities include coordinating agronomic system development for planting, fertility, and crop protection with grower partners ...
Agricultural Science Technician
Rhinelander, WI · On-site
$54K - $82K/yr
A creative, results-oriented breeding technician is required to execute breeding activities primarily across potatoes and oat, with potential of expansion to other crops at a PepsiCo breeding ...
Agricultural Science Technician
Rhinelander, WI · On-site
$54K - $82K/yr
A creative, results-oriented breeding technician is required to execute breeding activities primarily across potatoes and oat, with potential of expansion to other crops at a PepsiCo breeding ...
Agricultural Science Technician
$54K - $82K/yr
A creative, results-oriented breeding technician is required to execute breeding activities primarily across potatoes and oat, with potential of expansion to other crops at a PepsiCo breeding ...
Agricultural Science Technician
$54K - $82K/yr
A creative, results-oriented breeding technician is required to execute breeding activities primarily across potatoes and oat, with potential of expansion to other crops at a PepsiCo breeding ...
Research Farm Technician
$22 - $27/hr
... breeding program, while also assisting the root vegetable breeding program, in the breeding ... Lead and execute crop management (fertilizer, weed and pest control) for on-site and off-site ...
Research Farm Technician
$22 - $27/hr
... breeding program, while also assisting the root vegetable breeding program, in the breeding ... Lead and execute crop management (fertilizer, weed and pest control) for on-site and off-site ...
Research Farm Technician
Arlington, WI · On-site
$17.50 - $24.25/hr
... breeding program, while also assisting the root vegetable breeding program, in the breeding ... Lead and execute crop management (fertilizer, weed and pest control) for on-site and off-site ...
Research Farm Technician
Arlington, WI · On-site
$17.50 - $24.25/hr
... breeding program, while also assisting the root vegetable breeding program, in the breeding ... Lead and execute crop management (fertilizer, weed and pest control) for on-site and off-site ...
Farm Technician
Esparto, CA · On-site
... Crop growing and maintenance activities in an efficient and effective manner to provide the necessary support to the Breeding, Research, Operations, PD and M&S programs and projects. Major ...
Farm Technician
Esparto, CA · On-site
... Crop growing and maintenance activities in an efficient and effective manner to provide the necessary support to the Breeding, Research, Operations, PD and M&S programs and projects. Major ...
... breeding, nitrogen management, water quality, crop rotations, and predictive agriculture. The position offers opportunities to work collaboratively with experts in crop science, soil science, remote ...
... breeding, nitrogen management, water quality, crop rotations, and predictive agriculture. The position offers opportunities to work collaboratively with experts in crop science, soil science, remote ...
... breeding, nitrogen management, water quality, crop rotations, and predictive agriculture. The position offers opportunities to work collaboratively with experts in crop science, soil science, remote ...
... breeding, nitrogen management, water quality, crop rotations, and predictive agriculture. The position offers opportunities to work collaboratively with experts in crop science, soil science, remote ...
Agronomy & Field Trial Technician
Watsonville, CA · On-site
$24 - $33/hr
... crops to sustainably feed our population. Ohalo's breakthrough technology, Boosted Breeding, will usher in a new era of improved productivity to radically transform global agriculture. For more ...
Agronomy & Field Trial Technician
Watsonville, CA · On-site
$24 - $33/hr
... crops to sustainably feed our population. Ohalo's breakthrough technology, Boosted Breeding, will usher in a new era of improved productivity to radically transform global agriculture. For more ...
Research Technician Lead
Gilroy, CA · On-site
$48K - $61K/yr
Coordinate pollination activities across multiple breeding programs; organize seed harvesting, processing, and storage while ensuring accurate data collection and documentation for future crop ...
Research Technician Lead
Gilroy, CA · On-site
$48K - $61K/yr
Coordinate pollination activities across multiple breeding programs; organize seed harvesting, processing, and storage while ensuring accurate data collection and documentation for future crop ...
Agronomy & Field Trial Technician
$24 - $33/hr
... breeding systems and improved plant varieties that help farmers grow more food with fewer natural resources, increasing the yield, resiliency, and genetic diversity of crops to sustainably feed our ...
Quick apply
Agronomy & Field Trial Technician
$24 - $33/hr
... breeding systems and improved plant varieties that help farmers grow more food with fewer natural resources, increasing the yield, resiliency, and genetic diversity of crops to sustainably feed our ...
Seed Production Associate
Windsor, CO · On-site
$14.75 - $18.75/hr
Permanent Seed Production Associate Main Goal Assist production manager with Breeder seed ... Technical Skills - Practical knowledge and experience in all aspects of crop production and/or seed ...
Seed Production Associate
Windsor, CO · On-site
$14.75 - $18.75/hr
Permanent Seed Production Associate Main Goal Assist production manager with Breeder seed ... Technical Skills - Practical knowledge and experience in all aspects of crop production and/or seed ...
Agronomy & Field Trial Technician
Corralitos, CA · On-site
$24 - $33/hr
... breeding systems and improved plant varieties that help farmers grow more food with fewer natural resources, increasing the yield, resiliency, and genetic diversity of crops to sustainably feed our ...
Quick apply
Agronomy & Field Trial Technician
Corralitos, CA · On-site
$24 - $33/hr
... breeding systems and improved plant varieties that help farmers grow more food with fewer natural resources, increasing the yield, resiliency, and genetic diversity of crops to sustainably feed our ...
Crop Breeding information
See salary details
$25K - $31.7K
22% of jobs
$34.4K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$31.7K - $38.5K
7% of jobs
$38.5K - $45.2K
12% of jobs
$45.2K - $51.9K
0% of jobs
$51.9K - $58.6K
0% of jobs
$58.6K - $65.4K
0% of jobs
$65.4K - $72.1K
0% of jobs
$72.1K - $78.8K
0% of jobs
$78.8K - $85.5K
1% of jobs
The median wage is $87.3K / yr.
$85.5K - $92.3K
29% of jobs
$93.1K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$92.3K - $99K
28% of jobs
$25K
$69.4K
$99K
How much do crop breeding jobs pay per year?
As of Jul 24, 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?
| Aspect | Crop Breeding | Plant Geneticist |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Bachelor's or Master's in Agriculture, Plant Science, or related fields; experience in breeding programs | Degree in Genetics, Plant Biology, or related; often advanced degrees for research roles |
| Work Environment | Field trials, breeding stations, laboratories | Laboratories, research institutions, universities |
| Industry Usage | Applied breeding programs to develop new crop varieties | Research 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.
More about Crop Breeding jobs
What cities are hiring for Crop Breeding jobs? Cities with the most Crop Breeding job openings:
What states have the most Crop Breeding jobs? States with the most job openings for Crop Breeding jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Crop Breeding jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Crop Breeding jobs are:
Bayer rating
8.2
Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
28th of 74 rated pharmaceutical
Job description
Product and Genome Design Lead Bayer Vegetable Seeds Product and Genome Design Lead Bayer Vegetable Seeds - R&D | GlobalWhat will you do?As Product and Genome Design Lead, you are at the heart of Bayer's Vegetable Seeds R&D organisation. You lead a globally distributed team of design breeders, geneticists, genomics scientists, and specialists, together building the foundational capabilities that drive tomorrow's seed innovations. You work across crops, technologies, and time zones to ensure our breeding pipelines are powered by the best genomic and predictive tools available.Your key responsibilities:Lead resource planning, prioritisation, and talent management for your team, including recruiting, hiring, coaching, and developing people at every levelDrive the development and application of foundational genomics and quantitative genetics technology across key vegetable crops, enabling genome-wide analysis, predictive breeding, and strategic trait integrationOwn the strategic identification and development of molecular capabilities, including SNP and sequencing technology, genome editing, and quantitative genetics methods, fully aligned with Product Development targetsDeploy molecular and predictive breeding capabilities in prioritised pipelines to enable allele tracking and genetic prediction modellingPartner with Product and Technical Unit Leads to co-design and test new breeding technologies, integrating them into enterprise data analytics and product advancement pipelinesCoach, mentor, and influence technical teams to align on strategic vision in line with Vegetable Seeds and Veg R&D long-term goals, while driving DSO ways of working for career development and dynamic resource flowContribute to identifying and developing research partnerships with service providers and academic collaboratorsCommunicate and educate stakeholders on new genetics and genomics breeding technologies together with your technical expertsShape organisational and operational vision as an active member of the Vegetables R&D Leadership CommunityWho are you?You hold a university degree in Breeding, Genetics, Genomics, or a relevant field, with one of the following experience profiles:Bachelor's + 12 years | Master's + 10 years | PhD | PhD + 6 yearsYou have proven people management experience in complex, international research environmentsYou combine deep technical expertise in genomics and quantitative genetics with a strategic mindset, you can zoom in on the science and zoom out on the bigger pictureYou are a natural connector: you build bridges across teams, influence without authority, and know how to align diverse stakeholders around a shared directionYou thrive in a globally matrixed organisation and are comfortable navigating ambiguityWhat does Bayer offer you?A role with real impact, where your decisions shape product pipelines and breeding strategies across multiple vegetable crops on a global scale. You will work in a diverse, high-calibre R&D community with access to cutting-edge technology and meaningful cross-functional partnerships. Bayer offers a competitive package, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to grow both technically and as a leader. YOUR APPLICATION Wil jij werken op een plek waar je gewoon JEZELF mag zijn? Jouw unieke persoonlijkheid, achtergrond en talenten dragen bij aan het bouwen van een sterk, divers en inclusief Bayer. Join us! Be You. Be Bayer. Locatie: Nederland : Nederland : Bergschenhoek || Verenigde Staten : Missouri : Chesterfield Divisie: Crop Science Referentiecode: 871941 Salary: . Date posted: 06/26/2026
About Bayer
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of healthcare and nutrition. We design our products and services to help people and planet thrive by supporting efforts to address the unprecedented global challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. At Bayer, we’re committed to drive sustainable development and generate a positive impact with our businesses. Through bold ideas and unprecedented insights, we’re pioneering new possibilities that advance life for all of us. That means reimagining how we care for ourselves and one another by empowering everyday health, improving approaches to patient care, and finding better ways to nourish our communities around the world.
Industry
Agriculture
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Whippany, NJ, US