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Entry Level Plant Breeder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AgSource

Quantitative Geneticist

Madison, WI · On-site

D. in Breeding and Genetics, Population Genetics, Quantitative Genetics, Plant Genetics, or a ... Skilled at engaging with stakeholders from entry-level employees to executive leadership. * Strong ...

Farm Systems

Quantitative Geneticist

Madison, WI · On-site

D. in Breeding and Genetics, Population Genetics, Quantitative Genetics, Plant Genetics, or a ... Skilled at engaging with stakeholders from entrylevel employees to executive leadership. * Strong ...

AgSource

Quantitative Geneticist

Madison, WI

D. in Breeding and Genetics, Population Genetics, Quantitative Genetics, Plant Genetics, or a ... Skilled at engaging with stakeholders from entrylevel employees to executive leadership. * Strong ...

Urus Group LP

Quantitative Geneticist

Madison, WI · On-site

D. in Breeding and Genetics, Population Genetics, Quantitative Genetics, Plant Genetics, or a ... Skilled at engaging with stakeholders from entrylevel employees to executive leadership. * Strong ...

Urus

Quantitative Geneticist

Madison, WI · On-site

D. in Breeding and Genetics, Population Genetics, Quantitative Genetics, Plant Genetics, or a ... Skilled at engaging with stakeholders from entrylevel employees to executive leadership. * Strong ...

Alta Genetics

Quantitative Geneticist

Madison, WI

D. in Breeding and Genetics, Population Genetics, Quantitative Genetics, Plant Genetics, or a ... Skilled at engaging with stakeholders from entrylevel employees to executive leadership. * Strong ...

Alta Genetics

Quantitative Geneticist

Madison, WI · On-site

D. in Breeding and Genetics, Population Genetics, Quantitative Genetics, Plant Genetics, or a ... Skilled at engaging with stakeholders from entry-level employees to executive leadership. * Strong ...

All JobsEntry Level Plant Breeder Jobs

Entry Level Plant Breeder information

See salary details

$33.5K

$69.8K

$96.5K

How much do entry level plant breeder jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level plant breeder in the United States is $69,791.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $87,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do plant breeders get paid?

Entry-level plant breeders typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on location, education, and employer. As they gain experience and develop specialized skills, salaries can increase significantly, often exceeding $80,000 with advanced expertise or in research roles.

Which job is most likely one to employ a plant breeder?

A plant breeder is most likely employed in agricultural research, seed production, or biotechnology companies that develop new plant varieties. These roles often require knowledge of genetics, plant science, and laboratory or field work. Plant breeders typically work in environments such as research farms, laboratories, or greenhouses and may need relevant degrees or certifications.

What is the difference between Entry Level Plant Breeder vs Entry Level Agronomist?

AspectEntry Level Plant BreederEntry Level Agronomist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Plant Science, Genetics, or related fieldBachelor's degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, breeding facilities, field trialsFarms, research stations, consulting firms
Industry UsageCrop improvement, seed companies, biotech firmsCrop production, soil management, crop consulting

Entry Level Plant Breeders focus on developing new plant varieties through research and breeding techniques, often working in labs and field trials. Entry Level Agronomists primarily advise on crop management and soil health, working directly with farmers and in the field. While both roles require a background in agriculture, their daily tasks and industry focus differ significantly.

How do I become a plant breeder?

To become an entry-level plant breeder, typically a bachelor's degree in plant science, horticulture, genetics, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships or research projects and developing skills in plant genetics, breeding techniques, and data analysis are important steps in entering the profession.

Will AI replace the plant breeder?

AI can assist plant breeders by analyzing large datasets, predicting plant traits, and optimizing breeding strategies, but it is unlikely to fully replace the role. Plant breeding requires expertise in genetics, fieldwork, and decision-making that AI tools support rather than replace. Entry level plant breeders will continue to rely on traditional skills alongside technological tools to develop new plant varieties.
More about Entry Level Plant Breeder jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Plant Breeder jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Plant Breeder job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Breeder jobs? The most popular types of Plant Breeder jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Plant Breeder jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Plant Breeder jobs are:
Entry Level Plant Breeder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Plant Breeder job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,791 per year, or $33.6 per hour.
Quantitative Geneticist

Quantitative Geneticist

AgSource

Madison, WI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 hours ago

Job description

Job Description
The Quantitative Geneticist at URUS is responsible for producing industry-leading bovine genetics through innovative quantitative genetics analysis and technical expertise. This role involves development of innovative approaches to genetic advancement with hands-on data analysis and analytical tasks to support scientific and operational excellence with operational goals to deploy genomic and genetic selection tools within the PEAK breeding program.
Reporting to the Chief Science Officer of Acceligen, who leads the team in the Genetic Advancement and Trait Discovery as part of the Innovation group at URUS. The Quantitative Geneticist will ideally be based in Madison, WI.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Research and Development
  • Support and develop proprietary genetic and phenotypic evaluations and/or indices using appropriate models and software.
  • Utilize genomic data and/or machine learning to enhance prediction models.
  • Collect, organize, and analyze large datasets using programming languages like R, Python, or Fortran
  • Design and refine software pipelines that empower end-users to work independently.
  • Use data-driven analysis to support project decision-making and breeding program optimization
  • Identify opportunities for innovation by actively following scientific developments in genetics, translating them into practical applications for URUS.
  • Ensure accuracy, reliability, and timely delivery of research outputs.

Strategic Communication and Planning
  • Prepare materials for URUS internal and external education channels.
  • Report on project status promptly and professionally.
  • Contribute to long-term research and innovation strategies.
  • Actively participate in team and cross-functional meetings.
  • Attend scientific, technical, and commercial events to support knowledge exchange and visibility.

Technical and Operational Support
  • Provide technical and operational support to URUS breeding programs to improve output and efficiency.
  • Interpret genetic evaluation results and communicate upcoming changes.
  • Monitor and troubleshoot trends in genetic rankings and performance data.
  • Maintain up-to-date professional and technical expertise relevant to genetics and operations.
  • Deploy genetic diversity management tools within the breeding program.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
  • Ph.D. in Breeding and Genetics, Population Genetics, Quantitative Genetics, Plant Genetics, or a related field.
  • Knowledge of dairy or beef cattle production preferred.
  • Technical and Scientific Expertise
    • Demonstrated experience with genomic evaluation processes, including data ingestion and integration, genotype imputation, variance component estimation, and breeding value prediction.
    • Strong background in statistical analysis of large and complex datasets.
    • Knowledge of genome-wide association analysis (GWAS).
    • Familiarity with dairy or beef cattle production systems (preferred).
  • Programming and Software Skills
    • Proficiency with genetic evaluation and statistical software such as ASReml, BLUPF90, Fortran, R, Python, and SQL.
    • Experience working in cloud environments, particularly Microsoft Azure and Azure Databricks
    • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
  • Excellent communication skills with fluency in English.
  • Ability to build strong, effective relationships across teams and organizational levels.
  • Skilled at engaging with stakeholders from entry-level employees to executive leadership.
  • Strong interpersonal, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
  • Effective time-management skills and the ability to balance multiple priorities.
  • Intellectual curiosity with a commitment to continuous learning and identifying new opportunities.
  • Willingness to travel occasionally.

About Us
As a holding company with cooperative and private ownership, URUS is a family of businesses at the heart of the dairy and beef industry - Alta Genetics, GENEX, Genetics Australia, Leachman Cattle, Jetstream, PEAK, SCCL, Trans Ova Genetics and VAS. Each organization has its unique identity, products, and services. These companies work globally to provide cutting-edge dairy and beef genetics, customized reproductive services to maximize conceptions, dairy management information to take producers to the frontline of progressive dairy farming, and an array of products and services to help bovines reach their full genetic potential. URUS has 9 brands in 17 retail countries and employs nearly 2,800 people globally.

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