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Genetics Plant Breeding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Plant Breeder

Guadalupe, CA · On-site

$83K - $120K/yr

S. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Horticulture, Plant Sciences, or a related discipline. * Strong understanding of plant breeding principles, and the application modern breeding tools and technologies ...

D. or equivalent doctorate in an appropriate field (plant sciences, genetics, plant breeding or related disciplines) and provide evidence all requirements have been meet for the completion of the Ph.

Carry out breeding program activities, including making critical plant and line selections at key stages of the breeding cycle to ensure genetic advancement and program success. * Maintain detailed ...

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Genetics Plant Breeding information

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How much do genetics plant breeding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for genetics plant breeding in the United States is $21.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Genetics Plant Breeders when developing new crop varieties?

Genetics Plant Breeders often encounter challenges such as managing genetic diversity, addressing unpredictable environmental variables, and meeting strict regulatory requirements. Balancing desirable traits like yield, disease resistance, and drought tolerance while avoiding unintended consequences can be complex. Additionally, collaboration with molecular biologists, agronomists, and farmers is essential to ensure that new varieties are both scientifically robust and practically valuable in real-world conditions.

What Are Genetics and Plant Breeding Jobs?

Plant breeding is the process of using science to improve the genetic potential of crops. You select plants based on research, species, performance data, pedigree, variety, and genetic characteristics to create a better option. You then breed them to produce superior offspring. Progression in this industry helps improve food, shelter, landscaping, eco-systems, and fuel. Your duties vary depending on the job, but they usually involve collecting data, running experiments, studying plant genetics, growing plants, working with a specific crop, and creating reports. You can find positions as a plant breeding director, a research technician, a plant breeder, a project manager, a research scientist, a laboratory director, or a biologist.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Genetics Plant Breeding professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Genetics Plant Breeding professional, you need a solid background in plant genetics, crop science, and statistical analysis, typically supported by a degree in plant breeding, genetics, or a related field. Familiarity with molecular marker technologies, bioinformatics tools, and laboratory information management systems is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating on research and conveying findings. These skills ensure the development of improved plant varieties, efficient research processes, and successful integration of breeding innovations in agriculture.

What does a Genetics Plant Breeding specialist do?

A Genetics Plant Breeding specialist focuses on improving plants by selecting, crossing, and developing new varieties with desirable traits such as higher yield, disease resistance, and environmental adaptability. They use principles of genetics, biotechnology, and traditional breeding methods to create crops that can better meet agricultural and consumer needs. Their work involves laboratory research, field trials, data analysis, and collaboration with other scientists and farmers. Ultimately, their goal is to enhance food security and sustainability through improved plant varieties.

What is the difference between Genetics Plant Breeding vs Plant Geneticist?

AspectGenetics Plant BreedingPlant Geneticist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Plant Science, Genetics, or related fieldSimilar; often requires advanced degrees in Genetics or Plant Biology
Work EnvironmentResearch farms, laboratories, seed companiesLaboratories, research institutions, biotech companies
Industry UsageDeveloping new plant varieties through breeding techniquesStudying genetic makeup, gene functions, and genetic modification

Both roles focus on plant genetics but differ in approach: Genetics Plant Breeding emphasizes developing new plant varieties through traditional and modern breeding methods, while Plant Geneticists study genetic structures and functions, often working on genetic modification and research. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in plant science.

What cities are hiring for Genetics Plant Breeding jobs? Cities with the most Genetics Plant Breeding job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Genetics Plant Breeding jobs? The most popular types of Genetics Plant Breeding jobs are:
What states have the most Genetics Plant Breeding jobs? States with the most job openings for Genetics Plant Breeding jobs include:
Infographic showing various Genetics Plant Breeding job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,615 per year, or $21.9 per hour.
Principal Quantitative Genetics Process Scientist

Principal Quantitative Genetics Process Scientist

Bayer

Chesterfield, MO • On-site

$127K - $190K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Bayer rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 74 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Principal Quantitative Genetics Process YOUR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES You will direct quantitative genetics research projects for breeding program design and optimization, breeding goal definition, optimization of automated processes, genetic evaluation, and optimization of data acquisition for Product Design. Also, you will lead key research projects and/or multi-disciplinary project teams to advance the Precision Breeding strategy for Product Design. Finally, you will lead the delivery of high-quality lines, data packages and prescriptions to the Product Development pipeline using the latest innovations in data science, genomics, quantitative genetics, computational biology, bioinformatics, and advanced genotypic, phenotypic, and environmental modeling.

The primary responsibilities of this role, Principal Quantitative Genetics Process Scientist, are to: Provide leadership to develop, implement, and advance quantitative genetics innovations and processes in the Product Design pipeline; Execute the quantitative genetics technical strategy to design improved cohorts of germplasm that are aligned with Product Concept targets from initial crossing through the handoff to Product Development; Lead quantitative genetics projects on implementation of Precision Breeding technical innovations in Product Design; Contribute strong technical and process expertise in coding, delivering, and utilizing models, algorithms and systems for breeding program design and optimization, breeding goal definition, optimization of automated crossing processes, genetic evaluation, and optimization of data acquisition at scale; Attract and develop talent and serve as a mentor for peers or colleagues in key areas of expertise that support personal development; Identify key areas of opportunity for innovative technology implementation and/or process improvement, while positively contributing to a collaborative, innovative, and design-centric culture; Integrate and lead multi-function teams across Product Design and partners across other world regions (LATAM, EMEA and APAC) to support innovation projects for Precision Breeding, with a key focus on driving genetic gain and product performance through digital transformation and innovative technology development and deployment; Support the Health Safety & Environment, Compliance, Business Conduct and Human Rights policies and culture in the site. WHO YOU ARE Bayer seeks an incumbent who possesses the following: Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Quantitative Genetics, Plant Breeding, Animal Breeding, or other relevant scientific fields; Ability to conduct research and contributes to research projects, technologies, publications, intellectual property, or trade secrets; Proficiency in programming languages such as R and SQL, or similar, with experience in developing algorithms, models and automated workflow for breeding program design and optimization, genetic evaluation, data acquisition, and high-performance computing and familiarity with cloud infrastructure; Demonstrated experience working collaboratively in diverse, cross-cultural, and multi-disciplinary teams; Demonstrated leadership skills that emphasize collaboration with accountability, influencing teams and stakeholders without direct reporting relationships; Outcomes-focused with demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects/priorities simultaneously while embracing an evolutionary mindset (act, learn fast and evolve). Preferred Qualifications: Ph.D

degree in Quantitative Genetics, Plant Breeding, Animal Breeding, or other relevant scientific fields with minimum of 6 years of experience in breeding programs, genetic evaluations, or applied data science projects; OR Master's degree in Quantitative Genetics, Plant Breeding, Animal Breeding, or other relevant scientific fields with 10 years of experience in breeding programs, genetic evaluations, or applied data science projects; OR Bachelor's degree in Quantitative Genetics, Plant Breeding, Animal Breeding, or other relevant scientific fields with a minimum of 12 years of experience in breeding programs, genetic evaluations, or applied data science projects. This posting will be available for application until at least July 23, 2026. Employees can expect to be paid a salary between $127,200.00 to $190,800.00

Additional compensation may include a bonus or commission (if relevant). Additional benefits include health care, vision, dental, retirement, PTO, sick leave, etc. This salary range is merely an estimate and may vary based on an applicant's location, market data/ranges, an applicant's skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications, and other relevant factors.

YOUR APPLICATION Bayer offers a wide variety of competitive compensation and benefits programs. If you meet the requirements of this unique opportunity, and want to impact our mission Health for all, Hunger for none, we encourage you to apply now. Be part of something bigger.

Be you. Be Bayer. To all recruitment agencies: Bayer does not accept unsolicited third party resumes.

Bayer is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans Bayer is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its application process for individuals with disabilities and encourages applicants with disabilities to request any needed accommodation(s) using the contact information below. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: Notice for U.S. Visitors: All information on this site is subject to compliance with local rule and regulations as they may vary from time to time and across different geographies, including, without limitation, U.S

Executive Orders. Bayer is an E-Verify Employer. Location: United States : Residence Based : Residence Based || United States : Illinois : Champaign || United States : Missouri : Chesterfield || United States : North Carolina : Raleigh Division: Crop Science Reference Code: 876573 Contact Us Email: hrop_usa@bayer.com


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About Bayer

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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