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Genetics Plant Breeding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Only candidates studying Plant Breeding, Genetics, Plant Pathology, Agronomy or Plant Science will be considered * Must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher * Farm background and general farm ...

Posted today

Only candidates studying Plant Breeding, Genetics, Plant Pathology, Agronomy or Plant Science will be considered * Must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher * Farm background and general farm ...

Posted today

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 ...

Plant Breeder

Guadalupe, CA ยท On-site

$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 ...

Plant Breeder

Guadalupe, CA ยท 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 ...

Assistant Plant Breeder

Brookston, IN ยท On-site

$26.97/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Reporting to the Popcorn Breeding leadership team, you will support the development of new popcorn ... status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national ...

Assistant Plant Breeder

Brookston, IN ยท On-site

$26.97/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You will help execute breeding program initiatives, collect and manage research data, maintain seed ... status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national ...

New

Assistant Plant Breeder

Brookston, IN

$26.97/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Reporting to the Popcorn Breeding leadership team, you will support the development of new popcorn ... status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national ...

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.

This, coupled with an entrepreneurial spirit to join a growing program and a passion for agronomy, genetics, plant breeding and product testing is who we're looking for to join our team.

New

Global Breeding Director (M/F)

Davis, CA ยท On-site

$180 - $280/hr

Master's degree or higher in Plant Breeding, Genetics, or a related life science discipline. * At least 10 years of experience in plant breeding roles, including a minimum of 4 years in a senior R&D ...

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Genetics Plant Breeding information

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How much do genetics plant breeding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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 is a genetics plant breeding job?

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:

What job categories do people searching Genetics Plant Breeding jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Genetics Plant Breeding jobs are:

Infographic showing various Genetics Plant Breeding job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,615 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Biostatistics Scientist (Plant Science)

Sakata Seed America, INC.

Woodland, CA โ€ข 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