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Genetics Plant Breeding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

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.

Enza Zaden

Iceberg Lettuce Breeder

San Juan Bautista, CA · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

Typically 5+ years of relevant experience in plant breeding and genetics (graduate-level experience acceptable). * Proven success as a Breeder with demonstrated advancement of varieties and effective ...

Bayer

Product Development Scientist II

Williamsburg, IA

$94K - $135K/yr

Apply plant breeding, genetics, statistics, and data analysis to improve product performance, selection accuracy, and decision-making across the product pipeline; Collaborate across breeding, field ...

Bayer

Product Development Scientist II

Huxley, IA

$94K - $135K/yr

Apply plant breeding, genetics, statistics, and data analysis to improve product performance, selection accuracy, and decision-making across the product pipeline; Collaborate across breeding, field ...

Bayer

Product Development Scientist II

Huxley, IA · On-site

$94K - $135K/yr

Apply plant breeding, genetics, statistics, and data analysis to improve product performance, selection accuracy, and decision-making across the product pipeline; * Collaborate across breeding, field ...

AgSource

Quantitative Geneticist

Madison, WI · On-site

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 ...

Bayer

$94K - $135K/yr

Apply plant breeding, genetics, statistics, and data analysis to improve product performance, selection accuracy, and decision-making across the product pipeline;Collaborate across breeding, field ...

Bayer Inc.

Product Development Scientist II

Huxley, IA

$94K - $135K/yr

Apply plant breeding, genetics, statistics, and data analysis to improve product performance, selection accuracy, and decision-making across the product pipeline; * Collaborate across breeding, field ...

Farm Systems

Quantitative Geneticist

Madison, WI · On-site

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 ...

AgSource

Quantitative Geneticist

Madison, WI

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 ...

Urus

Quantitative Geneticist

Madison, WI

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 ...

Urus Group LP

Quantitative Geneticist

Madison, WI · On-site

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 ...

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How much do genetics plant breeding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 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.

More about Genetics Plant Breeding jobs
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:
Genetics Plant Breeding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Genetics Plant Breeding job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,615 per year, or $21.9 per hour.
Postdoctoral Scholar -- Plant Genetic Improvement

Postdoctoral Scholar -- Plant Genetic Improvement

The Pennsylvania State University

On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the termlengthdiscussed willbebasedonuniversityneed,performance,and/oravailabilityoffunding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The laboratory of Mark Guiltinan and Siela Maximova in the Department of Plant Science at The Pennsylvania State University in University Park, PA seeks to employ a highly motivated scientist for the position of Postdoctoral Research Scientists - Plant Genetic Improvement to conduct research on genetic improvement ofTheobroma cacao, the chocolate tree as part of an interdisciplinary team. We seek applicants who have experience in conducting highly controlled laboratory and greenhouse plant experiments, collection of various forms of phenotypic and molecular data, statistical analysis of complex datasets. Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to work well in a collaborative research environment are essential.

Applications must be submitted electronically at https://hr.psu.edu/careers and include a resume that includes educational background, publications, and work experience (Ph.D. thesis and beyond), as well as a brief statement of research interests and goals. Please also provide contact information for at least three references.

Applicants are required to have or near to having, a Ph.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.D. prior to the effective date of hire. More information about Penn State and resources for Postdoctoral scholars can be found in the following website: https://www.research.psu.edu/opa.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.

For more detailed information, please visit ourBenefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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About Pennsylvania State University

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Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

Industry

Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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