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Molecular Breeding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Corteva Agriscience

Real Estate Analyst

Des Moines, IA · On-site

The company will leverage its next generation scientific expertise in disciplines like gene editing and molecular breeding to further strengthen its core business while exploring opportunities to ...

University of Hawaii

Lecturer (MBBE)

Honolulu, HI

S. degree agriculture, plant breeding or molecular biology from an accredited university/institution by time of appointment. Demonstrated ability to teach college-level face-to-face lecture and ...

University of Hawaii

Lecturer (MBBE)

Honolulu, HI · On-site

S. degree agriculture, plant breeding or molecular biology from an accredited university/institution by time of appointment. * Demonstrated ability to teach college-level face-to-face lecture and ...

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Molecular Breeding information

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$11K

$80.7K

$103.5K

How much do molecular breeding jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for molecular breeding in the United States is $80,687.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Molecular Breeder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Molecular Breeder, you need a strong background in genetics, plant breeding, molecular biology, and typically a degree in plant sciences or related fields. Familiarity with molecular marker technologies, bioinformatics tools, and breeding software like Genstat or R is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective collaboration skills help drive innovative breeding strategies. These competencies are crucial for developing improved crop varieties and ensuring successful research and development in agricultural biotechnology.

What is molecular breeding?

Molecular breeding is a scientific approach in plant and animal breeding that uses molecular biology tools and genetic markers to accelerate and improve the selection of desirable traits. Unlike traditional breeding, which relies on visible characteristics, molecular breeding identifies genes associated with specific traits, making the process more precise and efficient. This method helps breeders develop improved varieties with traits such as disease resistance, higher yield, or stress tolerance more rapidly. Molecular breeding is widely used in agriculture to ensure food security and sustainability.

What is the difference between Molecular Breeding vs Plant Breeding?

AspectMolecular BreedingPlant Breeding
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in genetics, molecular biology, or plant scienceRequires a degree in plant science, genetics, or agronomy
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, field trialsField research, laboratories, greenhouses
Industry UsageUsed in crop improvement, genetic modification, marker-assisted selectionUsed in developing new plant varieties, traditional breeding methods

Both Molecular Breeding and Plant Breeding focus on improving crops, but Molecular Breeding emphasizes genetic and molecular techniques, while Plant Breeding often involves traditional cross-breeding methods. Understanding these differences helps professionals choose the right career path or specialization within agriculture and crop science.

What are the typical challenges faced by molecular breeding professionals when integrating new technologies into breeding programs?

Molecular breeding professionals often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly evolving genotyping technologies, ensuring accurate data interpretation, and balancing traditional breeding methods with molecular approaches. Implementing new tools requires effective collaboration with bioinformaticians and field breeders, as well as continuous training to keep up with advancements. Additionally, securing funding for high-throughput technologies and managing large datasets are common hurdles in modern molecular breeding environments.
More about Molecular Breeding jobs
What states have the most Molecular Breeding jobs? States with the most job openings for Molecular Breeding jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Molecular Breeding jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Molecular Breeding jobs are:
Molecular Breeding jobs near you

Applied Double Haploid Scientist

Syngenta Group

Nampa, ID • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Company Description
At Syngenta Seeds Field Crops, we're shaping the future of agriculture and empowering farmers to meet the ever-growing demand for food and fuel. We're a global Ag Tech powerhouse, headquartered in the United States, with passionate, local experts collaborating with farmers to deliver solutions that create market opportunities. We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for unmatched in-field performance. Our seeds help mitigate risks such as disease, insect, weed, and extreme weather pressures, all while promoting sustainable farming practices that protect and enhance our planet. Join our mission of revolutionizing food security and transforming agriculture.
Job Description
At Syngenta, our goal is to build the most collaborative and trustworthy team in agriculture, providing top-quality seeds and innovative crop protection solutions that improve farmers' success. To support this mission, Syngenta's Operations & Trialing Team is seeking an Applied Double Haploid Scientist in Nampa, ID. This role will play a pivotal role in advancing breeding efficiency across corn and cereals through innovative, scalable doubled haploid (DH) technologies. This position integrates expertise in plant tissue culture, reproductive biology, genetics, and process optimization to develop, refine, and implement DH protocols that accelerate genetic gain.
The successful candidate will drive technical innovation in haploid induction, chromosome doubling, tissue culture optimization, and workflow automation across both crop groups. Close collaboration with breeding, operations, and enabling technology teams will ensure that DH advancements translate into practical, high-impact solutions for global breeding pipelines. This role requires both scientific depth and strategic execution to enhance DH production efficiency, quality, and scalability.
Accountabilities:
  • Optimize DH induction and production protocols for both corn and cereals, leading experimental design and process refinement.
  • Develop novel methodologies for haploid identification and new DH protocols, enabling improved accuracy, throughput, and cross-crop applicability.
  • Enhance chromosome doubling efficiency by optimizing plant regeneration media, tissue culture conditions, and doubling strategies across corn and cereals.
  • Improve haploid seed quality and vigor through refined hardening, nursery practices, and early-stage plant management.
  • Scale automated DH workflows, driving adoption of high-throughput, cost-efficient systems for both crop groups.
  • Drive cost-reduction initiatives, implementing innovative solutions that increase productivity while maintaining quality and meeting KPI expectations.
  • Integrate DH technologies into breeding programs, coordinating cohort schedules, delivery timelines, and technology deployment to accelerate genetic gain.
  • Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, comprising molecular biology, bioinformatics, automation engineering, digital, and product development, to deliver integrated DH solutions.
  • Stay current with scientific advances, such as CRISPR applications in DH systems, novel haploid inducer development, improved tissue culture methods, and emerging chromosome doubling technologies.
  • Ensure documentation, reporting, and FTO compliance, supporting IP generation and adherence to Syngenta's Freedom to Operate guidelines.

Qualifications
PLEASE NOTE: Candidates must reside in and be permanently authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. This comprises, but is not limited to, OPT, CPT, and H-1B visa holders.
Education
  • Ph.D. in Plant Science, Plant Breeding, Horticulture, Biotechnology, or a related field.
  • A Master's degree with extensive industry experience (10+ years) may be considered.

Experience:
  • Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience developing or optimizing DH technologies in industry or academia, preferably in row crops.
  • Demonstrated success reducing costs or improving efficiency in molecular biology or tissue culture workflows at scale.
  • Expertise in plant tissue culture, plant regeneration, and growth management across lab, greenhouse, and field environments.
  • Practical experience with aseptic techniques, plant dissection, media preparation, and growth regulator use.

Technical Skills:
  • Deep understanding of molecular and physiological pathways influencing haploid induction and DH development in corn and cereals.
  • Proficiency with imaging systems (light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, digital imaging) for haploid identification.
  • Familiarity with plant handling systems, such as embryo rescue, anther/microspore culture, and regeneration workflows.
  • Working knowledge of genetic principles underlying maternal haploid induction systems and DH recovery.
  • Understanding of key stages in row-crop variety development and commercialization.
  • Experience analyzing and optimizing environmental conditions that influence DH system performance.

Additional Information
What We Offer:
  • A culture that celebrates belonging and collaboration, promotes professional development and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members. Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs.
  • Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts your first day.
  • 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution.
  • Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts, among other benefits.

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal. Learn more about our team and our mission here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVCN_51GbNI
Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
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