1

Plant Breeding Assistant Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Plant Breeding Assistant information

What is a plant breeding assistant?

Plant Breeding Assistants are professionals who support plant breeders in developing new and improved plant varieties. Their responsibilities include preparing and planting seeds, collecting and recording data on plant growth and traits, pollinating flowers, and assisting with experiments in fields or greenhouses. They play a key role in helping plant breeders achieve research goals and improve crop yields, disease resistance, and other desirable characteristics. Plant Breeding Assistants work in agricultural research institutions, seed companies, and universities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plant breeding assistant?

To thrive as a Plant Breeding Assistant, you need a background in plant science or agriculture, familiarity with genetics, and basic laboratory or fieldwork experience. Proficiency in data collection tools, greenhouse management systems, and sometimes statistical software is commonly required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate data collection, successful collaboration, and support for breeding programs that drive agricultural innovation.

What are some common challenges faced by plant breeding assistants during fieldwork, and how can they be managed?

Plant Breeding Assistants often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, managing large volumes of data, and ensuring accurate pollination and labeling of plants. Adapting to changing field conditions requires flexibility and proactive communication with supervisors and team members. Staying organized with meticulous record-keeping and using digital tools can help manage data efficiently. Additionally, collaborating closely with plant breeders and technicians ensures that tasks are completed accurately and any issues are promptly addressed.

Are plant breeding assistants in demand?

Plant breeding assistants are in steady demand due to ongoing research in agriculture, crop improvement, and food security. They typically work in research facilities, farms, or laboratories, often requiring knowledge of plant genetics and data analysis tools. Employment opportunities depend on the agricultural sector's investment and research funding levels.

How do you become a plant breeding assistant?

To become a plant breeding assistant, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in plant science, agriculture, biology, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of plant genetics, data analysis, and laboratory or field work; some positions may require experience with plant breeding tools or software. Gaining practical experience through internships or research projects can improve job prospects.

What are popular job titles related to Plant Breeding Assistant jobs in Colorado?

For Plant Breeding Assistant jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Plant Breeding Assistant jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Plant Breeding Assistant job openings:

Biostatistics Scientist (Plant Science)

Sakata Seed America, INC.

Woodland Park, CO • On-site

$90 - $105/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full Time Professional Woodland, CA, US

Salary Range: $90,000.00 To $105,000.00 Annually

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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Monthly Wellness Stipend
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Employee Philanthropic Giving Program
  • Disability Insurance (plans vary by location)
  • 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
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • 15 Paid Company Holidays
  • 2 Floating Holidays
#J-18808-Ljbffr