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Plant Breeding Assistant Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

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Plant Breeding Assistant information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$21.6K

$79.8K

$135.9K

How much do plant breeding assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant breeding assistant in Decatur, AL is $79,777.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,200.00 and $95,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 job categories do people searching Plant Breeding Assistant jobs in Decatur, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Plant Breeding Assistant jobs in Decatur, AL are:

What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Plant Breeding Assistant jobs?

Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Plant Breeding Assistant job openings:

Plant Breeding Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plant Breeding Assistant job openings in Decatur, AL 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 $79,777 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

Assistant / Associate Professor in Plant Molecular Genetics/Breeding/Biotechnology

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University

Normal, AL • On-site

$71K - $84K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Salary: $71,650.00 - $84,063.00 Annually
Location : Normal
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202300152
Department: Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences
Opening Date: 01/03/2024
Description
Summary:
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Alabama A&M University, seeks applicants to fill a tenure-track assistant professor position. This position is a nine-month appointment with 50% Teaching and 50% Research. with additional three-month summer research employment. Initial research funding will be available. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a strong interdisciplinary, internationally recognized, extramurally funded research program focusing on the plant genetics, breeding, and biotechnology of field crops.
Examples of Duties
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Ability to integrate basic and applied research.
  • Previous substantive contribution to plant molecular genetics, breeding, and biotechnology.
  • Evidence of ability to secure extramural funding from public and/or private sources.
  • Must support and teach the BS Plant Biotechnology program and courses as one of their primary responsibilities.
  • Evidence of teaching effectiveness in the areas of plant molecular genetics, breeding, and biotechnology.
  • Evidence of interest and ability to form collaborative partnerships - within and across university disciplines, across national/international institutions, and within private industry.
  • Evidence of ability and willingness to effectively advise and mentor students from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications
Minimum Position Requirements (including certifications, licenses, etc.):
  • Ph.D. in plant science/molecular genetics/breeding/biotechnology or related field.
  • Evidence of post-doctoral research of at least two years.
  • Experience with modern plant molecular genetics or biotechnology techniques.
  • Evidence of scholarly productivity and creativity, such as refereed publications, presentations in professional societies, etc.

Supplemental Information
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Evidence of education and hands-on experiences in specializations identified (plant molecular genetics, breeding, and biotechnology).
  • Demonstrated excellence in teaching relevant undergraduate and graduate courses.
  • Ability to design, analyze, and interpret independent research or results from creative activities.
  • Excellence in written and oral communication.
  • Evidence of interest in developing extramural research and teaching proposals.
  • Demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Evidence of collaborative efforts in research.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short and long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page at
01
Do you have a Ph.D. in plant science/molecular genetics/breeding/biotechnology or related field?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have evidence of post-doctoral research of at least two years?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have experience with modern plant molecular genetics or biotechnology techniques?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you have evidence of scholarly productivity and creativity, such as refereed publications, presentations in professional societies, etc?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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