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Plant Breeding Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PepsiCo

Potato Breeding Technician

Rhinelander, WI · On-site

$54K - $82K/yr

A motivated, hands-on breeding technician with a passion for plants and experience working in a ... Ability to work independently while managing multiple plant production and research activities ...

PepsiCo

Potato Breeding Technician

Rhinelander, WI · On-site

$54K - $82K/yr

A motivated, hands-on breeding technician with a passion for plants and experience working in a ... Ability to work independently while managing multiple plant production and research activities ...

PepsiCo

Potato Breeding Technician

Rhinelander, WI · On-site

$54K - $82K/yr

A motivated, hands-on breeding technician with a passion for plants and experience working in a ... Ability to work independently while managing multiple plant production and research activities ...

HM.CLAUSE

Global Breeding Director (M/F)

Davis, CA · On-site

Promote quality standards and Plant Health, Safety & Environmental practices at all R&D sites. Your profile What you bring Master's degree or higher in Plant Breeding, Genetics, or a related life ...

New

PepsiCo

Potato Breeding Technician

Rhinelander, WI · On-site

$54K - $82K/yr

A motivated, hands-on breeding technician with a passion for plants and experience working in a ... Ability to work independently while managing multiple plant production and research activities ...

PepsiCo

Potato Breeding Technician

Rhinelander, WI · On-site

$54K - $82K/yr

A motivated, hands-on breeding technician with a passion for plants and experience working in a ... Ability to work independently while managing multiple plant production and research activities ...

Limagrain

Global Breeding Director (M/F)

Davis, CA · On-site

Promote quality standards and Plant Health, Safety & Environmental practices at all R&D sites. Your profile What you bring * Master's degree or higher in Plant Breeding, Genetics, or a related life ...

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Plant Breeding Research Associate information

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How much do plant breeding research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for plant breeding research associate in the United States is $32.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $37.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a plant breeding research associate do?

A Plant Breeding Research Associate assists with the development and improvement of plant varieties by applying genetic and breeding techniques. Their work typically involves collecting and analyzing data, managing experimental plots, performing laboratory tasks, and supporting senior scientists in research projects. They help ensure that new plant varieties are higher yielding, more disease-resistant, and better suited to environmental conditions. The role often requires knowledge of genetics, plant biology, and data analysis, as well as attention to detail in both field and laboratory settings.

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

To thrive as a Plant Breeding Research Associate, you need a solid background in plant genetics, biology, and agronomy, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with molecular biology techniques, statistical analysis software (like R or SAS), and field trial management systems is commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure accurate research outcomes, innovative breeding solutions, and successful collaboration in agricultural science environments.

What are some common challenges faced by plant breeding research associates in conducting field trials?

Plant Breeding Research Associates often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, pest and disease outbreaks, and ensuring consistent data collection across multiple test plots. Managing large-scale experiments requires strong organizational skills and close attention to detail to maintain the integrity of the research. Additionally, effective collaboration with agronomists, technicians, and data analysts is essential to address these challenges and ensure successful trial outcomes.

What is the difference between Plant Breeding Research Associate vs Plant Geneticist?

AspectPlant Breeding Research AssociatePlant Geneticist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Plant Science, Agronomy, or related fieldMaster's or Ph.D. in Genetics, Plant Science, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, field trials, research stationsLaboratories, research institutions, universities
Employer & Industry UsageAgro-biotech companies, research farms, seed companiesResearch institutions, universities, biotech firms

While both roles involve plant science research, a Plant Breeding Research Associate typically works on developing new plant varieties through field trials and breeding programs, often with a bachelor's or master's degree. A Plant Geneticist, on the other hand, focuses more on genetic analysis and molecular research, usually requiring a master's or Ph.D. degree. Both roles are essential in advancing agricultural productivity and are commonly found in similar industry settings.

What are popular job titles related to Plant Breeding Research Associate jobs?

For Plant Breeding Research Associate jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Plant Breeding Research Associate job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,685 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Biostatistics Scientist (Plant Science)

Woodland, CA • On-site

Sakata Seed America, INC.
See more jobs at Sakata Seed America, INC.external

$90K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Support the development, testing, and interpretation of statistical and genomic prediction models for vegetable crop breeding programs.

  • Analyze molecular marker datasets, including SNP and haplotype data, to support trait mapping, marker validation, and breeding decisions.

  • Prepare, manage, and analyze genomic, phenotypic, greenhouse, and field-trial datasets under guidance from senior team members.

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