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Plant Breeding Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

NCSU

Research Technician

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

Essential Job Duties Join the Cotton Genetics and Breeding Lab and contribute to research that advances cotton genetics, genomics, and plant breeding. As a Research Technician, you will provide ...

Syngenta

Senior Scientist I

Durham, NC · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Generate hypotheses, design experiments, and provide data-driven recommendations to advance research and breeding objectives. * Serve as a plant pathology and nematology subject matter expert ...

Syngenta Seeds

Senior Scientist I

Durham, NC

$88K - $120K/yr

Generate hypotheses, design experiments, and provide data-driven recommendations to advance research and breeding objectives. * Serve as a plant pathology and nematology subject matter expert ...

Syngenta Group

Senior Scientist I

Durham, NC · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Generate hypotheses, design experiments, and provide data-driven recommendations to advance research and breeding objectives. * Serve as a plant pathology and nematology subject matter expert ...

Syngenta

Scientist I

Durham, NC · On-site

We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for ... Support transient sample production, including plant care and staging, transformation ...

AllSTEM Connections

Pathology Technician III

Durham, NC · On-site

$41K/yr

... for proper plant growth. Preparing for culture media. Assisting in lab, headhouse and greenhouse sanitation practices including devitalization processing of all regulated breeding materials.

Varsity Tutors

Agricultural Science Tutor

Raleigh, NC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of soil science, plant biology, animal science ... Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ...

Varsity Tutors

Agricultural Science Tutor

Durham, NC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of soil science, plant biology, animal science ... Ability to explain photosynthesis optimization, nutrient cycling, selective breeding, and precision ...

Syngenta Group

Data Partnerships Lead

Durham, NC

We do this by protecting seed, bulbs, or small plant quality from the start to enable growers to ... Strong commercial breeding, product characterisation and customer-facing experience. * Practical ...

Syngenta

Data Partnerships Lead

Durham, NC · On-site

We do this by protecting seed, bulbs, or small plant quality from the start to enable growers to ... Strong commercial breeding, product characterisation and customer-facing experience. * Practical ...

Syngenta Group

Data Partnerships Lead

Durham, NC · On-site

We do this by protecting seed, bulbs, or small plant quality from the start to enable growers to ... Strong commercial breeding, product characterisation and customer-facing experience. * Practical ...

All JobsPlant Breeding JobsPlant Breeding Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Plant Breeding information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$13

$21

$38

How much do plant breeding jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for plant breeding in Raleigh, NC is $21.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is plant breeding?

Plant breeding incorporates traditional methods and modern scientific methods to modify and manipulate plant species to improve crops, food, fuel, plant-based products. The modification is done through processes like genetic engineering or controlled pollination to combine traits and produce the desired phenotypes and genotypes. The process ensures food security and increases the resistance and outcome for plants. It helps plants fight pests, advance crop growth, and sturdiness, and offer a better taste in some situations. The crossing can occur with closely related plants or distantly associated species depending on the traits wanted. Plant breeding has been going on for thousands of years and is practiced worldwide.

What is plant breeding?

Plant breeding is the science-driven process of changing the traits of plants in order to produce desired characteristics. This is achieved by selecting plants with beneficial traits and breeding them to create improved varieties, such as those with higher yield, disease resistance, or better nutritional value. Plant breeding can involve traditional cross-breeding methods as well as modern techniques like genetic engineering and marker-assisted selection. The goal is to develop plants that are more productive, resilient, and suited to specific environments or market needs.

What are some typical challenges faced by plant breeders when developing new crop varieties?

Plant breeders often encounter challenges such as balancing multiple desirable traits like yield, disease resistance, and climate adaptability within a single crop variety. They must also manage long breeding cycles, as it can take several years to see the results of their work. Collaboration with agronomists, geneticists, and farmers is essential to ensure new varieties meet market and environmental needs. Additionally, staying updated on advances in biotechnology and regulatory changes is crucial for success in this evolving field.

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

To thrive as a Plant Breeder, you need a strong background in genetics, biology, and agronomy, often supported by a degree in plant science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, molecular marker technologies, and statistical analysis software such as SAS or R is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective collaboration are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the development of improved crop varieties, successful experimentation, and productive teamwork to meet agricultural challenges.

What is the difference between Plant Breeding vs Plant Genetics?

AspectPlant BreedingPlant Genetics
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Plant Science, Agriculture, or related fields; often includes breeding certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Genetics, Biology, or related fields; may include genetics certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch farms, laboratories, seed companies, agricultural organizationsLaboratories, research institutions, universities, biotech companies
Industry UsageDeveloping new plant varieties, improving crop traitsUnderstanding genetic mechanisms, gene mapping, and inheritance patterns

Plant Breeding and Plant Genetics are closely related fields. Plant Breeding focuses on developing new plant varieties through crossing and selection, while Plant Genetics emphasizes understanding the genetic basis of traits. Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, but their primary goals differ: one creates improved crops, the other explores genetic mechanisms.

More about Plant Breeding jobs

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For Plant Breeding jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Plant Breeding job openings:

Plant Breeding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plant Breeding job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 14% Temporary. Highlights an 57% In-person, 14% Hybrid, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,222 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Temporary Research Intern - Mills River, NC

NCSU

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time, Part-time, Temporary, Internship

Medical

Re-posted 4 days ago

North Carolina State University rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

464th of 629 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Information
Posting Number PG194831TM Position Number 11ASO3389 Position Type Temporary Essential Job Duties
This position involves assisting faculty and staff to meet annual plant production goals in many different nursery crops. Interns will be exposed to a variety of projects and topics including plant breeding and improvement, propagation, tissue culture, and plant production. Specific duties include transplanting, maintenance of tissue culture projects, plot maintenance, flow cytometry, container production, data collection etc. Interns will also participate in independent research projects, field trips, and attend relevant conferences.
Is Time Limited No If Yes, Appointment Length Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being.

What we offer:
  • Health Insurance for Temporary Employees
  • Enhance your career with LEAD courses
  • Attend non-revenue generating sporting events for free.
Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare discounts, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. 
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Department Information
Job City & State Mills River, NC Department Horticultural Science
System Information
Classification Title Temporary-Technical/Paraprofessional Working Title Temporary Research Intern - Mills River, NC

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About North Carolina State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

North Carolina State University (NCSU), located in Raleigh, NC, US, is a leading educational institution with a strong emphasis on research, academics, and public service. Established in 1887, NCSU operates in the education industry and endeavors to foster student success, and promote economic development by providing high-quality, affordable education, and conducting groundbreaking research across a variety of disciplines. With more than 100 majors, its academic offerings range from undergraduates to postgraduates along with doctoral studies - in various fields like engineering, natural resources, humanities, and social sciences. NCSU is firmly anchored on the core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, and innovation. Its mission is to create economic, societal, and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina and the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1887

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