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Plant Breeding Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Adecco

Plant Sciences Research Technician

Durham, NC

$21.09/hr

Collaborate with scientists and research staff to support breeding and agricultural research programs. * Provide occasional weekend and holiday coverage to maintain critical plant care operations.

NCSU

Research Associate

Raleigh, NC

The candidate may also contribute to applied plant pathology research and collaborative activities with specialty crop breeding programs as project needs dictate. This position provides an ...

Syngenta Group

Senior Scientist I

Durham, NC · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for ... This role will be responsible for establishing multiple plant nematode species: cyst nematode, root ...

Syngenta

Senior Scientist I

Durham, NC

$88K - $120K/yr

We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for ... This role will be responsible for establishing multiple plant nematode species: cyst nematode, root ...

Syngenta Seeds

Senior Scientist I

Durham, NC

$88K - $120K/yr

We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for ... This role will be responsible for establishing multiple plant nematode species: cyst nematode, root ...

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.

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Plant Breeding information

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How much do plant breeding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 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 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.

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.
More about Plant Breeding jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Breeding jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Plant Breeding jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
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What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Plant Breeding jobs? 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,222 per year, or $21.7 per hour.
Assistant Professor - Sweetpotato Breeding and Genetics

Assistant Professor - Sweetpotato Breeding and Genetics

NCSU

Raleigh, NC

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 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

454th of 611 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Information
Posting Number PG194714EP Internal Recruitment No Working Title Assistant Professor - Sweetpotato Breeding and Genetics Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with experience and credentials. Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5 pm Job Location Raleigh, NC Department Horticultural Science About the Department
People depend on plants for food, environmental aesthetics and recreation. No matter where you live, work or play, what we do touches your life. Our faculty and students conduct cutting-edge research that increases the quality and variety of fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants available to consumers worldwide. We are experts in the science, art, technology and business of growing plants. And the demand for our services is growing. Whether through hands-on instruction in our greenhouses, field labs or community gardens, our work ensures the economic and environmental sustainability for horticulture across the state, the nation and the world.
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. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Retirement Programs
  • Disability Plans
  • Life Insurance
  • Accident Plan
  • Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
  • 12 Holidays Each Year
  • Tuition and Academic Assistance
  • And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, 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.
Essential Job Duties
NC State University is seeking an Assistant Professor to lead a nationally recognized and internationally renowned sweetpotato breeding and genetics program with a long history of scientific innovation, variety development, and industry impact. In this role, you will provide leadership for applied and fundamental plant breeding research, advancing genomic-assisted breeding, high-throughput phenomics including UAV and optical imaging, and the application of data analytics, machine learning, Artificial Intelligence, and other emerging technologies to accelerate germplasm improvement and the development of the next generation of sweetpotato cultivars. Working alongside faculty, students, growers, and industry partners, you will have the opportunity to translate discovery into practice, helping address agricultural challenges while supporting food production, environmental stewardship, and economic development in North Carolina and beyond.

This position provides opportunities to contribute across five key areas of responsibility outlined below.

Research Leadership:
  • Lead research programs in breeding, genetics, and emerging technologies, including genomic-assisted breeding, genome editing, data analytics, machine learning, Artificial Intelligence, and other innovative approaches that maximize and accelerate variety and germplasm development.
  • Develop, register, patent and promote commercially successful tablestock, industrial and ornamental sweetpotato cultivars with commercial potential, including enhanced adaptability, disease/pest resistance, sustainability, lower input requirements, end-use quality, using both conventional and advanced breeding technologies.
  • Oversee germplasm collection, evaluation and screening, genomic and phenomic characterization, and management/maintenance of germplasm resources to advance and support breeding objectives.
  • Collaborate with local, national and international scientists in plant and sweetpotato breeding and crop improvement.
Program Management:
  • Secure extramural funding through grants, industry partnerships, and public-private collaborations.
  • Lead a multidisciplinary team of scientific collaborators, staff, graduate students, and interns.
  • Manage budgets, facilities, and resources to ensure efficient and effective program operations.
Teaching and Mentorship:
  • Provide graduate and undergraduate training in plant breeding, genetics, and horticultural science including teaching.
  • Mentor and advise graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and interns to develop future leaders in plant breeding and genetics.
Extension and Outreach:
  • Collaborate with industry stakeholders to translate research into commercial products and practices.
  • Engage with growers and allied industries with education programs to facilitate adoption of improved crops and technologies.
  • Present research and contribute to professional meetings.
Service in Professional Societies, Industry, and within the University:
  • Contribute to the programs and governance of the department, college, and university.
  • Provide service and support for professional societies and other organizations outside the University as appropriate.
If you are committed to excellence in research, teaching, and extension and motivated to lead a nationally recognized and internationally renowned sweetpotato breeding program focused on the development of improved cultivars, future scientists, and innovative solutions for agriculture, we encourage you to apply.
Other Responsibilities
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
Ph.D. in Horticultural Science, Plant Breeding, Genetics, or a closely related field.
Other Required Qualifications
  • Experience with specialty crop improvement and new product development, particularly with asexually propagated polyploid crops.
  • Evidence of scholarly engagement in plant breeding and genetics, such as peer-reviewed publications, submitted manuscripts, dissertations, conference presentations, or other recognized research outputs.
  • Demonstrated effectiveness in communicating research through peer-reviewed publications, presentations, teaching, extension activities, or stakeholder engagement.
  • Proven ability to apply data analytics, machine learning, Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies to maximize and accelerate variety and germplasm development.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Contribution to cultivar development and improvement, including participation in variety release, commercialization, patenting, or licensing activities.
  • Knowledge of advanced plant breeding and biotechnology tools, demonstrated through research, training, or application of genomics, gene editing, plant transformation, and/or tissue culture methods.
  • Collaboration with industry partners or participation in applied research and/or technology transfer projects.
  • Mentoring or advising undergraduate and/or graduate students in research or academic settings.
  • Exposure to intellectual property management and/or involvement in variety development and release processes
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
A valid driver's license is required for travel. NC driver's license is required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained.
Valid NC Driver's License required Yes Commercial Driver's License required No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date 06/22/2026 Anticipated Close Date 7/20/2026; review by search committee will begin. If posting is active, we are still accepting and reviewing applications. Special Instructions to Applicants
Please include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of research accomplishments and interest, teaching philosophy, and the names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references.
Position Details
Position Number 00112127 Position Type Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.0 Appointment 9 Month Recurring Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event Department ID 111501 - Horticultural Science EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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About North Carolina State University

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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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