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Plant Breeding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Assistant

Johnston, IA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

We are world-class experts in plant breeding and biotechnology seeking to hire a contingent Lab Technician position within the Biotechnology team. * This position supports a research team developing ...

The Laboratory Technician supports a research team focused on developing and evaluating novel plant breeding methods. Working under the guidance of a supervisor, this role performs plant tissue ...

The Laboratory Technician supports a research team focused on developing and evaluating novel plant breeding methods. Working under the guidance of a supervisor, this role performs plant tissue ...

The Laboratory Technician supports a research team focused on developing and evaluating novel plant breeding methods. Working under the guidance of a supervisor, this role performs plant tissue ...

Supervising the growing of plant breeding nurseries and related research trials, both in greenhouses and open fields; * Collaborate with stakeholders across strategy, operations, and data teams to ...

About KWS KWS is one of the world's leading plant breeding companies and employs around 5,000 employees in more than 70 countries. With the tradition of family ownership, KWS has operated ...

Supervising the growing of plant breeding nurseries and related research trials, both in greenhouses and open fields; Collaborate with stakeholders across strategy, operations, and data teams to ...

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How much do plant breeding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for plant breeding in the United States is $22.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $25.24 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.
What cities are hiring for Plant Breeding jobs? Cities with the most Plant Breeding job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Breeding jobs? The most popular types of Plant Breeding jobs are:
What states have the most Plant Breeding jobs? States with the most job openings for Plant Breeding jobs include:
Principal Quantitative Genetics Process Scientist

Principal Quantitative Genetics Process Scientist

Bayer

Champaign, IL • On-site

$127K - $190K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Bayer rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 74 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Principal Quantitative Genetics Process YOUR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES You will direct quantitative genetics research projects for breeding program design and optimization, breeding goal definition, optimization of automated processes, genetic evaluation, and optimization of data acquisition for Product Design. Also, you will lead key research projects and/or multi-disciplinary project teams to advance the Precision Breeding strategy for Product Design. Finally, you will lead the delivery of high-quality lines, data packages and prescriptions to the Product Development pipeline using the latest innovations in data science, genomics, quantitative genetics, computational biology, bioinformatics, and advanced genotypic, phenotypic, and environmental modeling.

The primary responsibilities of this role, Principal Quantitative Genetics Process Scientist, are to: Provide leadership to develop, implement, and advance quantitative genetics innovations and processes in the Product Design pipeline; Execute the quantitative genetics technical strategy to design improved cohorts of germplasm that are aligned with Product Concept targets from initial crossing through the handoff to Product Development; Lead quantitative genetics projects on implementation of Precision Breeding technical innovations in Product Design; Contribute strong technical and process expertise in coding, delivering, and utilizing models, algorithms and systems for breeding program design and optimization, breeding goal definition, optimization of automated crossing processes, genetic evaluation, and optimization of data acquisition at scale; Attract and develop talent and serve as a mentor for peers or colleagues in key areas of expertise that support personal development; Identify key areas of opportunity for innovative technology implementation and/or process improvement, while positively contributing to a collaborative, innovative, and design-centric culture; Integrate and lead multi-function teams across Product Design and partners across other world regions (LATAM, EMEA and APAC) to support innovation projects for Precision Breeding, with a key focus on driving genetic gain and product performance through digital transformation and innovative technology development and deployment; Support the Health Safety & Environment, Compliance, Business Conduct and Human Rights policies and culture in the site. WHO YOU ARE Bayer seeks an incumbent who possesses the following: Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Quantitative Genetics, Plant Breeding, Animal Breeding, or other relevant scientific fields; Ability to conduct research and contributes to research projects, technologies, publications, intellectual property, or trade secrets; Proficiency in programming languages such as R and SQL, or similar, with experience in developing algorithms, models and automated workflow for breeding program design and optimization, genetic evaluation, data acquisition, and high-performance computing and familiarity with cloud infrastructure; Demonstrated experience working collaboratively in diverse, cross-cultural, and multi-disciplinary teams; Demonstrated leadership skills that emphasize collaboration with accountability, influencing teams and stakeholders without direct reporting relationships; Outcomes-focused with demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects/priorities simultaneously while embracing an evolutionary mindset (act, learn fast and evolve). Preferred Qualifications: Ph.D

degree in Quantitative Genetics, Plant Breeding, Animal Breeding, or other relevant scientific fields with minimum of 6 years of experience in breeding programs, genetic evaluations, or applied data science projects; OR Master's degree in Quantitative Genetics, Plant Breeding, Animal Breeding, or other relevant scientific fields with 10 years of experience in breeding programs, genetic evaluations, or applied data science projects; OR Bachelor's degree in Quantitative Genetics, Plant Breeding, Animal Breeding, or other relevant scientific fields with a minimum of 12 years of experience in breeding programs, genetic evaluations, or applied data science projects. This posting will be available for application until at least July 23, 2026. Employees can expect to be paid a salary between $127,200.00 to $190,800.00

Additional compensation may include a bonus or commission (if relevant). Additional benefits include health care, vision, dental, retirement, PTO, sick leave, etc. This salary range is merely an estimate and may vary based on an applicant's location, market data/ranges, an applicant's skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications, and other relevant factors.

YOUR APPLICATION Bayer offers a wide variety of competitive compensation and benefits programs. If you meet the requirements of this unique opportunity, and want to impact our mission Health for all, Hunger for none, we encourage you to apply now. Be part of something bigger.

Be you. Be Bayer. To all recruitment agencies: Bayer does not accept unsolicited third party resumes.

Bayer is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans Bayer is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its application process for individuals with disabilities and encourages applicants with disabilities to request any needed accommodation(s) using the contact information below. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: Notice for U.S. Visitors: All information on this site is subject to compliance with local rule and regulations as they may vary from time to time and across different geographies, including, without limitation, U.S

Executive Orders. Bayer is an E-Verify Employer. Location: United States : Residence Based : Residence Based || United States : Illinois : Champaign || United States : Missouri : Chesterfield || United States : North Carolina : Raleigh Division: Crop Science Reference Code: 876573 Contact Us Email: hrop_usa@bayer.com


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About Bayer

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Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of healthcare and nutrition. We design our products and services to help people and planet thrive by supporting efforts to address the unprecedented global challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. At Bayer, we’re committed to drive sustainable development and generate a positive impact with our businesses. Through bold ideas and unprecedented insights, we’re pioneering new possibilities that advance life for all of us. That means reimagining how we care for ourselves and one another by empowering everyday health, improving approaches to patient care, and finding better ways to nourish our communities around the world.

Industry

Agriculture

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Whippany, NJ, US