Reporting to the Senior Pepper Breeder, the Assistant Breeder will collaborate closely with the pepper breeding teams to support the organization and management of developing new varieties, ensuring a swift market introduction of successful pepper varieties.

Responsible for… 

o   Breeding trials: Under Breeder supervision, design, plan and execute breeding trials (phenotyping, data collection, manage crosses and seed harvests). Secure successful crops from sowing to harvest. Participate actively in operational breeding activities when required.

o   Data management and analysis: Register, update and manage breeding operations and in the Breeding Software. Support Breeders in the analysis of phenotypical and genotypical data, prepare reports, give feedback, make proposals and draw conclusions to facilitate decision making.

o   Seeds logistics: manage seed increases of advance parental lines as well as advanced hybrids. Strong coordination with breeder and Production department to secure quantity and quality of produced seeds.  

o   Hybrid production: following Breeders guidelines, design, implement and monitor crossing blocks. Supervise crossing team and participate actively in the pollination when necessary.

o   Planning and Administration: Various administrative breeding tasks such as,  activity forecasts (trials, markers), update of  procedures and guidelines, seed shipments and receptions, seed traceability, field certification, variety registration and material stock management.

o   Team management and leadership: Coordinate/Communicate breeding operations to breeding technicians and agricultural workers. Provide them with technical training and advice to meet quality standards, deadlines and budgets. Give clear instructions and monitor the completion of activities, ensure compliance with safety rules and motivate your employees.

o   Market Knowledge: Develop an understanding of the morphology, biology of the pepper crop and develop and maintain updated and broad vision of the market demands.

o   Travelling: occasional travel to national or international locations.

Contributes to… 

o   Line and hybrid selection and advancement.

o   Establishment of external trials, data analysis and final reporting for New Product Introduction (NPI) meetings (Responsibility of Trial Officers).

o   Update breeding data base and increase knowledge of the crop and germplasm.

Skills and Experience

·         Education:

o   MS degree in Genetics/Plant Breeding or related disciplines and BS degree in Biotechnology, Agronomy or related fields. MS candidates preferred.

·         Languages:

o   Fluent in Spanish both written and spoken.

o   Fluent in English, both written and spoken (C1).

o   Italian and/or French are an advantage.

·         Knowledge required

o   Working knowledge of breeding operational practices.

o   Selection schemes, genetics, genomics and statistical analysis.

o   Experience in Solanaceae crops is a plus.

o   Computer skills: information management systems, MS Excel (using different formulas, conditional formatting, creating graphs and charts), MS Word, MS PowerPoint, statistical softwares.

·         Professional skills

o   Good organization and planning skills. Ability to manage and follow up multiple projects worldwide simultaneously.

o   Capacity and interest to work in field environment as well as in the office.

o   Ability to work in an independent and self-directed manner under the guidance of the Senior Breeder.

o   Capacity to adapt to peak working periods, especially during sowings, plantings and evaluations (physical work)