Maize Breeder at Value Seeds Limited

Location: Zaria, Kaduna

Job Summary

• The Maize Breeder will be responsible for providing scientific leadership in developing, improving, and maintaining maize germplasm.
• The role focuses on breeding and maintaining high-yielding, stress-tolerant hybrids suited for diverse agro-ecological zones of Nigeria.
• The ideal candidate is expected to develop improved varieties of maize seed in line with the seed development objectives of the company that address consumer and market needs.

Duties and Responsibilities
Breeding & Product Development:

• Develop and execute annual breeding strategies aligned with Value Seeds’ R&D objectives.
• Design and implement hybridization programs, including topcrosses, line × tester, backcrossing, and population improvement.
• Develop high-yielding, stress-tolerant, and market-responsive hybrids adapted to target agro-ecologies.
• Identify and select promising hybrids for advancement, pre-commercial testing, and variety release.

Nursery & Trial Management:

• Plan and supervise breeding nurseries, crossing blocks, and hybrid evaluation trials.
• Lead the design and execution of DUS, VCU, multilocational, and on-farm trials.
• Ensure strict adherence to isolation, pollination standards, and field protocols.

Parental Line Maintenance:

• Oversee maintenance, purification, and regeneration of inbred lines to guarantee genetic purity.
• Implement rigorous QC measures, including roguing, selfing, and post-harvest classification.
• Maintain seed inventory records and cold-room storage standards.

Data Analysis & Documentation:

• Conduct statistical and genetic analysis and manage digital data systems
• Prepare technical reports, trial summaries, variety release documents, and publications.
• Any other duties as assigned to meet organisational requirements

Qualifications
Education, Training and Experience:

• Has completed a Master's Degree in Plant Breeding (Maize) or related field, with emphasis on Maize and Rice
• Proven field experience with track records in Maize Breeding

Skills and Knowledge:

• Strong leadership and organizational skills
• Excellent Research Skills
• Data management and analysis
• Optimal resource allocation
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Good networking and relationship-building skills
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office tools such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Adaptability and resilience to work in diverse and challenging environments
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility and a commitment to the Company’s mission

Competencies:

• Plant Genetics and Breeding
• Quantitative Genetics and Statistics
• Agronomy and Crop Science
• Molecular Biology
• Communication and Active Listening
• Field Trial and Management
• Data Acquisition and Analysis
• Resource Management
• Financial Reporting and Analysis
• Collaboration and Teamwork
• Leadership

Working Conditions:

• The candidate should reside or be willing to reside in Zaria
• Time is split between fields and the office, working in a variety of different weather conditions
• Interaction with a wide range of stakeholders, including farmers, breeders, research institutes and regulatory bodies.

Salary

• Competitive and Attractive.