Plant Breeders at Value Seeds Limited

Job Summary

• The Plant Breeder will be responsible for seed development functions. The Plant Breeder will work to develop improve varieties of seed in line with seed development objectives of the company.
• He/ She will deploy biotechnology and molecular breeding strategies to develop new seed varieties and hybrid seeds of superior genetic traits for Rice and Maize crops that address the consumer and market need.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Preparation of work plans, planting programs and budgets for breeding nurseries, field trials and seed production activities for rice or maize
• Acquiring (assembling) a suitable base population that has favourable alleles for the trait(s) of interests from relevant CGIAR centres like (IITA or CIMMYT) or from breeders in the public institutions (Research Institutes and Universities)
• Design and management of breeding nurseries, field trials and seed production field
• Supervision of selection of farmers for out-growers’ scheme and provision of technical backstopping to farmers for seed production activities
• Supervision of the establishment of demos and high-way seed drops
• Management and capacity building of support and technical staff
• Training of field staff on data collection and analysis
• Training of farmers on yield enhancement techniques
• Setting up research trials, data analysis and interpretation of results
• Conduct of field trials to assess germplasm for genetic diversity and characterization of germplasm for tolerance to stresses
• Breeding plants, using appropriate breeding methods for hybridization and selection of superior traits
• Identification of desirable traits for seed improvement through genetic variation
• Advancement of knowledge of plant breeding techniques
• Drafting of technical reports and publication
• Plan and carryout crosses to develop improve hybrid seed for crops of focus targeting certain desired genetic characteristics such as improve yield, size, quality, maturity, drought tolerance, resistance to disease and insect pests (aligned with organisational breeding objectives) for the market, utilizing principles of genetics and knowledge of plant growth.
• Coordinating on-station and on-farm trial for selection and registration of proven hybrids variety with varietal release committee and NASC
• Ensuring timely crops varietal release based on agreed objectives
• Liaison with research institutes for varietal release process
• Monitoring of competitors’ activities and setting of product profile in the market
• Any other duties as assigned to meet organisational requirements

Qualifications
Education, Training and Experience:

• Ph.D. in Plant Breeding or related field, with emphasis on Maize and Rice
• Masters in Plant Breeding may be considered with proof of ongoing doctoral degree programme in the same or related field
• Proven field experience with track records

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

Working Conditions:

• Time splits between fields and 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