Under the Nunhems brand, Bayer CropScience offers expert advice and high-quality seed varieties of 25 vegetable crops. With more than 2,000 employees, we are present in all major vegetable production areas around the globe. We are dedicated to producing market-oriented varieties and seed products, and more than just that. We are oriented towards customers, and towards sharing value-added genetics, services and expertise to help them succeed.

Job Purpose:

Support Phytopathology scientist and plant breeders in disease resistance tests and in selection of disease resistant lines in melons, watermelon and lettuce.

Responsibilities

• Assist Phytopathology Scientist in the development and optimization of greenhouse, growth chamber and field disease screens for the purpose of varietal development.
• Cooperate closely with and support Phytopathology Scientist in the design and implementation of new technologies and techniques.
• Maintain a selection of plant pathogenic bacteria, fungi, viruses and vector insects.
• Design, perform and evaluate disease resistance screening (artificial and natural) of breeding material.
• Analyze and convey screening and experimental results through detailed reports.
• Survey, collect and analyze data from research fields and farmers/customers fields.
• Provide technical support to breeding and farming programs by diagnosing disease problems that arise in the fields or greenhouses in melons, watermelons, and lettuce.
• Manage and supervise day-to-day activities and scheduling of Phytopathology Technician’s work.
• Effectively communicate and collaborate with fellow research assistants with regard to technician handling and sharing phytopathology facilities.
• Maintain safety and hygiene within the phytopathology laboratory, plant growth rooms, and greenhouses compliant with federal and state permit requirements.

Educational qualifications desired

• M.S in plant pathology or similar field.
• Foundational understanding of plant physiology and/or plant breeding and/or biotechnology .

Skills and experience required

• Attention to detail, organization and responsibility.
• Effective communicator, flexibility to work within a team, but capability to work independently.
• Must be a team player with good interpersonal skills.
• Good knowledge on working with MS Office products and database management.
• Knowledge of methods and equipment used by a plant pathologist and/or microbiologist.
• Data collection, analysis & interpretation skills.
• Skilled at managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Basic understanding of plant cultivation & development.
• Greenhouse, plant growth chamber and laboratory maintenance skills.

Working Conditions

• Flexible, distributed among office, lab, greenhouse and field activities
• Ability to work in heat and humidity in greenhouses, plant growth chambers and other protected enclosures.
• Occasional travel, possibly international

For more information about Bayer Crop Science Vegetable Seeds or to apply for this position, please visit www.nunhems.com.

Bayer Crop Science Vegetable Seeds is an EOE.