Limagrain is an agricultural cooperative and an international seed group owned by 1,300 farmers located in Auvergne (in the center of France). Present in 49 countries and with 9,335 employees, the Group breeds, produces and distributes field seeds, vegetable seeds and agri-food products. Focused on the genetic progress of plants, Limagrain is the fourth largest seed group worldwide. talent.limagrain.com

Reference: 2023-8242 

Function: RESEARCH & INNOVATION - BREEDING

Employment type: Regular Full Time

Main Goal

Limagrain Cereals Research Canada is recruiting for an Assistant Plant Breeder to contribute to Limagrain’s spring cereals breeding program and activities for North America.

 This program is one of the largest and most dynamic in North America and will provide a great opportunity and environment for the successful candidate to have significant impact on the Canadian and American cereal industries through delivering high performing spring cereal varieties to farmers.

The position is based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and will lead spring cereal breeding and variety delivery activities for Western Canada and the Northern Plains of the USA.

Limagrain Cereals Research Canada:

Limagrain Cereals Research Canada (LCRC) was established in 2015. LCRC is a Canadian company, passionate about using its plant breeding expertise to support the Canadian grains industry. LCRC is a partnership between LIMAGRAIN and CANTERRA SEEDS, bringing together global germplasm, technology and plant breeding knowledge, with deep market awareness and access, to deliver value to Western Canadian growers and their customers. 

Job description

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Contribute to the implementation of breeding strategies to create new varieties and further develop LCRC’s competitive multi-crop portfolio.
• Assist with field data collection, entry, and analysis.
• Participate in plant production in greenhouse and growth chambers, including planting, managing growing conditions, emasculations, pollinations, and harvest.
• Assist with field breeding trials, including seed preparation and land preparation, planting, plot maintenance, harvest, pesticide and fertilizer applications, trial evaluations, seed and tissue sampling, processing and packaging, distribution of seed stocks, and preparation of samples for evaluation of grain quality or molecular marker analyses.
• Use molecular markers, genomics analyses, and statistical tools to increase genetic gain and program efficiencies.
• Contribute to strategic planning, review, and decision-making of LCS/LCRC Research Team.
• Travel abroad and participate in Cereals and Pulses breeding activities and meetings.
• Interact and collaborate with other LCRC employees and associated companies, including growers, seed and product development specialists, plant pathologists, molecular biologists, and others.
• Coordinate activities and training to ensure safe operations of equipment and safety of project personnel in accordance with company, provincial and government guidelines.
• As a member of a small breeding station team, participate in most tasks conducted at the station including driving breeding efficiency in field/lab protocols and organization of activities.

Profile

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• A Master in plant science, agronomy or equivalent job experience is required.
• Experience with cereals and/or pulses production, related agronomy and cropping systems, and the seed industry is desired.
• Experience with field research techniques, including plot maintenance and evaluation of field plots, seed processing and data collection is desired.
• Candidates should possess good interpersonal skills, effective oral and written communication skills, and be comfortable operating computing and common agricultural related technology such as GPS guidance.
• Ability to work independently and/or with others and the willingness to participate in all LCRC cereal breeding program duties.
• Ability to spend extended periods of time traveling domestically, and to travel internationally (have, or qualify for, a valid passport).
• Ability to work extended or variable hours under variable environmental and ergonomic conditions associated with planting, harvesting, and plot management.

PROFILE:

• Driven to have a positive impact on the prosperity of farmers and broader global grains industry.
• Team player, who wants to develop and inspire their team to achieve the collective goals and celebrate collective success.
• Knowledge of the target production region associated biotic and abiotic stresses, and relevant germplasm base would be highly advantageous.
• Ability to use software for data analyses, management, presentation, and reporting; competence in statistics and data management is required.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills are needed
• Ability to travel in country and to the USA to assist with field experimentation. International exposure would be a plus.

To apply

This position is to be filled as soon as possible. 

Click HERE to learn more and to apply online.

If you are interested to join an international growing organization, please send your CV as well as a letter specifically addressing each of the profile points at: admin.lcrc@limagrain.com