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: 2023-8241  

Function: RESEARCH & INNOVATION - BREEDING

Employment Type: Regular Full Time

Main Goal

Limagrain Cereals Research Canada is recruiting for a Senior Breeder to lead 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

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

• Develop and implement strategies to breed new varieties of wheat and other cereals for the Canadian prairies and Northern Plains of the USA.
• Build, manage and lead the cereals breeding program and team, engaging in breeding, field and greenhouse trials, crossing, and variety purification and maintenance.
• Use genomic selection, molecular markers, rapid breeding systems, and other modern technologies to rapidly develop commercially competitive and successful varieties.
• Coordinate research activities with the US sister company, Limagrain Cereals Seeds (LCS), and with other international wheat breeding programs of Group Limagrain. Travel abroad and participating in wheat breeding activities and meetings as is necessary.
• Develop and manage collaborations and exchanges with public and private programs involved in cereal breeding and research.

KEY ELEMENTS OF THE JOB:

• Contribute to strategic planning, review, and decision-making of LCRC and LCS research; align research strategies with commercial targets for the long-term vision and mission of LCRC and LCS.
• Develop and implement breeding strategies to create new varieties and a highly competitive portfolio. Manage breeding trials, make selections, pursue variety registration, purify seed, and release cultivars for commercial grain production.
• Manage staff and support the business development in conjunction with the Head of Cereals Research North America and LCRC CEO.
• Provide technical support and information as required for marketing purposes. Represent LCRC and LCS to present varieties and information in field days, grower meetings, regional and national meetings.
• Propose, develop, and implement innovations for wheat breeding: integrated strategies for using molecular markers, genomic selection, growth facilities, disease and insect screening, and quality evaluation.
• Implement the approved strategies for wheat breeding that, in compliance with regulations and requirements necessary to obtain variety registration and IP protection, to supply leading commercial varieties for the Canadian prairies and Northern Plains of the USA.
• Manage applications for Plant Breeders Rights and protection of intellectual property. In collaboration with a Germplasm Officer, manage germplasm exchange with public and private collaborators. Ensure compliance with IP guidelines from Group Limagrain.
• Lead and manage the LCRC wheat breeding team to inspire high performance and engagement in the success of the breeding program. Ensure team members follow all company standards (health, safety, environmental, ethical compliance, government regulations, etc).
• Prepare and follow budgets and investments for the breeding program in conjunction with the Station Manager, Head of Cereals Research North America and LCRC CEO.

Profile

PROFILE:

• PhD degree in Plant Breeding, Quantitative Genetics or a closely related field, is required.
• Experience as a plant breeder of wheat or other small grains, preferably in a successful commercial program, is necessary.
• Driven to have a positive impact on the prosperity of farmers and broader global grains industry.

• Knowledge of the target production region associated biotic and abiotic stresses, and relevant germplasm base would be highly advantageous.
• Knowledge of cereal chemistry principles and their application to breeding and marketing is essential.
• Ability to use software for data analyses, management, presentation, and reporting; high competence in statistics and data management is required.
• Successful at leading multicultural teams and projects with high degree of complexity.

• Team player, who wants to develop and inspire their team to achieve the collective goals and celebrate collective success.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills are needed
• Ability to steer innovation and propose new approaches.
• Ability to travel in country and to the USA to assist with field experimentation. International exposure would be a plus.

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Wage/Salary: dependent upon qualifications; annual bonus earning potential will be included.
• Benefits package includes: Healthcare, dental/orthodontic, short & long term disability (employee-paid premiums), basic life insurance, optional life insurance (employee-paid premiums), accidental death & dismemberment, vision care, matching DPSP, eligible for company vehicle.
• Location of Work: Base in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Travel to trial sites across Western Canada and to stations and trial sites across the USA.

To apply

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

Please click HERE to learn more and to apply online.