What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Scientist - Sorghum Breeding position at Innovative Seed Solutions?
If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your resume to Cleve Franks, R&D Director, at cleve.franks@innovativeseedsolutions.com.
I. Job Summary
This position is responsible for developing the next generation of superior grain sorghum hybrids, with a primary focus on the Texas market. The successful candidate will oversee the development, evaluation, and advancement of new lines and hybrids using a combination of personal expertise, observation, and advanced breeding and analytical tools. Additionally, the candidate will lead the South Texas breeding team and manage all research activities at the station near Corpus Christi, Texas, which include yield trials, summer and winter nurseries, and molecular breeding activities. The ideal candidate is highly motivated, experienced in project management, an effective communicator, and a cooperative team player with an in-depth understanding of sorghum germplasm and the product performance requirements for the target area.
II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Lead and take accountability for all aspects of the grain sorghum breeding, testing, and research programs for the South and Central Texas market.
• Oversee inbred line development, pre-commercial hybrid testing, germplasm enhancement, and molecular breeding strategies.
• Utilize data analytics and advanced breeding technologies to optimize genetic gains and deliver superior commercial products.
• Lead and manage key employees at the Bishop, Texas research site, overseeing their performance, professional growth, and development to build a high-performing team aligned with organizational goals.
• Implement the Innovative Seed Solutions sorghum breeding strategy.
• Leverage breeding technologies, field data collection, advanced analytics, and innovative approaches to maximize genetic gain.
• Collect, analyze, and summarize both qualitative and quantitative data to support germplasm advancement in the product development pipeline, aligned with commercial and licensing partner needs.
• Provide a steady flow of improved lines and hybrids that meet performance and production standards for licensing partners.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop breeding strategies and techniques, advance products through the pipeline, recommend and promote products, and develop technical recommendations for product positioning within the commercial portfolio.
• Contribute to the product development team and collaborate with both research and commercial teams to ensure successful product launch and market readiness.
• Actively participate in a team of experienced sorghum breeders from the United States, Brazil, and Mexico, communicating effectively to ensure the success of all research initiatives.
• Lead research projects beyond core breeding activities to enhance and transform the sorghum development pipeline.
• Manage budget, recruitment, personnel training, and delegation of responsibilities at the research site.
• Ensure the production and transfer of high-quality breeder seed to the Supply and Demand Manager, maintaining strict purity standards.
• Adhere to company safety policies and ensure a safe working environment for all team members.
III. Minimum Requirements
• Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Plant Sciences, or Genetics.
• Comprehensive knowledge and applied research experience in plant breeding or plant genetics.
• Independent, highly motivated, and self-directed scientist.
• Proven experience in project management.
• Proficiency with database applications, spreadsheets, visualization software, and statistical tools.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally for extended periods to visit trial and nursery sites and for other supporting activities.
IV. Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working with or studying grain sorghum.
• Experience in a field-based breeding program
V. Competencies
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills for building effective internal and external relationships with diverse groups.
• Excellent verbal, listening, and written communication skills, with the ability to foster a positive and collaborative team environment.
• High capacity for cross-functional teamwork, networking, and gaining advocacy with stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills to plan, coordinate, and document experiments, while sharing results effectively within the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to both give and receive direction, ensuring that processes move forward to meet goals.
• Willingness to accept and provide constructive feedback and to engage in continuous improvement.
• A bias for action and the ability to deliver timely results in a fast-paced, team-oriented setting.
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills for personal and team tasks to meet deadlines.
• Thorough understanding of plant breeding techniques and practices.
• Experience with quantitative genetics, genome-wide prediction methods, and digital breeding tools.
• Proficient in statistics, field design, plant biology, agronomy, and data science.
• Ability to understand and apply basic statistical analysis in dedicated software.
• Strong motivation to solve scientific questions and drive innovation.
• Willingness to adopt new techniques, lead change, and advance the breeding program.
VI. Physical Requirements
• The ability to lift and move 20 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• The ability to see, hear, walk, and talk to complete field-based research tasks.
VII. About Innovative Seed Solutions
Innovative Seed Solutions is the global leader in grain sorghum seed research in North and South America. Innovative was founded in 2016 as a joint-venture between Monsanto Co. (now Bayer Crop Science) and Remington Holding Co. Innovative Seed Solutions develops and tests new sorghum hybrids for North and South American farmers. The company is headquartered in Zionsville, Indiana, and has research centers in Kansas, Texas, Brazil, and Mexico. For more information, visit our website at www.innovativeseedsolutions.com.