Research Associate

Advanta is a global seed business adapting to rapidly increasing food insecurity and climate change by providing farmers with innovation and new technologies.

As part of UPL Group, Advanta aims to deliver high quality seeds with excellent agronomic practices and crop protection solutions.

Advanta operates in over 80 countries under global brands of Advanta, Alta and Pacific Seeds. Advanta holds a leadership position in tropical and sub-tropical geographies in corn, grain and forage sorghum, sunflower, canola, rice, and a variety of vegetables.

With over 60 years' experience in plant genetics, Advanta provides seeds technology that ensures crop performance and farmers prosperity.

Summary :

Lead Field Research activities under the supervision of the Sorghum Breeding Team. The position will contribute to the team's effort to develop and evaluate sorghum lines and hybrids by performing and assisting with many aspects of the station's breeding and testing program.

Major Job Responsibilities :

• Overseeing day-to-day activities of the breeding program.
• Coordinate nursery bagging and pollination with the breeders.
• Coordinate research activities to Research Technicians.
• Lead and train temporary and part time employees for bagging, pollination, nursery harvest, and seed packaging for nursery and field trials.
• Assist with agronomic data collection in both nursery and field trials.
• Oversee safety and ensure protocols are being properly followed.
• Oversee inventory and maintenance of seed stocks.
• Help with organizing and conducting field experiments.
• Use of MS Office programs, especially Excel.
• Occasional light hoeing of weeds.
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality, customer service and professionalism that promotes a positive image of the company and the research department.

This position requires approximately 10% travel to company locations and may include other domestic and international travel.

You must have a valid U.S. driver's license and be insurable by the company.

Job Skills & Requirements :

• Leadership skills in managing client relationships and the ability to develop customized solutions to meet client needs with the ability to prioritize tasks, work on multiple assignments, and manage assignments in a team environment.
• Able to work well independently and with team members in a professional and respectful manner.
• Attention to detail with a focus on quality; and deadline and results-driven.
• Strong communication (verbal & written) and presentation skills.
• Capable of working within large, complex engagements and able to work efficiently and with a sense of urgency.
• Demonstrated ability to deal in a professional and positive manger with all levels of employees and external contacts.
• Must be a self-starter.
• Flexibility to travel and to work extended hours, including weekends, during planting, pollination and harvest season as needed.
• Ability to work required hours in both station and field, lift 50 pounds, work in testing and nursery fields including during pollen shed and operate a motor vehicle.

Education & Experience :

• Bachelor’s Degree in plant sciences, agriculture or related field, or equivalent with 4 years’ experience working in a commercial breeding program. Master’s preferred.
• Agriculture - Knowledge of agriculture industry including sorghums - Strongly Preferred
• Research - Experience in seed research preferred.
• Computer knowledge Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office Suite.
• Multicultural Approach - Ability to work in a corporation with global network (global company)
30+ days ago