Plant Breeder

Position Purpose: The Berry Blue Plant Breeder is responsible for utilizing advanced and innovative breeding methods to accelerate the development of improved blueberry cultivars with enhanced agronomic traits, disease resistance and quality attributes. Additionally, the Plant Breeder works in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to translate genomic insights into practical breeding applications, contributing to the crop improvement efforts within the breeding program.

Supervisor: Berry Blue Breeding Technical Director

Location: Alma, Georgia

Significant Relationships: Berry Blue Team, Commercialization Director, Horticulture Team, Director of Southeast Operations

Accountabilities and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to initiatives centered on discovering and developing traits, and integrating data-driven decision-making throughout the breeding process. Propose or recommend changes to breeding strategies to drive continuous improvement and program advancement.
• Lead the collection of phenotypic data from Southern Highbush blueberry breeding populations and selections in seedling blocks and trial sites, focusing on assessing fruit quality, horticultural characteristics, and post-harvest attributes, and assist with the integration of innovative phenotyping methods for the characterization of relevant traits.
• Conduct analysis of both phenotypic and genotypic data, including genetic mapping, genome-wide association, and genomic prediction.
• Contribute to the development of molecular markers and implementation of marker-assisted workflows for trait mapping and marker-assisted selection, ensuring efficient trait development and germplasm advancement within established parameters.
• Improve marker utilization in the breeding program and aid in developing strategies for germplasm development.
• Contribute to the development and deployment of protocols, methodologies, technologies, and genomic resources, as well as management of associated tools.
• Gain a deep understanding of blueberries and their pertinent market segments to effectively leverage technology.
• Stay abreast of scientific advancements in genomics, breeding, genetics methodologies, analytical tools, and germplasm enhancement.
• Supervise the management of Southern Highbush and Rabbiteye germplasm collections, including genetic characterization.
• Support the Berry Blue team in developing the annual crossing plan.
• Collaborate on the design and selection of locations for Southern Highbush breeding trials.
• Participate in the evaluation and selection of candidates for advanced breeding trials.
• Aid in managing the breeding database system.
• Participate in grower test plot visit days and host visits from growers and colleagues from other regions.
• Cultivate positive relationships with grower-members, Vaccinium and polyploid research community, and industry representatives.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, communication, and teamwork to promote a supportive and interconnected team environment.
• Assist in preparing the breeding project budget.
• Ensure compliance with all Federal/State employment, worker protection, pesticide, and agricultural regulations.
• Provide written and oral research reports as required.

Qualifications and Requirements

Ph.D. (or M.Sc. with 5+ years post-academia experience) in Plant Breeding or related field.

Expertise in quantitative and molecular genetics, statistics and experimental design, and relevant technologies for polyploid species is preferred.

Comprehensive knowledge of modern plant breeding techniques (i.e., Genomic selection, GWAS, MAS) in polyploid species.

Strong background in bioinformatics (i.e. data fluency and experience in using R, Python or other programming languages).

Demonstrated skills in analysis of large, diverse and complex datasets, and data visualization.

Genuine interest in contributing to the development of the next generation blueberry cultivars.

Participate in the maintenance of breeding related activities including planting, pollination, and seed harvesting.

Able to work independently and in a team to meet shared objectives.

Demonstrated attention to detail and creativity in problem solving.

Strong initiative, results orientation, and ability to drive innovation.

Excellent time management and organizational skills.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to deliver clear messages to non-expert audience.

Flexibility with job requirements and location.

Must be able to work in various temperature conditions.

Travel to various field sites (in and out of state).

Current and valid driver’s license is required.

Must be able to lift and carry 25-50lbs.

Location: Alma, GA

Hours: Full-time, permanent, exempt status.