applied plant breeder

AbacusBio are international leaders in the application of science and technology in agriculture, horticulture/ forestry and aquaculture. With offices located in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, our consultants and business managers work globally on industry-leading initiatives across the primary food supply chain. We work across a wide range of scientific and business advisory areas, on both a project-to-project basis and on the provision of long-term product-based solutions to clients. AbacusBio also evaluates and develops new businesses, using in-house knowledge, expertise and experience in the agricultural and horticultural/ forestry and aquaculture sectors.
We pride ourselves on our world class reputation, skills and resources. AbacusBio is a vibrant business with an informal atmosphere, and we actively seek to progress the careers of our people through both internal and external training opportunities.
We are seeking an Applied Plant Breeder to support the business and technical development of opportunities in the area of plant/ crop production systems and evaluation (both inbred and outcrossing plants). 

Overall responsibility & duties
The role of the Applied Plant Breeder is to work alongside AbacusBio’s clients to improve outcomes across a range of plant breeding (i.e., breeding objective development/ trait prioritisation, genetic evaluation, breeding scheme design, and breeding scheme operation), production system, and technology evaluation (i.e., cost benefit, business case and strategy development) domains. You will have a role in business development and account management. 

Key areas of responsibility
These include:
- Plant production system economic analysis for trait improvement prioritisation and cost-benefit analysis
- Breeding objective and selection index development, including working closely with AbacusBio consultants to develop tools and techniques that leverage animal genetic improvement approaches to plant genetics and breeding
- Handling, manipulation and interpretation of datasets associated with plant performance and pedigree (including DNA/ genotype information) 
- Genetic analysis of trial and commercial datasets for breeding value estimation
- Breeding program design and management, including review and audit of breeding strategies, and cost-benefit analysis of alternative strategies
- Design and management of plant breeding trials for clients
- Monitor and manage timely and accurate delivery of projects to clients and support the development of internal systems that do the same
- Leverage existing international network and build a broader network in the area of plant production systems and evaluation (both inbred and outcrossing plants) to the benefit of AbacusBio and our clients
- Participate in third party conferences, workshops, and meetings to advance knowledge and provide leadership

Attributes
The ideal candidate will have experience in genetic improvement and production science/ systems and have formal training in either plant breeding and genetics and/ or plant production science/ systems, or any other relevant scientific field relating to plant production and genetic improvement. A working knowledge of quantitative genetics methods is essential, and experience in both inbred crops and outcrossing plants is highly desirable. The applicant is expected to have or develop skills in the use of statistical and mathematical software packages used in the company and be capable of writing and editing reports and documents.
The ideal candidate must have strong interpersonal skills and be capable of communicating effectively with farmers/ growers, researchers/ scientists, business/ technical managers, and government organisations from diverse cultures and backgrounds. 
Efficiency, pragmatism, and time management will be key skills. The candidate will be responsible for the operational aspects of project delivery and will be expected to demonstrate previous experience in project management and/or leadership skills. 
You will have good international networks within at least one of crop (agriculture or horticulture) and/or forestry.
Whilst employed by AbacusBio International, the candidate will be working globally, and interacting with colleagues in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Qualifications and experience
The Applied Plant Breeder must have a science degree, along with a higher-level post-graduate qualification (MSc or PhD), and 5-10 years of industry and/ or research experience. You must have excellent writing skills and an in-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office tools. Working knowledge of a programming language, such as R, python and/ or SAS is essential. Experience with ASReml, Mix99 or other genetic evaluation software for plants is desirable. An understanding of statistical theory, or probability theory, or mathematical modelling is essential. 
The candidate must have a willingness to undertake international travel. The ability and desire to work in a business environment is essential.

While we are seeking a candidate with 5-10 years of industry and/ or research experience, we encourage those with less experience to apply
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