Reports to Global R&D Director, Sunflower

Main purpose:

Taking direction from the sunflower and sorghum Crop Teams and Global R&D Director(s), the Trait Advancement Manager’s role is to ensure the integration of priority traits into Nuseed breeding lines and to provide the desired trait combinations to the respective crop breeding teams.

The individual will be responsible for trait integration and advancement in Nuseed’s sunflower and sorghum breeding programs. He/she will be responsible for developing protocols and establishing project plans and timelines for timely integration of key traits into Nuseed germplasm. He/she will also be responsible for integrating the use of molecular markers, quality analysis, pathology screening and bioinformatics tools in Nuseed’s trait advancement process.

The Trait Advancement Manager will be responsible for personnel recruitment, as required, to support on-going greenhouse and laboratory functions associated with the position.

Principal tasks and accountabilities:

1. Lead trait advancement activities to support the global sunflower and sorghum breeding programs.
2. Develop protocols to maximize efficiency of trait integration and advancement, including scheduling of activities, priority planning and on-time delivery.
3. Integrate the use of molecular markers, including population development, as needed, to efficiently screen for traits of interest. Identify needs for marker-assisted selection (markers and support tools) and integrate into trait advancement process.
4. Develop and manage platforms for double haploidy, disease screening, quality analysis and data management to ensure efficient operations.
5. Establish fully functional lab to support trait advancement needs; lead and mentor laboratory and greenhouse personnel.
6. Participate in global sunflower and sorghum trait advancement meetings and contribute to strategy development for these crops.
7. Identify relevant intellectual property to protect and advance the basic value of the genetic assets of Nuseed.

Key relationships/communications:

Contact/Organisation	Purpose and frequency of contact
Global R&D Director (Sunflower), Nuseed	Set overall objectives and strategy – monthly discussions.
Global sunflower and sorghum breeding teams (incl. Crop Teams)	Establish annual Trait Advancement objectives, strategies; oversee the advancement process in conjunction with sunflower and sorghum breeders.
Innovation Lead	Identify external technology needs; engage 3rd party collaborations, technology access as required.
External organizations - Universities, government organizations and private companies	Interact as required to identify opportunities to improve processes, efficiency, etc.

Experience and qualifications:

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

• Formal Education – M.Sc. or Ph.D. in plant breeding or plant molecular biology.
• Work Experience – 5-10 years relevant experience in plant breeding, trait management and related fields.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• In depth understanding of crop breeding and trait introgression strategies with advanced knowledge of relevant laboratory processes (development and use of molecular markers, bioinformatics, etc.).
• Ability to manage team of technical staff, including work planning and priority planning. Ability to interact effectively with plant breeders in multiple locations.

Competencies:

COMPETENCY PROFILE

• Team orientation, with strong leadership and people management skills
• Expertise in plant breeding, molecular biology, and trait introgression
• Ability to apply principles of genetics and breeding in innovative ways to speed up variety development and achieve efficiency in breeding
• High levels of database skills to create and maintain databases and plant breeding records
• Ability to work with external organizations
• Ability to influence outcomes with & without direct lines of authority
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally
• Demonstrated ability to model and create a culture of speed, decision making, entrepreneurial spirit, disciplined execution and FUN.

Position dimensions:

• Approximately 4-6 direct reports plus temporary assistance as required
• 5 sunflower breeders, 4 sorghum breeders
• Innovation Lead and Sunflower and Sorghum Crop Teams
• Annual expense and capital budgetary responsibility for sunflower and sorghum trait advancement globally

Impact and influence:

SCOPE & DECISION MAKING:

Self Accountability

• Woodland, CA Breeding Center - Greenhouse and Laboratory activities
• Strategy development, project planning and execution, integration of novel approaches as required

Consultation of decisions with Global R&D Director

• Decisions on major changes in the trait advancement process and strategy that could involve major changes in resource allocation, people and equipment
• Major changes in expenses
• Budget finalization
• Capital items

Applications:

 Please send your resume to: resumes@us.nufarm.com