Sakata Seed America, a subsidiary of Sakata Seed Corporation located in Yokohama, Japan, was established in 1977.  We are headquartered in Morgan Hill, California and have facilities around the U.S. and in Mexico and Guatemala.

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating research and development activities of assigned species. Direction of assigned program is determined and implemented by the plant breeder. Basic purpose is to develop or encourage the development of state-of-the-art proprietary products for Sakata Seed America.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, maintain, and improve hybrid varieties for domestic and international markets.
• Coordinate and place trials in major market areas and travel to these areas for evaluation of entries.
• Advance hybrids via Nomination System.  Write descriptions of varieties in Nomination Form.  Fulfill requirements for variety advancement through documentation of performance, documentation of resistance, and completion of required breeder’s seed.
• Provide summarized results of trials to supervisor.
• On assigned species, assist in preparing market analysis and product profiles for product introduction and customer support. Work with Sales Department and/or Product Manager in designing and evaluating trials of advancing experimental varieties.
• Planning crossing blocks and field trials, managing field selection and evaluation of assigned species.
• Design breeding strategies and maintain breeding lines, including the collection and incorporation of new germplasm. Screen and select horticulturally acceptable and disease resistant material from breeding nurseries, laboratory and field screens.
• Provide Production department with required amount of Breeder’s seed of parent lines of advancing hybrids along with Inbred (parent) Line Descriptions. Coordinate plant selection for production of quality stock seed. Work with plant pathology to identify and implement reliable assays and ensure production of adequate quantities of disease free basic seed.
• Attend selected professional conferences and seminars, and maintain networks with the scientific community to stay at the technological forefront in assigned species.
• Assist other breeding programs when necessary and/or assigned.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and maintain current and accurate records of breeding program.
• Supervisory responsibilities for regular and temporary personnel within assigned project.
• Interact and participate in project related efforts with Pathology, Biotechnology, Sales, and Production.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES*:

• The developed ability to select for horticultural type. Must have some knowledge of all aspects of both seed production and commercial crop production. The ability to develop and implement a vegetable breeding program.
• The ability to organize and plan effectively and to communicate effectively with personnel within the company, the public, growers, and dealers. The ability to disseminate information either verbally or through written reports.
• Computer skills sufficient to manage information in a database, analyze data to arrive at logical conclusions, and to create presentations to communicate results.
• Experience in the effective and efficient use of molecular markers; a clear vision of how to apply markers and genomics in a breeding program to facilitate the introduction of new traits and enhance speed to market.
• The ability to keep abreast of state-of-the-art technology relating to breeding or pathology of assigned species. 
• The ability to lead and to motivate assistants, technicians, and part-time labor in assigned species to achieve objectives. 
• The ability to manage resources while implementing a plan and staying on budget.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• PhD or MS degree in plant breeding/genetics or related scientific discipline desired.  
• BS degree with minimum 4 years vegetable plant breeding experience may be considered.

EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND:

• Experience in plant breeding and working knowledge of plant pathology related techniques highly desired but not required.

WORKING CONDINTIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be willing to travel extensively
• Must be able to work with chemicals and possible irritating substances.
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment when necessary and/or required (backbrace, sunscreen, hat).
• Must be able to work under different weather conditions such as extremes of temperature (heat and cold) dampness, rain and sun exposure.
• Must be able to work in dusty conditions.
• Must be able to sit for long periods of time.
• Must be able to work long and irregular hours.

APPLICATIONS

Please send application and CV to hr@sakata.com 

Sakata is an equal opportunity employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce.

*To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty (as described above) satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations bay be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.