We are currently seeking a Junior Tobacco Breeder to join us at our Center for Research and Technology. The successful candidate will be a member of the biotechnology group responsible for the development and implementation of new research platforms to support the tobacco breeding program and to coordinate with internal and external parties the seed production and processing of pre-commercial tobacco varieties.

Specific accountabilities include:

• Developing and implementing a tobacco double haploid platform.
• Researching and developing methods to improve and accelerate plant breeding.
• Collaborating with the gene discovery group in the development of markers for genotyping targeted tobacco traits.
• Supporting the breeding program on plant selection, disease screenings, hybridizations, sample collection and seed harvest.
• Performing data entry and analysis for experimental and pre-commercial lines from field and greenhouse studies.
• Supporting seed production and processing of pre-commercial tobacco varieties with farmers, seed companies and regulatory agencies.
• Building organizational capability and fostering an environment of continuous improvement; keeping abreast of new technical, regulatory, and commercialization developments in the field.

Qualifications include:

• A Bachelor’s degree in plant science with 3-5 years of relevant experience in Crop Science, Genetics, Plant Pathology, Molecular Biology, or related discipline. A MS or PhD degree is preferred.
• Experience with principles of plant breeding, tobacco seed production and biotechnology techniques.
• Knowledge of tobacco genetics.
• Knowledge on tobacco diseases and screening methods.
• Knowledge of Next-Gen genotyping technologies.
• Experience with principles of field/greenhouse experimental design and statistical analysis.
• Knowledge of tobacco production and curing practices is preferred.
• Must be able to design experiments, analyze and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical analysis techniques and summarize studies to support regulatory submissions and commercialization objectives.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), problem-solving and multi-tasking project management skills in order to work effectively in a team oriented-environment.

Altria Group is a FORTUNE 200 company that owns the premier tobacco companies in the United States including Philip Morris USA, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company, John Middleton and Nu Mark. The companies’ brands include Marlboro, Copenhagen, Skoal, Black & Mild, MarkTen and VERVE. Altria also owns Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, one of the country’s top premium wine producers, and Philip Morris Capital Corporation, an investment company. Altria’s mission is to own and develop financially disciplined businesses that are leaders in responsibly providing adult tobacco and wine consumers with superior branded products.

We recognize that our people are the reason we achieve our business goals. We believe in developing the leadership potential of our employees by providing them with opportunities for training, development and advancement.

In addition to the opportunity to apply and develop your skills toward key business objectives, we offer an excellent compensation package including a competitive base salary, comprehensive health/vision/dental insurance, participation in our incentive compensation and deferred profit sharing programs, as well as a relocation assistance package.
Each Altria company is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other protected class.

JOB REQUIREMENTS: 
To apply for this position, please click HERE or copy and paste the following link into your browser address bar: 
https://altria.contacthr.com/62555331