Senior Plant Breeder - Sorghum

Exciting opportunity to lead Advanta's Australian Sorghum breeding program to ensure the development & commercialisation of hybrid Sorghum varieties.

The Company
Established in Central Queensland in 1962, Pacific Seeds has partnered with farmers around Australia for over sixty years. Pacific Seeds is part of the global Advanta Seeds group and is currently one of their largest operating units globally. Through technology innovations, and close collaboration with Australian farmers, Pacific Seeds have grown to be Australia’s leading broadacre cropping seed provider.
The Position
Reporting to the Head of R&D Australia & Managing Director, Australia, Pacific Seeds now seek a Senior Plant Breeder to manage Advanta Seeds’ Australian Sorghum breeding program and its employees. This position will ensure the successful development and commercialization of competitive hybrid Sorghum varieties.
The position will ensure the development of the most advanced and suitable germplasm by maintaining a high level of cooperation and information exchange internally with Advanta Seeds’ breeders, technical and commercial staff as well as externally with other potential public and private partners.
The Person
To be successful in this busy but very rewarding position, you will possess the following background, key skills and attributes:

• Demonstrated experience in large scale sorghum breeding programs or alternatively, the breeding of other broadacre hybrid seed crops
• Technical expertise and demonstrated ability in field and laboratory observations
• Good understanding of biometrics and Mendelian genetics as well as a working knowledge of plant biotechnologies
• Strong focus on achieving results and meeting targets with a demonstrated ability to work autonomously
• Excellent verbal communication skills with a commitment to providing excellent customer service
• Sound decision maker
• Ability to devise and implement innovative work practices aimed at continuous improvement
• Exceptional leadership and people management skills
• Sound financial management skills to develop and manage budgets
• Open honest communication style with excellent written and oral skills
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy with the ability to communicate and influence strategic vision to a diverse range of stakeholders

This is a great career opportunity for an experienced Plant Breeder with PhD qualifications in plant breeding or genetics, and a minimum of 5 years’ experience within a commercial breeding and genetics environment and who enjoys developing and managing a small team. Along with domestic travel, some international travel to visit program partners will be required.
To enquire please phone Mick Hay on 1300 380 701 or apply via www.rimfireresources.com.au