Molecular Marker Specialist

Job Summary

We are hiring a skilled and independent Molecular Marker Specialist to independently develop, validate and establish a complete SSR (Simple Sequence Repeat / Microsatellite) marker-based system for routine genetic purity testing of our commercial hybrid seed lots.

Key Responsibilities

- Identify, screen and validate polymorphic SSR markers specific to inbred grandparents, parental lines and their F1 hybrids.

- Develop a robust panel of 1020 highly polymorphic, co-dominant SSR markers for each hybrid combination.

seeds

- Generate reproducible SSR fingerprint/database of all authentic parental lines and F1 hybrids.

- Set up a routine SSR-based purity testing pipeline and calculate % genetic purity % of every commercial seed lot.

- Search, compare specifications and recommend/procure all required equipment (PCR machine, capillary/fragment analyzer or polyacrylamide gel system, gel doc, pipettes, centrifuge, etc.) with budget justification.

- Select, order and manage stock of all consumables (SSR primers, fluorescent/non-fluorescent, Taq polymerase, dNTPs, agarose/polyacrylamide, etc.).

- Maintain complete stock register, consumption records and submit monthly consumables report.

- Ensure 100 % documentation of every experiment, primer sequences, allele sizes, gel/images and raw data.

- Send a short **daily report (by EOD via email/WhatsApp)** containing:

– Number of SSR primers screened today

– Number of new polymorphic SSR markers validated

– Number of hybrids for which complete SSR panel is ready

– Number of seed lots tested today with purity percentage

- Write detailed SOPs, validation reports and marker database suitable for ISO / seed certification bodies.

- Train lab technicians once the system is fully established.

Required Skills & Hands-on Experience (Must-have)

- Proven expertise in DNA extraction from seeds (any crop).

- Strong hands-on experience in SSR/microsatellite marker development, screening, validation and routine use for hybrid purity testing or variety identification.

- Experience in allele sizing (using polyacrylamide gel + silver staining or capillary electrophoresis with fluorescent primers).

- Ability to independently search and procure lab instruments & reagents.

- Excellent documentation, stock management and daily reporting discipline.

Education

- M.Sc. / B.Sc. in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Plant Breeding, Agriculture or related field

OR

- PhD in the above fields (with strong SSR bench experience)

Experience

- 2–8 years of practical lab experience with SSR markers in a seed company, research institute or seed testing laboratory.

(Exceptional fresh M.Sc./PhD candidates with thesis/project entirely on SSR-based purity testing will also be considered)

Only candidates with real SSR or other relevant experience in seed purity testing will be contacted.