Senior Breeder - Cucurbits

Roles and Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

1.

• Plan and execute breeding programs for gourds crops, targeting diverse market segments
• Develop resilient hybrids in gourd crops

2.

• Plan and execute hybridization, selfing, and selection activities to develop elite inbred lines through screening in hotspots and key markets.
• Conduct multi-location testing and evaluation of hybrids for agronomic performance and stability.
• Select and advance promising hybrids for pre-commercial and commercial release.

3.

• Utilize molecular breeding, genomic selection, and marker-assisted selection where applicable.
• Leverage modern technologies to accelerate product development
• Establish disease screening techniques in hotspots

4.

• Develop and utilize germplasm to strengthen breeding programs
• Collect and utilize germplasm to enhance product delivery pipeline

5.

• Apply modern breeding tools, statistical analysis, and decision-support systems to select superior genotypes.
• Manage breeding data through digital tools and breeding management software.

6.

• Work closely with product development, seed production, quality assurance, and marketing teams to ensure breeding outputs meet market requirements.
• Collaborate with internal/external partners of service providing teams to accelerate development of breeding population and fixing key traits into breeding pipelines
• Engage with external research institutes, universities, and global germplasm networks for accessing germplasm, facilities/

capabilities and joint projects/initiative.

7.

• Manage Capex and Opex for the breeding program
• Oversee budgets for breeding and R&D activities

8.

• Provide regular training to research assistants, junior breeders, and other departments staff.

Desired Candidate Profile

• Ph.D. in Plant Breeding/Genetics/Agronomy
• 10-15 years of breeding experience in a seed company, minimum 5-7 Years of experience in Cucurbits breeding.
• Knowledge of Agronomy of major crops.
• Good relationships with organizers.
• Ability to create a team , coach them , guide them

Perks and Benefits