Limagrain Field Seeds Research is looking for a Maize molecular breeding team leader within the Maize Breeding Scientific Support team based in our Research Center in Chappes (France, 63).

The Maize Breeding Scientific Support team is responsible for developing and implementing advanced and innovative tools and methods to optimize the efficiency of the maize breeding schemes. Our missions are based on a wide area of expertises: pathology, native traits, genetic dissection of major genes, use of molecular markers, germplasm analysis, breeding strategies, molecular breeding, … and rely on strong interactions with maize breeders on one hand and the Traits and Technologies Department on the other hand.

Your main responsibility will be to manage the 3-scientist Molecular breeding team and to coordinate all activities related to the use of genotypic data, the optimization of the breeding schemes and the implementation of Genomic Selection models within the maize breeding organization. You will be at the interface between the breeders and teams in charge of the development of new statistical tools to optimize their use and to ensure appropriate improvements and updates when needed.

You will act as an expert in Molecular breeding in a worldwide environment and will fully participate to scientific exchanges within the Limagrain group, especially within the maize breeding community. You will directly report to the manager of the Maize Breeding Scientific Support team.

Your main missions will be:

- Define, in close collaboration with the head of the Maize Breeding Scientific Support team, the short, medium, and long-term objectives of the molecular breeding activities and key research projects.

- As an expert in molecular breeding, advise breeders in carrying out their analyses and implementing new projects, provide support to selection teams in the implementation and use of genomic selection methods.

- Conduct studies and statistical analyses to enhance the optimization of selection schemes.

- Promote innovation within your team by testing, developing, and implementing new methodologies in line with the needs expressed by breeders.

- Stay informed about the latest scientific trends and developments in your area of expertise and develop interactions with external researchers (public research, universities, etc.).
- Organize scientific discussions (workshops, interactive sessions, …) within the maize community on topics related to molecular breeding to promote the best practices and to facilitate the emergence of innovative methods.

Education and Experience:

- A PhD (or Master Degree + equivalent experience) in statistics, quantitative genetics, data science or a related field is required, as well as a training in project management, with 5 years of experience.
- Knowledge of the technical aspects of commercial plant breeding programs

Other competencies : 

- Comprehensive knowledge and applied research experience in plant genetics or plant breeding.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills and a proven ability to work well in a team environment.
- Familiarity with the analysis of large datasets, with scientific language and tools (R ecosystem critical) and experience with field research processes.
- Strong organizational skills to plan and coordinate experiments across projects and abilities to effectively share results across the organization are required.
- Excellent personal interaction skills required for effectively developing strong internal and external working relationships with a diverse group of people, in an international context.
- We seek unique leaders who are strongly motivated by the desire to solve scientific questions; to develop and test innovative methods; and who can deliver results in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
- Experience in people management and skills in leadership, project management, and change management are desired.
- Fluency in English is essential; working knowledge of French is highly desirable.

The position can be based in Chappes (63 - Clermont-Ferrand) or in one of our corn research stations in Europe.

Joining us means enjoying a range of benefits:

-Target bonus
Profit-sharing bonus
-Seniority bonus
214-day agreement
-Family health insurance
-Supplementary pension plan
-CE benefits
-An induction program and regular training.

Joining Limagrain means joining an agricultural cooperative and an international Group offering career prospects in France and worldwide.

At Limagrain, we are committed to diversity and inclusion, which are sources of progress and wealth for the company.

If you recognize yourself in this profile, don't wait any longer and join us now to live the Limagrain Adventure!

Our recruitment process consists of several stages:

- the first consists of a pre-screening of applications by Jérémy, our Talent Acquisition Manager, accompanied by future manager Fabienne, to establish a shortlist of candidates for audition. A telephone pre-qualification may be carried out.

- A first interview is organized with the future manager.

- A second HR interview follows shortly afterwards.

Finally, feedback is given to the candidates. Various tests may also be considered (language, personality, etc.).

This process is indicative only, and may change depending on the position in question.