Reporting to the Senior Tomato Breeder based in Aguilas, the Assistant Breeder will collaborate closely with international tomato breeding teams, aiding in the organization and management of new variety development to ensure a swift market introduction of successful tomato varieties. In addition to this primary responsibility, the Assistant Breeder will provide operational breeding support to other international programs across various species within the LVS group.

·         Responsible for… 

o   Breeding trials: Under Breeders supervision, design, plan and execute breeding trials (phenotyping, data collection, manage crosses and seed harvests). Secure successful crops from sowing to harvest. Participate actively in operational breeding activities when required.

o   Data management and analysis: Register, update and manage breeding operations and in the Breeding Software . Support Breeders in the analysis of phenotypical and genotypical data, prepare reports, give feedback, make proposals and draw conclusions to facilitate decision making.

o   Seeds logistics: manage seed increases of advance parental lines as well as advanced hybrids. Strong coordination with breeding teams and Production department to secure quantity and quality of produced seeds.  

o   Hybrid production: following Breeders guidelines, design, implement and monitor crossing blocks. Supervise crossing team and participate actively in the pollination when necessary.

o   Planning and Administration: Various administrative breeding tasks such as, activity forecasts (trials, markers), update of procedures and guidelines, seed shipments and receptions, seed traceability, field certification, variety registration and material stock management.

o   Team leadership: Coordinate/Communicate breeding operations to station team. Provide them with technical training and advice to meet quality standards, deadlines and budgets. Give clear instructions and monitor the completion of activities, ensure compliance with safety rules.

Establish and maintain good relationships with external cooperators.

·         Contributes to… 

o   Line and hybrid selection and advancement.

o   Establishment of external trials, data analysis and final reporting for New Product Introduction (NPI) meetings (Responsibility of Trial Officers).

o   Update breeding data base (BOS) and increase knowledge of the crops and germplasm.

Skills and Experience

·         Education:

o   BSc degree in Agronomy, Biotechnology or related fields.

·         Languages:

o   Fluent in Spanish both written and spoken.

o   Fluent in English, both written and spoken (B2 minimum).

o   French is an advantage.

·         Knowledge required

o   Basic knowledge of plant biology, genetics and breeding.

o   Basic knowledge of agronomic techniques, plant cultivation and crop handling relevant to the assigned crops.

o   Basic knowledge of plant pathology and of plant health related to identifying abnormal plant behavior due to biotic and abiotic stresses.

o   Experience in Solanaceae crops is a plus.

o   Computer skills: information management systems, MS Excel (using different formulas, conditional formatting, creating graphs and charts), MS Word, MS PowerPoint.

·         Professional skills

o   Good organization and planning skills. Ability to manage and follow up multiple projects worldwide simultaneously.

o   Capacity and interest to work in field and greenhouse environment as well as in the office.

o   Ability to work in an independent and self-directed manner under the guidance of Breeders.

o   Capacity to adapt to peak working periods, especially during sowings, plantings and evaluations (physical work).

·         Personal behavior

o   Professionalism, self-reliance, responsibility, and punctuality.

o   Team player, ability to interact and work in close contact with internal and external collaborators.

o   Effective communication skills, assertiveness, empathy, and self-motivation.

o   Have a keen eye for detail and take a pragmatic approach.

o   Analytical thinking and solving-problem attitude.

o   Reactiveness and agility.

o   Creativity and innovation.

o   Capable of working in high or low temperature conditions in a field or greenhouse.