The Research Manager is responsible for coordinating, managing and planning all the activities of the Tropical Maize Breeding Program, as well as seeking continuous growth in genetic gain and the implementation of new breeding techniques.

Primary responsibilities for this position include:

·       Manage the breeding program and research projects administratively.

·       Collaborating in the construction and managing the budget approved.

·       Manage employees in the team, guiding them in the execution of their tasks and responsibilities;

·       Ensure that QSE policies are implemented in all research activities, guaranteeing that your team carries out these activities safely;

·       Technically manage the breeding program and research projects;

·       Draw up and present proposals for breeding schemes using technologies to accelerate genetic gain (double-haploid and genomic selection techniques).

·       Planning nursery activities (increases, generation advances and manual and isolated crossing fields);

·       Planning all field operational activities (roguing, detasseling, harvesting, drying, shelling, phenotyping, etc.) and the office (planning, organizing and data analysis).

·       Per se evaluation of genetic materials (lines and varieties) and analysis of general and specific combining ability;

·       Phenotypic and genotypic statistic data analysis and proposing products to advance;

·       Interacting with biostatistics teams to study, propose and choose more efficient methods of high-density molecular marker-assisted breeding (GWAS). (GWAS-Genome Wide Assisted Selection);

·       Interacting with the Product Development and Supply teams to facilitate the progress and launch of products;

·       Participating in results presentation meetings;

·       Ensure the development and implementation of an IRM program that ensures compliance with contractual requirements, to monitor technology adoption and compliance with any refuge requirements and this includes developing and testing products that may form part of the brands' portfolio as "Refugio" non-BT or  Comply with all GMO technology introgression requirements for each procuring company;

Comply with legal requirements related to IRM, as necessary;

Minimum qualifications  

·       Master's in Plant Breeding or related areas is a must; Doctorate is an advantage;

·       Strong background in plant breeding with at least 5 years in corn breeding.

·       Advanced/Fluent English – ability to read and write materials effectively, handle presentations and meetings in English with confidence. Mandatory since this position is part of a global area. Some interviews in English are part of the process.

·       Willingness to travel domestically and internationally. (15%-40% of the time, depending on the season)

***Valid driver's license is as must.

Skills Required

·       In-depth and applied knowledge of genomic selection, predictive modeling, quantitative and population genetics, conventional breeding, experimental and breeding designs, data visualization, plant genetics, maize biology, maize germplasm structuration (heterotic patterns), and multi-trait phenotypic pipeline characterization.

·       Advanced planning and data analysis and visualization abilities

·       Candidate should possess good interpersonal skills, effective oral and written communication skills.

·       Proven track record of accomplishments in the field of work.

·       Very sharp leadership skills and ability to work in collaboration with other teams and manage conflicts.

·       Knowledge of agribusiness sector in general and maize market.

·       Effective time management skills.

·       Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office and statistical tools.

HR screening and interview

Interviews with: manager, peers, peers in other regions, Executive Director, Global HR.