The R&D Manager position will support creation, testing, selection, and advancement of alfalfa germplasm. The role will help guide process improvement and establishment of standard operating procedures in terms of electronic record management, seed lab activities, field activities, greenhouse activities, and data management. This position will network across business units from manufacturing to sales and will be in a position to help support strategic direction for Land O’ Lakes alfalfa research and development.
Duty or Area of Responsibility
Execute Breeding & Trait Development Projects - 65%: Manage breeding and trait development projects, working directly with Senior breeders and other scientists to execute timelines for breeding nursery activities. Oversee germplasm evaluation and seed multiplication through coordination among pathology, breeding, biotech, and other stations to ensure all breeding nurseries and Syn1 material meet advancement deadlines. Anticipates and addresses future needs, apply emerging technologies, contribute to trait discovery activities.
Manage labor and resources
Manage greenhouse plant inventory, propagation, and crossing
Manage tissue sampling and maintain firewall integrity
Manage seeding, sorting, transplanting, field sampling and cuttings
Coordinate material exchange among breeding programs and stations
Coordinate with field team on field nursery management
Assist Senior breeders with field notes and data entry/data integrity
Coordinate trait development and pre-breeding trait screening activities
Data Management - 15%: Enable and champion adoption of database tools and technologies to support breeding programs and inventory management.
Prism database
Access Crossing App
Seed inventory sheet
Maintain uniformity in plant identification/labeling through barcoding and automated systems in compliance with ETS/QMS standards.
Microsoft Office (Excel, Access, SharePoint etc.)
Lead with Integrity - 10%: Maintain and champion industry and business standards regarding ETS (stewardship), QMS (quality), and EH&S (safety). Actively pursue growth opportunities and support development of new talent in the organization, actively mentor junior scientists and technologies. Support Diversity and Inclusion and work in a team-oriented environment.
Marketing/Plot Tours - 10%: Support sales and Senior breeder with coordination of field days and plot tours. Lead development and presentation of tour content.
Job Scope: Research support within the FGI R&D team to support and grow FGI products.
Support research to evaluate and advance new and existing FGI germplasm.
Ability to work within a dynamic team of Research, Sales, and Leadership peers.
Provide knowledge of alfalfa agronomics both in the greenhouse and field.
Responsible for training and supervising 2-3 full-time team members.
Work within an existing budget and procurement system, keeping in line with the station budget.
Preferred Qualifications and Competencies:
PhD degree in agriculture pathology, entomology, nematology or related field with 6-8 years of work experience.
Experience in Agricultural research with knowledge of plant breeding, pathology, entomology, physiology, or related discipline.
Technology and Data collection, familiarity with commercial breeding software and testing experience.
Experience in greenhouse and/or small plot field research.
Modest occasional lifting (<50 lbs.)
Offer will include relocation package where applicable.