Job Postings of Interest to the Maize Community

Jobs Available: Click on the name of the job to read more about it!

Add your job posting here!

You may also want to look at Maize bio.net, an internet forum for sharing information among maize researchers.

Postdoctoral Position

Location:Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA

Degree Required: Doctorate

Area of Study: Molecular Biology

Announcement:

POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN POLLEN-PISTIL INTERACTIONS AND CROSS-INCOMPATIBILITY IN MAIZE AND TEOSINTE

A NSF-funded postdoctoral position is available for two years starting April 2010 at the Carnegie Institution for Science located on the campus of Stanford University to study cross-incompatibility between maize and teosinte and to clone the Teosinte crossing barrier1 gene. We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a PhD in molecular biology, genetics, or related disciplines and a demonstrated ability to carry out outstanding research. A strong background in genetics and molecular biology is desired. Experience in maize genetics is advantageous but not required. Excellent communication skills and an ability and willingness to collaborate are essential. The successful applicant is also expected to interact with undergraduates participating in summer research projects.

Interested individuals should send an application package through e-mail (a cover letter detailing experience; CV; publication reprints; and names, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of three references) to Matt Evans, Carnegie Institution for Science, Department of Plant Biology, 260 Panama St., Stanford, CA 94305 USA; phone: 650-325-1521 x.283; fax: 650-325-6857; email: mmsevans@stanford.edu

The Carnegie Institution is an equal opportunity employer.

Contact Matt Evans at mmsevans@stanford.edu for more information.

Project Lead

Location:Gauteng, South Africa

Degree Required: Doctorate

Area of Study: Plant Breeding

Responsibilities:

Major responsibilities will include the following:

• Overseeing the technical aspects of the research program
• Recruiting, training, development and retention of staff
• Budget management
• Providing direction to the team in applying technical advances pertaining to drought stress breeding and molecular breeding techniques.
• Ensuring the operation is safe and that all staff are trained and compliant with the relevant safety, environmental, health and security procedures
• Significant cross functional interaction, both internally and with external stakeholders
• Extensive travel and management of trials in partnership with sub-Saharan African countries.

Other requirements include:

• PhD in Plant Breeding/ Genetic with at least 5 years experience managing a breeding program, preferably in an African environment
• Experience in maize breeding and drought testing for African environments (preferred)
• A strong background in statistical analysis and Molecular Marker Applications
• A strong understanding of managing environments, maize germplasm and compliance for testing biotech traits it critical
• Demonstrated project management skills and ability to manage a diverse team (proven track record, preferably as part of a private company)
• Excellent English communication skills (written and verbal)
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Experience working in eastern and southern Africa managing genetically enhanced maize trials is preferable
• Experience working with a quality management system such as ISO is an added advantage.

Team Leader

Location:Beijing, China

Degree Required: Doctorate

Area of Study: Biology

Responsibilities:

Major responsibilities will include the following:

• To provide specialist scientific, technical or product expertise required to design and deliver work programs defined by a group/project or line manager; often responsible for initiating and implementing changes to established protocols or systems
• Be responsible for managing a team which will mean effective use of resources
• Manage / set operational priorities within resource / budgetary constraints
• Co-ordinate the team activities to ensure that the overall organizational goals are met within allocated resource.
• Lead the Section input into significant multi-disciplinary projects

Qualification and Experience:

In order to be considered for this position the applicant must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Formal training and/or qualification degree or equivalent or PhD; hands-on experience in similar or related roles above 5 years
• Substantial practical experience in a relevant professional environment
• Ability to deal effectively with staff at all levels within the organisation
• Broad understanding of the activities across the organization
• Budgetary/resources control experience
• Ability to manage and motivate a team through planning work, training and effective use of the performance management system
• Good communication skills
• Good influencing and persuading skills
• Requires in-depth knowledge/ experience to respond to non-routine situations and to choose the best solution or approach from a range of options, with the ability to consider the short term implications of each

Other requirements include:

This job is only available for Chinese guys who is searching good career opportunities in China. It is posted by a headhunting company-Career International Inc. Any one interested, please send the updated cv to Marindazhang@chinacareer.com

Contact Marinda Zhang at marindazhang@chiancareer.com for more information.

Postdoctoral Associate

Location:Maricopa, AZ

Degree Required: Doctorate

Area of Study: Quantitative/Statistical Genetics

Responsibilities: The laboratories of Drs. Edward Buckler (Cornell University, USDA-ARS) and Michael Gore (University of Arizona, USDA-ARS) have a Postdoctoral Associate position in Maize Complex Traits available. The primary goal of this position is to elucidate the genetic architecture of carotenoid (provitamin A compounds) biosynthesis in the maize kernel. Results from this research will have direct application to the nutritional improvement of maize and other cereal crops in the developing world through molecular breeding. Researchers will have access to an unparalleled array of genetic and genomic resources to dissect these complex traits.



This position will work with Michael Gore at the U.S. Arid-Land Agricultural Research Center in Maricopa, Arizona. The Postdoctoral Associate will be expected to biannually visit Ed Buckler's lab at Cornell University.

Other requirements include: Ph.D. and research experience in quantitative genetics, genetics, and/or statistics. Proven skills in quantitative genetics, population genetics, and statistics required. Should be familiar with the use of the "Henderson mixed model" in association mapping (LD mapping) as well as other association mapping methodologies suitable in plant genetics, SAS and ASREML programming, familiarity with molecular genetics and analytical biochemistry techniques (sequencing, genotyping, and HPLC). The incumbent is key to the effective operation of an independent research project on characterizing identified genetic loci through association mapping as well as the development of corresponding methodologies in quantitative genetics. The incumbent must be well trained and organized and have the ability to work well with staff, visiting scientists, and students. Excellent verbal and writing skills are necessary in order to effectively present research findings.

Postdoctoral Researcher

Location: Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

Degree Required: Doctorate

Area of Study: Plant Molecular Bilogy/Virology

Responsibilities: A postdoctoral position with the USDA-ARS at NC State University in Raleigh NC will be available in early 2010 to work on optimizing and characterization of a virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) system in maize, as part of a collaboration between ARS and the Noble Foundation. We are looking for candidates with a background in plant virology and/or plant molecular biology. Knowledge of plant disease resistance would be a plus. Please contact Peter Balint-Kurti.

Research Scientist (10052BR)

Location: Volga, South Dakota, USA

Degree Required: Masters

Area of Study: Plant Breeding

Responsibilities: Support molecular breeding deployment in North America-North region including genetic analysis, software support, training of new tools, field experimentations, and appropriate precision phenotyping.

Collaborate with in-house research efforts to identify and monitor germplasm diversity using molecular tools and its application to hybrid advancement.

Work with other corn breeders to develop strategies to identify the underlying genetic factors responsible for traits important to the breeding program.

Mine and share QTL information across the breeding organization.

Other requirements include: PhD in plant breeding or plant genetics, with an emphasis in the areas of genetics and molecular genetics, or scientific related field and minimum of 2 to 4 years of related experience preferred.

Masters degree in plant breeding or plant genetics or scientific related field and minimum of 6 to 8 years of industry related experience required, or equivalent amounts of relevant education and experience.

Post doctoral experience may serve as experience.

Patent Scientist (Agriculture)

Location: Beijing China

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for patent and literature database searching; Reviewing and uation of collaboration IP landscape to enable effective deal negotiation and set up;
• Coordinating interactions with corporate patent attorneys for drafting of new patent applications, technical support for preparation and prosecution of patent applications;
• Responsible for educating collaborators on the importance and methods of aggressively pursuing new inventions and protecting confidential information.
• Any other job/work assigned.

Requirements:

• Minimum of a MS degree with 3 or more years of research experience is required; Familiar with basic concepts in Biotechnology and related areas
• Strong verbal and written communications skills in both Chinese and English, able to clearly express complex scientific concepts in written form
• Self-motivated to learn, team-orientated, and highly productive
• The ability to work closely with diverse teams, coordinate work flow and drive it to conclusion, and work with in-house and outside counsel are also essential skills.
• Patent agent or 2-3+ years experience in the preparation and prosecution of patent applications is highly preferred.
• Ability to handle a large volume of high-throughput data and experience in Bioinformatics or data management is highly desired.

Other requirements include: The position is only opened to oversea Chinese who has an oversea education background, and willing to come back to China for a good career development. The position was issued by an Executive Search Firm in Shanghai, China. The client is the leading company in Agriculture industry in the world.

How to apply: To apply please email a resume with education background, experience description, contact information for three references, interest in this position to eric.su@searcherpartner.com

Contact Eric Su at eric.su@searcherpartner.com for more information.

Genetic Information Scientist

Location: Beijing China

Responsibilities:

• Lead data collection and data analyses of molecular marker projects to accurately characterize corn germplansm, identify marker and trait associations, and generate sound conclusions and guidelines for molecular breeding in corn.
• Manage genetic information and maintain genotypic/molecular marker database to ensure data integrity and quality for genotypic database.
• Apply plant genomics and bioinformatics technologies to mining internal and public corn genetic data and sequences to explore useful genetic information and develop novel molecular assays for marker-assisted breeding.
• Work closely with the Senior Technology Manger to develop and execute molecular breeding strategies and plans by applying quantitative genetics and statistical tools.
• Coordinate closely with corn breeders and field data analysts to maximize utility of phenotypic and genotypic information for breeding plan development and decision making.
• Consult and provide support to China Corn PD team on statistics, quantitative genetics.
• Participate in cross-functional collaborations with global marker trait association, genetic information management, genomics and biotech teams.
• Prepare appropriate reports and presentations on the methods, results, conclusions, and recommendations generated from data analyses and communicate with peer and management.

Requirements:

• A doctorate (Ph.D) degree in biological related field preferably in statistics or quantitative genetics.
• Demonstrate expertise in quantitative genetics, statistical genomics and bioinformatics.
• Working knowledge and experience in database management, molecular marker data and quantitative data analysis and excellent computer skills.
• Knowledge and experience in molecular mapping, QTL mapping, association mapping and marker-assisted breeding. Knowledge and experience of plant breeding is a plus, but not required.
• Proven ability to work with large quantity of complex data and solve complex problems to meet deadlines with quality results.
• Ability to work independently as well as work cross functionally with diverse internal and external teams.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate existing or novel methods and technologies, generate sound conclusions and recommendations, and creatively develop new methods or protocols.
• Good verbal and written communication skills in both Chinese and English.

Other requirements include: The position is only opened to oversea Chinese who has an oversea education background, and willing to come back to China for a good career development. The position was issued by an Executive Search Firm in Shanghai, China. The client is the leading company in Agriculture industry in the world.

How to apply: To apply please email a resume with education background, experience description, contact information for three references, interest in this position to eric.su@searcherpartner.com

Contact Eric Su at eric.su@searcherpartner.com for more information.

Agronomist (maize)

Location: Chengdu, China

Responsibilities (% of Time):

1. (20%) Play a leading role in testing products at different stages in the pipeline. Collect data from different geographic regions for resistance to pest/disease, adaptability and agronomy traits. Communicate the results with commercial and research team.
2. (20%) Be an active member of China product development team, and works in conjunction with other team members establishing project goals consistent with China product development goals that reflect internal and external customer needs.
3. (20%) Conducts experiments, to completion, according to specific procedures, exercising limited independent judgment as appropriate.
4. (20%) Supports the inbred and hybrid development program in target location. This includes the field preparation and management, seed handling and sorting, planting with the machine or by hand, pollination, nursery note taking and harvesting, seed inventory maintenance.
5. (10%) Maintains, organizes and summaries results of the experiments, noting problem areas, while suggesting actions to be taken within standard procedures.
6. (10%) Organizes and supervises work of temporary employee ensuring work is performed in safe and efficient manner.

Requirements:

Working conditions: Offices/field environment
Travel: Approximately no more than 10% overnight travel per year.

1. Education: Require an appropriate PhD degree in Planting and Crop Genetics, Agriculture, Agronomy or Breeding.
2. Experience: At least two years of relevant field experience with crop sciences or Technician in Agriculture. Must have experience in plant breeding, or plant genetics. Experience in maize breeding or genetics is preferred.
3. Others:
   • Require excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
   • Along with a working knowledge of written and spoken English.
   • The ability to work as part of a team and to supervise Research Assistants and temporary workforce.
   • In addition, some knowledge of statistics and experimental designs and proficiency with data management.
   • Proven ability to work well in diverse scientific and professional settings.
   • Demonstrated ability to develop effective relationships with others, to understand differing perspectives and objectives, and to recognize and effectively balance the interest and needs of others with those of the broader organization.

Other requirements include: The position is only opened to oversea Chinese who has an oversea education background, and willing to come back to China for a good career development. The position was issued by an Executive Search Firm in Shanghai, China. The client is the leading company in Agriculture industry in the world.

How to apply: To apply please email a resume with education background, experience description, contact information for three references, interest in this position to eric.su@searcherpartner.com

Contact Eric Su at eric.su@searcherpartner.com for more information.

Maize Production Manager

Location: Beijing, China
Degree Required: Doctorate

Responsibilities (% of Time):

1. Administration (40%):
   • Administer company policies;
   • Develop plant and field policies, including policies for worker safety & health;
   • Manage the proper use, maintenance and security of facility physical assets;
   • Coordinate and communicate with Engineering on the approved new plants construction and the current plant modification;
   • Develop production goals in cooperation with Supply Management and JV Management teams and department goals and objectives that are aligned with Supply Management¡¯s worldwide goals and objectives;
   • Negotiate with vendors and service companies regarding purchase and acquisitions. Revise as needed seed growers contracts for China;
   • Administer the implementation and maintenance of the Quality Management systems. Lead the Production Management Team.
2. Budget (5%):
   • Develop and submit annual capital and operating budget for approval, in conjunction with the country Finance/Administration manager;
   • Once budget approved, allocate and monitor expenditure;
   • Develop production projections in order to present an accurate and realistic budget for the coming year;
   • Implement approved budget and monitor progress;
   • Plan capital budget requirement needs for the future in conjunction with Regional Production Manager.
3. Operational (40%):
   • Help adapt field production practices to the local agronomic conditions and environmental conditions;
   • Work with JV management teams and Supply Management to determine appropriate acreage plans, including Risk Management;
   • Advise and guide field management staff in grower relations, grower selection, and grower evaluations;
   • Advise and guide field management in seed allocation and germplasm security requirements. Schedule and assign work;
   • Implement and enforce procedures to ensure appropriate seed quality at all stages of seed production;
   • Advise and guide seed plant management staff in efficiency and quality issues in sorting, drying, shelling and conditioning;
   • Work with regional production personnel in scheduling delivery of supply;
   • Maintain and report Supply and Demand Information for China on a regular and timely basis. Responsible for maintenance of high quality parent seed.
4. National (10%):
   • Participate in the China Management team;
   • Participate in decision making process for the country as a whole including setting of objectives and goals;
   • Update other team members on relevant production issues that impact budget at country level;
   • Update team on production risks and projections;
   • Coordinate with Marketing and Sales on shipping, sales projections, inventory management, supply and demand figures;
   • Coordinate with Finance manager on budget issues both current and projected;
   • Coordinate with China HR on the employee issues.
5. Regional (5%):
   • Update Regional Supply Management on all issues concerning Supply and Demand including Country Management Team decisions;
   • Participate in both Supply Management and Regional Management \"task forces\", discussion groups and studies where requested to do so;
   • Consult and advise other supply bases in the region on field, plant and management practices.

Requirements:

What are the minimum qualifications needed for new employee to perform the job successfully?

Education: B. S. degree in Agriculture or an Agricultural related field. PHd is preferred.
Experience: At least 8 years in seed production management or similar agricultural business experience with 6 years Management experience in field and plant seed production.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

What knowledge, skills or abilities are important to perform the duties of this position?

Key Skills Needed:

• Very strong agronomy knowledge;
• Experience in planning/goal setting, budgeting and supervision area is very important;
• Excellent management and leadership skills;
• Ability to effectively manage people from diverse backgrounds;
• Team building and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Know the business very well;
• Problem analysis and decision making;
• Conflict management;
• Drive for results and be detail oriented;
• English communication capability, both oral and written;
• Hard working and setting high standard for self and for team;
• Driver's License is required.
• Highly quality sense, commitment to quality, implementation of Quality management system.
• A good understanding of financial implication of the Supply Management and Country Management decision.
• Highly confidential sense on all data related to commercial seed production, processing, storage and employee. Protection of intellectual property.
• Good knowledge of Computer skill, particularly spreadsheets and database management.
• Good Safety knowledge and motivation skills. Leads all phase of Supply Management in China in the development of the appropriate Safety culture. Must be familiar with and lead implementation of Safety programs.

Other requirements include: The position is only opened to oversea Chinese who has an oversea education background, and willing to come back to China for a good career development. The position was issued by an Executive Search Firm in Shanghai, China. The client is the leading company in Agriculture industry in the world.

How to apply: To apply please email a resume with education background, experience description, contact information for three references, interest in this position to eric.su@searcherpartner.com

Contact Eric Su at eric.su@searcherpartner.com for more information.

Research Scientist (9758BR)

Location: Johnston, IA, USA
Degree Required: Doctorate
Area of Study: Biological Science, Applied Mathematics, Engineering.

Responsibilities:The emphasis is on maize performance, and rigorous and creative assessment of gene leads entering our transgenic analysis pipeline. The successful candidate will develop, optimize and implement improvements of our data analysis protocols.

The successful candidate must have broad skills and experience – excellent aptitude in computational biology, information technology and biological science, serving as a key collaborator and point of contact with various scientists in IT, BioInformatics, Agronomic Trait Development, and Genetic Discovery. Minimizing barriers to knowledge creation is a key goal in an information-rich atmosphere. The successful candidate will promote data visualization and communication techniques that are state-of-the-art, including web- and wiki-based tools.

Other requirements include: PhD in biological science, applied mathematics, engineering or related discipline and minimum of 2 to 4 years of direct biological research experience preferred. Masters degree in biological science, applied mathematics, engineering or related discipline and minimum of 6 to 8 years of direct biological research experience required, or equivalent amounts of relevant education and experience. Post doctoral experience may serve as experience.

If interested, please apply at www.pioneer.com/careers Submit to job 9758BR

Contact Bob Meeley at bob.meeley@pioneer.com for more information.

Commercial maize breeder

Location: Delhi,India
Degree Required: Masters
Area of Study: Biotehnology

Responsibilities:

• Developing new hybrid combinations using company proprietary inbred lines;
• Collecting and summarizing data through out of the season necessary for hybrid advancement meetings;
• Assist in the management of maize product pipeline;
• Utilizing latest breeding technologies to develop superior maize products for SA maize markets;
• Collaborating actively on all station research projects in a strong team environment;
• Actively participating in several regional and national maize breeding teams.
• Play a critical role in the planning, planting, management and harvesting of all the breeding winter nurseries and product development nurseries.

Other responsibilities include: 2 month experience

Contact Shaheen Jamal at jamal.shaheen@yahoo.com for more information.

Post-doctoral associate

Location: Lincoln, NE, USA
Degree Required: Doctorate
Area of Study: Plant genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry

Responsibilities: A postdoctoral position is available for up to three years to work on understanding vitreous endosperm formation during kernel maturation and its relationship to protein quality in maize. Quality Protein Maize is a high lysine, hard kernel maize variant which was developed from the soft kernel opaque2 mutant by selecting for unknown genetic modifiers. Research is aimed at simplifying the further development and utilization of maize with improved protein quality by determining the nature and mode of action of these modifier genes. We will follow up on transcriptional profiling experiments that have identified a series of candidate modifier genes using proteomics and transcriptome sequencing technologies. A related project involves the identification and functional analysis of genes involved in endosperm maturation using a series of Mutator-tagged opaque endosperm mutants. Extensive molecular biology skills and a sound background in genetics are required for this position. The candidate will have a PhD in plant genetics, biochemistry or molecular biology, experience working with a crop species or other model plant and an interest in nutritional improvements in crops. Highly desirable skills are biochemical and analytical techniques, proteomics, marker analysis and mapping, and bioinformatics. Salary is commensurate with relevant experience.

Contact David Holding at dholding2@unl.edu for more information.

Senior Maize Breeder

Location: Jilin, Zhengzhou - Henan CHINA
Degree Required: Doctorate
Area of Study: Plant breeding or quantitative genetics

Responsibilities:

• PhD in plant breeding or quantitative genetics or equivalent
• 3-5 years experience in plant breeding (if possible in maize)
• Chinese language is compulsory. Good ability in Chinese/English or eventually Chinese/French, both speaking and writing
• Good knowledge of the Chinese culture
• Excellent organization, communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to move each year to Hainan island for winter season breeding cycle
• Leadership for a team of 5-7 people
• No family problem for living on or very nearby the station all the year (excepted the winter in Hainan)
• Commitment to stay in the position at least 5 years
• Good use of computer and Microsoft office, eventually specific database software
• Basic knowledge of plant biotech and especially of molecular markers or dihaploidization
• If possible also a car driving licence

Contact ELILVENTHAN at recrutement-lvh@limagrain.com for more information.

Line Development Breeder

Location: Woodland, CA
Area of Study: Molecular biology/Genetics/Biochemistry

Description:

Monsanto, an Ag industry leader creating scientific breakthroughs around the world, is seeking a highly motivated individual with the ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary corn breeding team focused on developing drought tolerant hybrids for dryland corn markets in the Western Corn Belt. The breeder\'s primary responsibility is to conduct a line development breeding program utilizing the latest in breeding technologies. Additional responsibilities include budget management and the recruitment, training, development and retention of personnel, and budget management. Collaboration with individuals in the commercial breeding, breeding technology, trait development and commercial organizations will be key to success. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential.

Frequent travel for meetings and field visits, occasionally international, will be required.

Required Skills/Experience/Attributes: