Breeder Assistant

Permanent position - Full-time

Location: Lincolnshire, UK

Context
Sakata Vegetables Europe is a subsidiary of Sakata Seed Corporation (Japan) and is responsible for the development and expansion
of the activities across the EMEA area. With our wide array of vegetable seeds, we want to create a confidence-based relationship
with our customers, working to our age-old motto of Quality, Reliability and Service. Ever since our foundation in Yokohama in 1913,
we have been delivering smiles to the world through seeds for a century.

Missions
Under the guidance of the Cauliflower Breeder, the Breeder Assistant will give support to the cauliflower breeding programs in the
creation and development of new hybrids for specific market segments. In consideration of Quality System-, phytosanitary
- and seed
health testing requirements, the Breeder Assistant will assist in with planning, design, implementation, and execution of the breeding
programs.

The main responsibilities include:

Coordination of day-to-day activities of the cauliflower breeding program and communication to the breeder and support
teams (farm, pathology, molecular, research management).

Responsibility for cage seed productions of inbred seed.
Assistance with planning, organizing, and supervision of staff / students to ensure the timely completion of the pollination

program.
Establishment, coordination, follow-up and evaluation of on-site (UK) and off-site trials in Northern European countries.
Assistance with evaluation and selection of plants from the breeding trials to contribute to the efficient and timely output of

the breeding programs.
Supporting the local operations team on the farm in assisting with transplanting of trials, pollination of plants in the

glasshouse, seed harvesting and cleaning.
Using Phenome to record and manage data, assisting with interpretation and reporting of breeding program information.
Sampling for laboratory activities.
Seed processing and shipment for trials.

This position requires travelling to and short term stays in specific countries within our area, mainly to Northern Europe countries. In
addition, you will have to collaborate with pathology and biotechnologies laboratories teams for projects, as well as marketing,
trials, and product development teams across EMEA.

Profile

Master’s degree in Plant Breeding, Genetics, or closely related field.
At least 2-3 years’ working knowledge and experience in plant breeding programs, including procedures and plant genetics.
A positive, motivated, enthusiastic, pro-active mindset with effective communication skills, willing to work across a broad

range of diverse tasks and environments.
Willingness and ability to work in field and greenhouse conditions, exposed to heat and cold conditions.
Persistence, patience, and commitment to work within an environment of longer breeding cycles.
Ability to multi-task, operate efficiently under stressful conditions and with consideration of deadlines.
Accuracy and attention to detail.
Flexibility and ability to perform in a multicultural environment.
A team player who is also able to work independently with mínimal supervision.
Ability to travel locally as well as internationally.

Fluency in English (verbal and written communication), other languages of Northern European countries are an
advantage.

Mastering MS-Office.

Application
motivated to contribute to the development of new vegetable varieties, are required to forward their resume with a covering letter to