Job Description
Posting Start Date:  7/2/25
Offer ID:  963
Unit:  Vegetable Seeds Traits and Technology
Job Title:  Scientific development coordinator, Cell Biology discovery Scientist
Job Location:  La Ménitré
Contract type:  Permanent
Job Description: 

Function

As Cell Biology Discovery Project Leader, within the Cell Biology central discovery team, you will play a key role in developing and delivering Cell Biology and in vitro culture tools and methods, to support breeding programs and Trait & Technology Discovery, ultimately contributing to the growth of the three LVS Business Units. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of the Trait & Technology Discovery department, and work closely with the Cell Biology Application department.

Missions

You will propose and lead projects focused on plant cell biology and in vitro culture. You will contribute to the increase of efficiency in Double Haploid processes and to the development and implementation of innovative Cell Bio processes in targeted vegetable crops, ultimately leading to an increase of efficiency in breeding programs and Trait and Technology Discovery projects.

Your work will be organized in close collaboration with Scientists of other domains, in an international context

The main missions are as follows:

- Be accountable for the development of novel and improved protocols in the field of Cell biology and in vitro culture

- To contribute to the elaboration and deployment of the LVS research strategy for Cell Biology discovery and act as a Cell Biology expert at a global level in the group

- Operate in accordance with the LVS R&D governance (project life, budget cycles and reporting) 

- Collaborate with, and supervise, cell biology technicians, junior researchers and trainees on project tasks

- Ensure traceability and proper recording of laboratory activities and results 

- Interact closely with cell biology application teams for efficient transfer and implementation of novel protocols 

- Pro-actively contribute to innovation and continuous improvement to streamline and accelerate breeding processes through the development of innovative Cell Bio approaches 

- Explore and adopt emerging technologies in plant cell biology and in vitro culture 

- Collaborate actively with the IP team (Intellectual Property) for FTO (Freedom to operate) clearance and IP protection in the domain

- Provide technical and scientific support to the Cell Biology application teams when needed

- Maintain technological and scientific knowledge in the field of Cell Biology

- Build collaborations with strategic, public and private partners

- Adhere to laboratory safety protocols and maintain a clean and organized work environment

- Act in compliance with legislation within the countries where the company operates, and in accordance with the company’s values related to environmental sustainability, employee safety & well-being, and with its CSR.

Environment

New position

What we expect of you

Ideally, you hold a PhD in cell biology, in vitro culture, or biotechnology. You have solid expertise in plant biology and in vitro culture, and knowledge of haplomethods, protoplast cultures, interspecific crosses, possibly chromosomal recombination, or cucurbit cultures. As a project manager, you are proficient in project management (developing proposals, defining work plans, deliverables, and resource management). You demonstrate good analytical and synthesis skills, which will enable you to coordinate (transversal) teamwork. Previous experience working in a multicultural/multidisciplinary environment would be a plus. For this position, fluent English is required, and basic French is recommended.

Your benefits and working environment

  • By choosing Vilmorin-Mikado, you will be integrated into a historic seed company, an expert within the Limagrain cooperative group where the diversity of positions allows for long-term commitment.
  • Salary over 13 months (depending on profile), 'Cadre' status.
  • Working hours: Day-package, with a minimum of 14 days extra days-off per year.
  • Incentive and profit-sharing bonus, performance-based bonus.
  • Benefits: Family health insurance, cafeteria, CSE (holiday vouchers, gift vouchers, discounted tickets, etc.), and free fitness classes.
  • Position based in La Ménitré (30 km from Angers city center) with a train station. Vilmorin-Mikado is involved in a carpooling solution.

Recruitment process

  • 1st HR interview (video call)
  • 2nd Technical interview with the manager (video call or on site)
  • 3rd Validation interview with an Executive and tour (on site)
Information at a Glance

Limagrain is the global leader in vegetable seeds and operates in the market with three Business Units: HM.CLAUSE, Vilmorin-Mikado, and Hazera. Limagrain Vegetable Seeds has developed a product portfolio comprising more than 40 species and operates on all continents. The significant investment in technologies and development, coupled with close customer relationships and a culture of partnerships, enables Limagrain Vegetable Seeds to provide vegetable growers worldwide with efficient seeds adapted to the needs of each region.

Limagrain is a global company with deep local roots. Our parent company is an agricultural cooperative based in the Limagne-Val d’Allier plain, in the heart of Central France’s Auvergne region, while we are an international seed and agri-food group with some 9,600 employees working in 53 countries. As the 4th largest seed company in the world, we achieved sales of 2.522 billion euros in 2023-2024, with additional sales of 729 million euros from activities carried out in collaboration with our strategic partners.