Function

Cucurbita Breeder

Main Goal

The Cucurbita Breeder will independently manage a breeding program aimed at developing competitive commercial varieties in line with company objectives (Main focus is Kabocha breeding, with a secondary role in leading Melon breeding depending on company strategy). This role requires overseeing the breeding process, leading a breeding team, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful product development and market introduction. The position is based in Otaki, Japan with an expatriation opportunity in the U.S. (Davis) for the first 1-2 years. 

Job description

Manage and coordinate comprehensive Cucurbita breeding programs to deliver market-driven commercial products.
•    Program Management:
Set up and oversee breeding programs based on current line development templates and defined objectives.
Design and execute trial plans for key markets, maximizing the use of all allocated resources (human and technical).
•    Comprehensive Breeding Strategy:
Develop and implement a well-structured breeding program that delivers commercial products aligned with market needs.
Lead independent breeding projects, providing technical direction while seeking strategic oversight when necessary.
•    Data Analysis and Problem Solving:
Analyze and manage breeding data using proprietary databases and analytic tools to inform long-term strategies.
Address biotic and abiotic challenges in Cucurbita breeding and resolve seed production issues effectively.
•    Collaboration and Communication:
Collaborate with internal teams (R&D, Sales, Marketing, IP/Legal, HR, Supply Chain) and external partners, including growers, seed distributors, and academic researchers.
Coordinate program implementation through a network of breeding stations and screening sites.
•    Team Leadership:
Lead and motivate a breeding team, ensuring clear objectives aligned with overall team and company goals while fostering professional growth.
Promote effective communication within the team to enhance collaboration and innovation.
•    Market Awareness and Innovation
Stay current with technological developments and competitor product lines, integrating innovations into breeding programs as appropriate.

What we expect of you

To succeed in this role, candidates must demonstrate a comprehensive set of competencies in plant breeding, strategic planning, technical skills, interpersonal abilities, and teamwork.
Key Competencies:
•    Functional Expertise:
Candidates should possess a strong working knowledge of plant breeding and related disciplines, including botany, biology, and genetics. A deep understanding of vegetable species, biotic and abiotic disorders. Familiarity with new product development process within seeds companies. The ability to deliver commercially suitable varieties is a must.
•    Strategic Planning and Analysis:
The ideal candidate will manage multiple projects with a long-term vision, contributing innovative ideas to the breeding program. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail are required. Candidates should be capable of designing complex breeding schemes based on diverse information sources.
•    Technical Skills:
Proficiency in collecting and analyzing experimental data, as well as knowledge of genetic statistics and experimental design, is necessary. Candidates must be skilled in using operational IT breeding systems and Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
•    Interpersonal Skills:
Effective communication skills are essential, along with the ability to train others. The candidate should be able to develop and maintain productive working relationships with various organizational roles, including scientists, support functions, product development, sales, production, and product managers. Interaction with external partners such as public research personnel, farmers, and universities is also a key responsibility.
•    Teamwork:
A positive attitude and willingness to collaborate. The candidate must facilitate teamwork among colleagues and manage large projects involving multiple partners globally. Leadership skills to guide a professional team toward achieving objectives are essential.
•    Education and Experience:
A PhD in Plant Breeding or a related field, or 5+ years of relevant experience in a commercial breeding program (experience with Cucurbita is a plus).
A minimum of 4-5 years of independent management experience in a breeding program, demonstrating the ability to develop successful commercial hybrids.
Proficiency in English and Japanese.
Familiarity with multicultural environments and a willingness to relocate as needed.

Skills

Your benefits and working environment

Recruitment process

2~3 times by online or offline