Plant Breeder

About Elsoms Seeds Ltd.

Elsoms is the UK’s leading independent seed specialist and plant breeder. We breed, supply and treat high quality vegetable and agricultural seed throughout the UK, using the latest in plant breeding research and seed technology. Established in 1844, Elsoms has remained an independent family-owned business throughout its history, now with over 100 employees.

The Elsoms R&D department invest in our own plant breeding programmes to develop new and improved varieties of arable and vegetable crops, playing our part in the global challenge for sustainable food production and food security.

What will you be doing?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Plant Breeder to join our breeding team within R&D at Elsoms Seeds Ltd. Your role will involve “unlocking the power of plants”, developing new elite breeding lines and commercial varieties in our own IP crops, such as squash, parsnip & sprouting broccoli. You will initiate and be involved with key research projects. You will be responsible for identifying, sourcing, and developing commercially relevant traits, working closely with all sections of the R&D team.

Please see the job description for further information on the role.

What we are looking for

We want someone who is passionate about plant science and applying this to enable us to produce seeds and plants varieties that produce more from less. We are looking for someone with PhD level qualifications in genetics and/or plant sciences, or equivalent by experience.

Due to visa requirements, we can only accept applications from individuals with long-term eligibility to work in the UK already granted.

Essential skills:

• Significant experience working in plant biology/genetics.
• Experience working in agriculture or horticulture is desirable.
• Significant knowledge and understanding of plant breeding techniques.
• Experience developing plant breeding strategies.
• Experience collaborating with external research organisations.
• Outstanding scientific knowledge.
• Outstanding scientific method.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

Desirable skills:

• Understanding of trials set-up and statistical analysis
• A full, clean driving licence

Additional information

Working pattern: Full time position (37.5 hrs per week), Monday to Friday, permanent (subject to a probationary period).

Leave: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days with long service award

Benefits:

• Annual staff bonus (subject to company performance)
• Company share incentive plan
• Group income protection and life assurance
• Company pension scheme - employee contributions up to 5% double matched plus 1% (max 11%)
• Electric vehicle scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Package
• Annual medical checks
• Staff social events
• Employee wellbeing initiatives including cycle to work scheme, free fresh fruit, hot and cold drinks, free yoga classes, a employee forum.

Application instructions

If you meet the above criteria, we would be happy to hear from you. Please visit  www.elsoms.com/en/contact for information or send a CV and covering letter explaining your motivation for applying to the role via the ‘Apply’ button above (e: hr@elsoms.com). Informal enquiries can be made to justin.roberts@elsoms.com

Elsoms supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

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