About the Opportunity
We are looking for a Phenotyper to join the Strawberry Breeding Team at Linton in Kent, UK. The duties of the Phenotyper include evaluating breeding selections for horticultural, physiological, phytopathological and post-harvest traits that ultimately lead to selection and deployment of new varieties and molecular marker development under the direction of the Strawberry Breeder.
Responsibilities of the role include, but are not limited to, phenotyping of strawberry germplasm and seedlings, data collection and management, development of phenotyping protocols, post-harvest fruit quality evaluation and flavor assessments. Phenotyping is becoming an increasingly automated disciple, so willingness to learn or experience image based phenotyping is desirable for this role.
Responsibilities
1. Collaborates in the evaluation of strawberry seedlings and selections for traits including field ratings, yield, shelf life and flavor with high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
2. Support the Breeding assistant and Breeder with trials preparation in the form of label printing, plot labelling, plant packing, planting etc.
3. Develop phenotyping protocols for traits of interest and assist in development of high throughput phenotyping platforms.
4. Work collaboratively with research staff across the organization, and with collaborating external organisations, to maximize the efficiency of phenotyping.
5. Record phenotypic observations into the breeding database and monitor accuracy of collected phenotypic data. Summarize and present findings to breeders and peers on a regular basis.
6. Support Host Resistance Associate and Post Harvest Specialists as required, including but not limited to disease, Brix, Shelflife and Shipping observations. Step in to ensure continuity of data collection during periods of staff absence.
7. Assist with Marker assisted selection sampling and discards.
8. Sampling for genotyping and associated monitoring of inventory (for both breeding selections and pre-breeding projects). Coordinate logistics of sample shipment.
9. Provide input for the preparation of breeder and R&D meetings and breeding reports as requested.
10. Take pictures of plant material and fruit. Draft IP technical questionnaires.
11. Occasionally travel to other research facilities and contract grower sites and assist in the evaluation of test varieties at these locations (travel not expected to exceed 5% time).
12. As required, support with logistics of visits from growers, customers and co-workers on tours of Driscoll breeding and research programs and facilities.
13. Follow company policies and practices while representing Driscoll’s in an ethical and businesslike manner in all interactions with employees, government agencies, growers, suppliers, etc.
14. Exhibit Driscoll’s values of passion, humility and trustworthiness in all interactions.
15. Ensure safekeeping of proprietary varieties and confidential information.
16. Promote a positive and safe work environment.
17. Perform other duties as instructed by manager.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by employees in this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all the job's responsibilities. At Driscoll’s, all of our jobs include broad responsibilities for continually improving the processes we use to develop our products.
Candidate Profile
Requirements
18. Ability to work independently and as part of a team and collaborate with other scientists to achieve team goals.
19. Self-starter, hands-on. Dedicated work ethic.
20. Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
21. Strong knowledge of agronomic concepts; plant pathology, nutrition and physiology.
22. Strong knowledge of experimental design and statistics.
23. Competent user of MS word, Excel, powerpoint. Tableau, JMP desirable.
24. Fluency/literacy in English. Good verbal and written communication skills.
25. A valid passport and the willingness ability to travel both domestically and internationally occasionally.
26. Must have valid UK/European driver’s licence with the ability to be insured under company sponsored liability.
27. Education or/and experience in horticulture/agriculture/plants preferred.
28. As this is a research and development role focused on strawberry phenotyping, the ability to taste strawberries regularly and safely is an essential requirement
Key Skills and behaviours
29. Passion and dedication to our mission to continually delight consumers with our varieties.
30. Humility and willingness to participate, collaborate and share in team failures and successes.
31. Agility to learn new skills and embrace challenges and change
32. Proactive approach to tasks and ability to work independently
33. Flexible time management – ability to prioritise workload
34. Trustworthiness demonstrated through initiative, good judgement and discretion
35. Good interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work in a diverse multicultural team.