Location: UK - Maidstone Job Family: Research & Development Time Type: Full time Job Requisition ID: R0008474 Experience Years: 0-3 Years of Experience Employee Type: Regular 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 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. Support the Breeding assistant and Breeder with trials preparation in the form of label printing, plot labelling, plant packing, planting etc. Develop phenotyping protocols for traits of interest and assist in development of high throughput phenotyping platforms. Work collaboratively with research staff across the organization, and with collaborating external organisations, to maximize the efficiency of phenotyping. 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. 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. Assist with Marker assisted selection sampling and discards. Sampling for genotyping and associated monitoring of inventory (for both breeding selections and pre-breeding projects). Coordinate logistics of sample shipment. Provide input for the preparation of breeder and R&D meetings and breeding reports as requested. Take pictures of plant material and fruit. Draft IP technical questionnaires. 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). As required, support with logistics of visits from growers, customers and co-workers on tours of Driscoll breeding and research programs and facilities. 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. Exhibit Driscoll’s values of passion, humility and trustworthiness in all interactions. Ensure safekeeping of proprietary varieties and confidential information. Promote a positive and safe work environment. 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 Ability to work independently and as part of a team and collaborate with other scientists to achieve team goals. Self-starter, hands-on. Dedicated work ethic. Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail. Strong knowledge of agronomic concepts; plant pathology, nutrition and physiology. Strong knowledge of experimental design and statistics. Competent user of MS word, Excel, powerpoint. Tableau, JMP desirable. Fluency/literacy in English. Good verbal and written communication skills. A valid passport and the willingness ability to travel both domestically and internationally occasionally. Must have valid UK/European driver’s licence with the ability to be insured under company sponsored liability. Education or/and experience in horticulture/agriculture/plants preferred. 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 Passion and dedication to our mission to continually delight consumers with our varieties. Humility and willingness to participate, collaborate and share in team failures and successes. Agility to learn new skills and embrace challenges and change Proactive approach to tasks and ability to work independently Flexible time management – ability to prioritise workload Trustworthiness demonstrated through initiative, good judgement and discretion Good interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work in a diverse multicultural team. About Driscolls Driscoll's is the global market leader for fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. With more than 100 years of farming heritage and hundreds of independent growers around the world, Driscoll's is passionate about growing fresh, beautiful and delicious berries. Our values of humility, passion and trustworthiness have guided our mission to delight consumers around the world. Driscoll's exclusive patented berry varieties are developed through years of research using only natural breeding methods – meaning, no GMOs. From farm-to-table, we focus on delivering a high quality, premium berry experience with our many supply chain partners. Driscoll's is the trusted brand for Only the Finest Berries. Driscoll's es el proveedor líder en la comercialización de Fresas, Frambuesas, Zarzamoras y Arándanos Azules en el mundo. Con más de 100 años de herencia en agricultura y cientos de productores independiente alrededor del mundo, Driscoll's es una compañía apasionada por cultivar Berries frescas, hermosas y deliciosas. Nuestros valores de humildad, pasión y confianza han guiado nuestra misión de deleitar a los consumidores en el mundo. Las variedades exclusivas de Driscoll's han sido desarrolladas a través de años de investigación usando sólo métodos de mejoramiento natural. De la granja a la mesa, nos enfocamos en ofrecer una experiencia de alta calidad con apoyo de nuestros socios de la cadena de suministro. Driscoll's es la marca de confianza de sólo las mejores Berries. Apply Return to Job List