Associate BreederCompany description / Organisation / Department
Our company is a leader in agricultural research and development, dedicated to improving crop yields and sustainability. The Associate Breeder will play a crucial role in our breeding program, contributing to the development of high-yielding and disease-resistant crops.
Job Title: Associate Breeder – Fodder Crops Location: Delhi NCR (Frequent PAN India Travel) Department: Research & Development – Plant Breeding Employment Type: Full-Time Role Overview:We are hiring a highly motivated Associate Breeder – Fodder Crops with a strong foundation in genetics and plant breeding to support national-level breeding programs. The candidate will focus on the improvement of open pollinated varieties and hybrids of fodder crops including Oat, Sorghum, Guar, Napier, Rye Grass, Lucerne, and Maize. This role demands both scientific rigor and practical execution capability in the field, with a strong focus on multi location trials, germplasm evaluation, and trait advancement.Key Responsibilities: • Lead or assist in line development, hybrid development, and selection programs across priority fodder crops. • Conduct and coordinate multi-location trials (MLTs) across India in partnership with field teams and research stations. • Maintain, evaluate, and characterize germplasm for fodder traits such as dry matter content, yield (seed and green fodder), protein content, digestibility, and stress tolerance.• Prepare and maintain seasonal breeding plans, trial reports, and technical documentation. • Coordinate with seed production teams to ensure quality breeder seed handoff and adherence to protocols. • Support regulatory activities such as DUS/VCU trials, AICRP programs, and collaborations with public institutions. • Maintain breeding records, inventory of genetic materials, and contribute to ongoing pipeline development. Required Skills & Knowledge: • Strong knowledge of breeding methods for self- and cross-pollinated fodder crops. • Experience with foreground and background selection, field layout planning, biometric data recording, and statistical tools such as R studio, PB Tools, IRRISTAT. • Ability to plan and execute breeding trials independently while coordinating with multidisciplinary teams. • Proficiency in technical writing, data interpretation, and scientific communication. • Willingness to travel PAN India for trial supervision, evaluations, and coordination. Eligibility Criteria: • Ph.D. in Genetics & Plant Breeding (mandatory) • Minimum 2 years of post-Ph.D. or equivalent practical experience in breeding of fodder crops • Exposure to ICAR institutes and State Agricultural Universities is preferred Location: Delhi NCR (Base)Frequent national travel required for field supervision and evaluation.