Assistant Wheat Breeder

Are you looking for a new role in the agriculture industry? Limagrain is one of the UKs leading seed

specialists and plant breeders. Our expert teams create market leading varieties using specialised

facilities. Due to internal changes, we are looking to recruit an Assistant Wheat Breeder to join our

team based in Woolpit, Suffolk.

Reporting to the Cereal Pathologist, this new role has been created to assist the Senior Breeder and

Breeder, to breed new varieties of winter wheat for the NWEU market.  

- Hands-on day-to-day involvement with all aspects of the wheat breeding programme

- Assist with the design, preparation, drilling, scoring and harvesting of experimental field trials and breeding/pathology nurseries

- Field selection of core breeding nurseries

- Assist with the growing, management and crossing for the UK-based crossing programs

- Assist with the running of locally contracted official trials through BSPB and AHDB

- Preparation of grain samples for quality evaluation and assist in laboratory analysis

- Supervision of temporary staff as required to complete the major tasks

- Development of knowledge and skills in practical plant breeding including bespoke breeding software/databases.

-This role will be both Field and Office based. Due to the seasonal nature of the role the suitable candidate must be willing to have a flexible approach to hours at the busiest times of year and this may include some weekend working.

This role will be both Field and Office based. Due to the seasonal nature of the role the suitable candidate must be willing to have a flexible approach to hours at the busiest times of year and this may include some weekend working.

We are looking for candidates with a HND or first degree in science, agriculture, or related subject. They must have demonstrable knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint and be able to interpret data accurately. They must be proactive, self-motivated, and well organised, able to work within teams and alone. They must have the ability to work to a high level of accuracy with good attention to detail.

Also desirable is an agricultural background/previous experience, PA1, PA11, fork truck licences.

Experience with tractor and/or combine driving would be an advantage. Supervisory experience would also be beneficial.

Travel and overnight stays will be required by this role; mainly in the UK, but also may include European travel.

A full job description is available upon request. 

-Competitive rate of pay based on candidate’s experience

-Up to 30 days of annual leave plus bank holidays

- Christmas site closure – 3 days paid leave between Christmas and New Year

- Stakeholder pension scheme – Company matches up to 10% of salary

- Death in service/life assurance

- Company events; annual Staff Conference, Open Days, Christmas Lunch, charity fundraising events

- PHI Income Protection at 75% of salary for long-term illness and disability

- Personal Accident Insurance

- Employee Assistance Programme – mental, physical and financial wellbeing

- Annual flu jabs

- Free on-site parking

- Annual bonus scheme

- Profit Share scheme.