Cucumber Breeder
Location: United States (Woodland, CA) or Mexico (Celaya or Salvatierra, Guanajuato)
Experience: 3+ years
Education: Ph.D or M.S in Genetics and Plant Breeding, Horticulture or related field.
About Us
US Agriseeds is a leading vegetable seed breeding company specializing in open-field cultivation. For over 20 years, the company has delivered high-performing cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, melons, watermelons, and squash to professional growers. With research facilities in California, the Bajio, and Sinaloa, Mexico, US Agriseeds supports year-round breeding using natural counter-seasons. The team leverages advanced technology to develop innovative, high-yielding, and disease-resistant varieties.
Job Summary
The position may be filled in either the United States or Mexico, depending on the selected candidate. US Agriseeds is seeking a Cucumber Breeder to support the development of Cucumber varieties for certain specific open-field and greenhouse markets in the U.S., Middle East and Mexico. The role involves executing breeding activities, supporting multi-location trials, and collaborating with molecular and pathology teams to develop high-performing varieties.
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to the development of commercially competitive cucumber hybrids for Americas, mainly Mexico.
- Manage germplasm resources, including selection, characterization, and conservation of elite breeding materials.
- Design and execute multi-location field trials to evaluate performance under diverse environmental conditions.
- Assist and support molecular biology and plant pathology efforts in US Agriseeds research locations.
- Analyze field trial data to make informed breeding decisions and optimize variety selection.
- Work closely with cross-functional teams, including seed production, sales, and marketing, to align breeding objectives with market needs.
- Stay updated with advancements in cucumber breeding, genetics, and market trends.
- Prepare reports, presentations, and technical documentation to communicate research findings.
Qualifications & Experience
- Master's degree in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Crop Science; minor in Plant Pathology desirable. Ph.D. in Plant Breeding is a plus.
- 3+ years in plant breeding; experience in cucumber breeding and in U.S. and Mexican markets preferred.
- Background in horticulture, molecular markers and/or plant pathology is a plus.
- Experience with data management and statistical analysis software.
- Experience with plant growing, pest control, and greenhouse management is a plus.
Knowledge & Skills
- Proficiency in molecular breeding techniques, marker-assisted selection, and genomic tools.
- Knowledge of field trial design, data analysis, and statistical software.
- Familiarity with plant pathology.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work independently as well as within a team.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work in a team-based environment with multidisciplinary teams.
- Bilingual English/Spanish preferred; English proficiency required.
- Experience in an international work environment and ability to work across diverse cultures and work habits.
- Willingness and ability to travel for extended periods nationally and internationally. Ability to work in the greenhouse and field for extended periods under sometimes exhausting conditions.
Employment Details
- Work Authorization: U.S. or Mexican work authorization. (no sponsorship available)
- Start Date: ASAP.
- Position: Full-Time.
- Compensation: Salary is based on experience and qualifications. For U.S.-based candidates, the current pay range is $110,000 to $145,000 annually. Compensation outside the U.S. will be determined according to local market conditions, applicable laws, and internal compensation practices.
- Benefits (U.S.-Based Employees): Eligible full-time employees are offered a competitive benefits package including company-sponsored medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, and participation in the Company's 401(k) plan, subject to applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements.
Application
Please send a resume and brief cover letter. Apply via email to [email protected] with "Cucumber Breeder" in the subject line.
US Agriseeds is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, or any other employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. This job description describes the general nature and level of work being performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Responsibilities may be modified at any time based on business needs.
Pay: $110,000.00 - $145,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
