At a Glance
- Tasks: Support strawberry breeding through lab activities, micropropagation, and data analysis.
- Company: Bayer is a global leader in health and agriculture, committed to sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 28 days leave, private healthcare, and flexible hybrid working.
- Other info: Bayer values diversity and offers support for applicants with disabilities.
- Why this job: Join a diverse team making a real impact on global food security and health.
- Qualifications: BSc in Biology or related field; lab experience and plant tissue culture skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Micropropagation and Breeding Research Specialist
The position will play a key role in supporting the progress of the strawberry breeding team within the Bayer multidisciplinary global Vegetable R&D team. This individual will be responsible for all laboratory-based activity at East Malling which will contribute to the development of superior strawberry cultivars for the global market. They will have a breadth of technical knowledge across multiple disciplines including tissue culture, pathology and genetics.
Tasks and responsibilities
- Responsible for all technical laboratory activities for the strawberry breeding programme at East Malling.
- Manage micropropagation of strawberry material: initiating meristem culture and subsequent subculturing to enable in vitro cultures to be established and maintained for the provision of healthy plant material.
- Co-ordinate pathogen screening experiments: setting up experimental design, resuscitating pathological cultures, preparation of inoculum, assessing and recording symptoms.
- Organise and facilitate the collection of leaf material into plates for DNA extraction.
- Maintain and perform controlled crosses in the crossing programme, including cross pollination, fruit collection, seed extraction and scarification.
- Arranging phytosanitary inspections of material prior to dispatch and arranging associated logistics.
- Data collection and analysis with a high level of accuracy.
- Training junior staff and seasonal workers on protocols.
- Writing, amending and updating SOPs and Protocols.
- Performing H&S assessments for new team members.
Who you are
- BSc degree in Biology, Plant Science or Horticulture or equivalent.
- Experience in working within a laboratory environment.
- Experience of plant tissue culture and meristem excision.
- Confidence to work autonomously and be proactive in their approach to meet the demands of a dynamic work environment.
- Strong communication skills: verbal and written.
- Accurate observational and data recording skills.
- Full UK driving license.
Your Application
Your Application: Be You at Bayer where you have the opportunity to be part of a culture influencing Health for all and Hunger for none. To achieve our vision we see reward for all our employees as incredibly important, so here are some of the benefits you will receive as a Bayer employee.
What we offer
- Competitive compensation package consisting of an attractive base salary and annual bonus. Individual bonus can also be granted for high performance
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Private Healthcare, generous pension scheme and Life Insurance
- Wellness programs and support
- Employee discount scheme
- Volunteering days
- Support for professional growth in a wide range of learning and development opportunities
- We welcome and embrace diversity providing an inclusive working environment
The best possible work-life balance is of great importance to us, which is why we support flexible hybrid working model.
Bayer welcomes applications from all individuals, regardless of age, disability, gender identity/expression, family status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and without discrimination. We continue to progressively embrace and adopt actions to advance our Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) commitments and aspirations, #ForBetter.
Bayer is committed to providing access and support for all individuals with disabilities and / or long term conditions - during the application process and beyond. Let us know if there is anything about the recruitment process that you would like to discuss, in particular if there are any changes or adjustments that would make it easier for you to apply please contact HROP_UK@bayer.com.
At Bayer, sustainability is ingrained in our mission ‘Health for all, hunger for none’, driving our commitment to healthcare and agricultural innovation. We prioritize reducing our environmental footprint, enhancing our social impact, and ensuring sustainable business practices. As part of our team, you\'ll have opportunities to contribute to various initiatives such as achieving climate neutrality across our facilities by 2030, to improving access to healthcare and nutrition to 100 million underserved people worldwide by 2030. Join us and be part of a culture that values innovation and empowers change, as we strive to shape a healthier, more sustainable, and inclusive world.
Micropropagation and Breeding Research Specialist employer: Bayer AG
Bayer is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment at our East Malling location, where you will play a pivotal role in advancing strawberry breeding research. With a competitive compensation package, generous benefits including private healthcare and wellness programs, and a strong commitment to professional growth, we empower our employees to thrive while contributing to sustainable agricultural innovation. Join us in shaping a healthier, more sustainable world through meaningful work that makes a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Micropropagation and Breeding Research Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in strawberry breeding and micropropagation techniques. This will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the field during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the plant science and horticulture sectors. Attend relevant conferences or workshops where you can meet experts and learn about potential opportunities, which could give you an edge when applying for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience in laboratory settings, particularly with tissue culture and pathogen screening. Be ready to share specific examples of your work that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to train and mentor others by preparing anecdotes about your past experiences. Highlighting your leadership skills can set you apart, especially since the role involves training junior staff and seasonal workers.
We think you need these skills to ace Micropropagation and Breeding Research Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in laboratory work, particularly in plant tissue culture and genetics. Emphasise any specific projects or roles that align with the responsibilities of the Micropropagation and Breeding Research Specialist position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for plant science and breeding. Mention your understanding of the strawberry breeding programme and how your skills can contribute to Bayer's goals. Be sure to include examples of your previous work in similar environments.
Highlight Technical Skills:In your application, clearly outline your technical skills related to micropropagation, pathogen screening, and data analysis. Use specific terminology from the job description to demonstrate your familiarity with the field.
Showcase Communication Abilities:Since strong communication skills are essential for this role, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information in previous positions. This could include training junior staff or writing SOPs and protocols.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bayer AG
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
Make sure to highlight your understanding of tissue culture, pathology, and genetics during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques you've used in the lab and how they relate to the strawberry breeding programme.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to share examples of how you've tackled challenges in a laboratory setting. Discuss any experiences where you had to design experiments or troubleshoot issues, as this will show your proactive approach.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing complex scientific concepts. This will help convey your confidence and expertise.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Have thoughtful questions ready about the strawberry breeding team and their current projects. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand how you can contribute to their goals.
