We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Cereal Breeding Technician to join our breeding team.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys combining practical outdoor work with science, technology and innovation. The role provides hands-on experience across the wheat and barley breeding cycles, from sowing and crossing through to field assessments and harvest.
The position is split between the wheat breeding programme (~70%) and barley breeding programme (~30%), and offers a varied workload throughout the year, with responsibilities spanning field, laboratory, glasshouse, barn, and office environments.
Whether you have a background in agriculture, plant science, biology, environmental science, or a related discipline, this role offers a pathway into a rewarding career in plant breeding
Key Responsibilities
Assist with the establishment, management, and evaluation of cereal breeding nurseries throughout the growing season.
Support crossing, pollination, and selection activities to advance breeding objectives
Collect, record, and manage agronomic, disease resistance, plant development, and grain quality data using digital breeding systems.
Prepare, process, treat, store, and distribute seed for breeding, and trialling activities.
Harvest and process breeding material while maintaining strict standards of identification, traceability, and data integrity.
Maintain breeding records, pedigree information, seed inventories, and stock control systems.
Support field operations including land preparation, drilling, line maintenance, and rogueing to maintain varietal purity.
Operate agricultural, harvesting, seed-processing, and material-handling equipment, including combines, tractors, forklifts, and seed-cleaning machinery.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and the implementation of new technologies within the breeding programme.
Ensure compliance with standard operating procedures, health and safety requirements, and environmental standards.
Perform detail-oriented tasks accurately to maintain the integrity of breeding materials, records, and research outcomes.
What We're Looking For
Essential
- Degree, apprenticeship qualification or equivalent experience in:
- Agriculture
- Plant Science
- Biology
- Environmental Science
- Crop Science
- Or a related discipline
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate work.
- Good organisational and record-keeping skills.
- Confidence using computers, spreadsheets and digital systems.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a small team.
- A practical and hands-on approach to work.
- Willingness to spend significant time working outdoors throughout the year.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- Experience in crop production, field research or plant science.
- Knowledge of cereal crops, crop diseases or plant breeding.
- Experience collecting and managing data.
- Forklift qualifications
- Pesticide application qualifications.
- Familiarity with digital agriculture, drones, or other precision agriculture technologies.
Experience operating tractors, agricultural machinery or research equipment.
Who Will Enjoy This Role?
This role is ideal for someone who:
- Has an interest in plant science, genetics and crop protection.
- Enjoys assessing crops and collecting data in the field.
- Likes solving practical problems, particularly with the use of new technologies.
- Wants to make a tangible contribution to the development of future crop varieties.
- Thrives in a small, supportive team environment.
- Is looking for a long-term career in plant breeding and agricultural innovation.
- Has strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Is able to carry out repetitive tasks consistently.
- Is detail-oriented, well organised, and able to maintain accurate records.
- Enjoys a practical, hands-on approach to work.
- Is willing to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Can work flexibly to support seasonal peaks in workload.
- Has strong commitment to health and safety standards.
- Enjoys operating agricultural machinery and forklifts, or willingness to undertake training.
What We Offer
- Structured training and professional development.
- Opportunities to develop expertise in cereal breeding, disease assessment and crop evaluation.
- Exposure to modern breeding techniques, phenotyping methods and emerging technologies.
- A varied role combining fieldwork, laboratory activities, machinery operation and data management.
- Opportunity to work closely with experienced breeders and researchers.
- A supportive team environment with opportunities for career progression.
Join Our Team
If you're looking for a role that combines science, technology, data and outdoor work, and want to play a part in developing the next generation of cereal varieties, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and start your career in plant breeding.
Cereal Breeding Technician in Lincolnshire employer: Elsoms Seeds
At Elsoms, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work culture that empowers our employees to take ownership and contribute to meaningful improvements. With flexible working options, a strong focus on professional development, and the opportunity to engage with diverse businesses, our Management Accountant role provides a unique platform for career growth and impactful decision-making. Join us in an inclusive environment where your expertise is valued and your ideas can shape the future of our organisation.
