At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative wheat breeding projects to enhance crop sustainability and yield.
- Company: Join a dynamic Oxford University spin-out focused on sustainable agriculture.
- Benefits: Work in state-of-the-art labs with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture driven by curiosity, community, and courage.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global food security and environmental sustainability.
- Qualifications: PhD in Plant Breeding or Genetics, with strong plant breeding experience.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
Description
At Wild Bio we are radically enhancing crops to feed the world sustainably and promote a wilder planet.
Wild plants have had half a billion years to evolve natural solutions for thriving in almost every environment on Earth.
Our proprietary genetics platform harnesses these wild innovations to enhance the world’s most important crops.
Wild-enhanced crops would simultaneously boost farm yields and promote gigaton-scale carbon mitigation strategies.
If you’re looking for a start-up that has enormous potential for impact on growers, consumers, and the planet, please read on.
Wild Bio is a well-funded, fast-paced Oxford University spin-out working from state-of-the-art labs and offices at Milton Park, Oxfordshire and breeding operations in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.
We are about to enter an exciting phase of growth and are looking for a driven, and curious Head of Wheat Breeding to join us and significantly contribute to delivering the change we believe in.
More at www. wildbioscience. com
Our Values
Our work is guided by three core values that define who we are and how we approach our mission:
- Curiosity: We fuel our desire to explore the unknown, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and sparking innovation. We ask questions, seek answers, and embrace lifelong learning.
- Community: We believe in the strength and support gained through collaboration and inclusion.
As part of a global community, we nurture connections to drive meaningful impact for both people and planet.
- Courage: We face challenges head-on, take calculated risks, and stand up for our beliefs. Our bravery propels us to take action, even in the face of adversity.
If these values resonate with you, we invite you to join our team of passionate scientists and innovators working at the cutting edge of bioscience.
Location
We’re headquartered in Milton Park, a business and technology park in Oxfordshire and our breeding station is located near Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk.
This role will be located at our breeding station, however periodic travel to our headquarters in Milton Park will be required.
The successful candidate will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
Requirements
- Ph D in Plant Breeding and Genetics, or closely related field, is preferred.
- Strong demonstrated knowledge in plant breeding, genetics, agronomy, and application of marker assisted selection, genomic selection, Double Haploids, life cycle shortening for improvement of cereals.
- Experience as a plant breeder of wheat or other small grains, preferably in a successful commercial program, is necessary.
- Knowledge of the target production region, associated biotic and abiotic stresses, and relevant germplasm base would be highly advantageous.
- Knowledge of cereal chemistry principles and their application to breeding for the key end use markets
- Ability to use software for data analyses, management, presentation, and reporting; general competence in statistics and data management is required
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills are needed
- Leadership skills and experience in managing people and programs is essential
- International exposure would be a plus
Head of Wheat Breeding employer: Wild Bioscience
Wild Bioscience is an exceptional employer located in Abingdon, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, equity options, and a comprehensive benefits package, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth within the field of crop genomics. Joining our dynamic team means contributing to meaningful research initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainable food production.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Wheat Breeding
✨Network through Industry Events
Look out for agricultural engineering expos and trade shows – they're golden opportunities! Attend these events to meet professionals from companies like Wild Bioscience and chat about their work. Being present in person can create connections that lead to job openings!
✨Join Agricultural Engineering Groups
Get involved in online communities and forums focused on agricultural engineering. Platforms like LinkedIn and specialised Facebook groups are great spots to join discussions, share insights, and even find job posts! Engaging with fellow enthusiasts can also lead to potential referrals.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a portfolio showcasing any projects or relevant work you've done in agricultural engineering. Whether it's design work, projects from uni, or even side gigs, having a visual representation of your skills can really catch the eye of hiring managers at places like Wild Bioscience.
✨Keep an Eye on Job Boards
Besides company websites, check out niche job boards specific to agricultural engineering. Sites like AgCareers or Engineering Jobs can have listings that align with roles at Wild Bioscience. Applying through various channels increases your chances of landing that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Wheat Breeding
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Experience:In agricultural engineering, it's all about practical experience. Highlight any projects or internships you've been involved in that showcase your skills in machinery, crop management, or sustainability practices. Use specifics to give us a clear picture of what you've accomplished and how it relates to the role at Wild Bioscience.
Get Technical with Your CV:Make sure your CV showcases technical competencies relevant to agricultural engineering. List any specific software tools or engineering techniques you're familiar with, as well as any certifications related to agricultural practices or environmental regulations. This gives us a good insight into your skill set for the Head of Wheat Breeding position.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Our Values:When writing your cover letter, take the time to reflect on how your personal values align with those of Wild Bioscience. We want to see your passion for sustainable agriculture and how your engineering background can help us achieve our goals. Share what motivates you in this field, and let your personality shine through!
Don't Forget About Your Portfolio:If you've worked on design or engineering projects, consider including a portfolio to back up your application. This could be anything from photos of completed projects to detailed reports or analyses you've done. It’s an excellent way to visually demonstrate your skills and help us see your potential fit for the full-time Head of Wheat Breeding role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wild Bioscience
✨Master Your Technical Know-How
As an agricultural engineering candidate, you need to showcase your understanding of key concepts like irrigation systems, soil mechanics, and machinery design. Brush up on technical questions that could come your way, especially those related to recent advancements in agricultural technology, and be prepared to discuss how you've applied these in real-world situations.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Highlight specific examples where you solved complex engineering problems, particularly those relevant to agriculture. Think about challenges you’ve faced during projects or your coursework and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes; interviewers will love to see your practical experience in action.
✨Prepare Your Portfolio of Projects
Having a portfolio can be a game changer for a full-time role in agricultural engineering. Showcase any relevant projects you've worked on—be they internships, academic assignments, or personal projects. Make sure to highlight the tools and techniques you used and how they can be applicable to the role at Wild Bioscience.
✨Understand the Industry Trends
Get clued up on the latest trends affecting agricultural engineering, like automation, sustainability practices, and precision agriculture. This shows your passion for the field and helps you to discuss how your skills can contribute to Wild Bioscience’s goals in navigating these trends.
