Assistant Cotton Breeder at Gowan Company

Lodi, California, United States

Gowan Company Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Junior (1 to 2 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
AgricultureIndustries

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s (preferred) degree in Plant Breeding, Plant Genetics, Agronomy, or a related field
  • Experience working with cotton or other crop breeding programs
  • Strong understanding of plant genetics, quantitative genetics, and field trial design
  • Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., SAS, Excel)
  • Experience with breeding data management systems (PRISM)
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team in both field and field laboratory settings
  • Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
  • Willingness to travel and work in outdoor field conditions as required
  • Experience with molecular breeding tools (e.g., marker-assisted selection, genomic selection, gene editing)
  • Knowledge of GIS and remote sensing technologies for phenotyping
  • Basic understanding of cytogenetics as related to cytoplasmic male sterility systems

Responsibilities

  • Assist in planning, executing, and managing cotton breeding nurseries and yield trials in the field and potentially the greenhouse
  • Support crossing programs, including hand pollinations and seed harvest
  • Collect, record, and analyze phenotypic and agronomic data
  • Manage planting, maintenance, and harvesting of experimental plots
  • Oversee seed processing activities such as ginning, delinting, and storage
  • Organize and manage seed inventories
  • Utilize molecular markers and other genetic tools for selection and analysis
  • Collaborate with the cotton business team as well as external partners
  • Prepare reports, maintain breeding records, and ensure data integrity
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of new breeding technologies and strategies

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

SASExcelPRISMPlant GeneticsQuantitative GeneticsField Trial DesignMolecular MarkersHand PollinationSeed HarvestData Analysis

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

Is this position remote or onsite?

This is an onsite position.

What education is required for the Assistant Cotton Breeder role?

A Bachelor’s or Master’s (preferred) degree in Plant Breeding, Plant Genetics, Agronomy, or a related field is required.

What key skills are needed for this position?

Key skills include proficiency in data analysis software like SAS and Excel, experience with breeding data management systems like PRISM, strong organizational and communication skills, and the ability to work independently and in a team in field settings.

What experience is preferred for this role?

Preferred qualifications include experience with molecular breeding tools like marker-assisted selection and genomic selection, knowledge of GIS and remote sensing for phenotyping, and basic understanding of cytogenetics related to cytoplasmic male sterility systems.

What makes a strong candidate for the Assistant Cotton Breeder position?

A strong candidate will have a Master’s degree in a relevant field, experience in cotton or crop breeding programs, knowledge of plant genetics and field trial design, and hands-on skills in data analysis and field operations.

Gowan Company

Provides global crop protection solutions

About Gowan Company

Gowan Crop Protection Limited provides crop protection solutions to farmers and agricultural businesses worldwide. The company offers a variety of products, including chemical and biological solutions, to help growers manage pest problems and enhance crop yields. Gowan operates in over 19 countries and sells its products in more than 70 countries, focusing on understanding local market needs to deliver tailored solutions. A unique aspect of Gowan is its Ecoflora unit, which specializes in biological development and sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, Gowan runs Cortez Transfert, a maritime terminal in Mexico for fertilizer import and export, diversifying its revenue streams. The company's goal is to support farmers in increasing their productivity while promoting sustainable farming practices.

None, NoneHeadquarters
1962Year Founded
VENTURE_UNKNOWNCompany Stage
Food & Agriculture, BiotechnologyIndustries
201-500Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k) Company Match
Paid Vacation
Performance Bonus

Risks

Rising competition from generic products could erode Gowan's market share.
Regulatory scrutiny in the EU may impact Gowan's chemical product approvals.
Climate change may require Gowan to adapt its offerings to new pest patterns.

Differentiation

Gowan offers both chemical and biological crop protection solutions, catering to diverse needs.
The company operates in over 19 countries, ensuring a strong global presence.
Gowan's Ecoflora unit focuses on sustainable, integrated bio solutions for modern agriculture.

Upsides

Increased demand for biological solutions aligns with Gowan's Ecoflora offerings.
Gowan's partnership with Syngenta enhances its integrated pest management solutions.
The European Union's pesticide reduction strategy opens opportunities for Gowan's biological products.

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