Job Title: Seed Production Research Lead
Location: Watsonville CA
Job Type: Full-Time
The
Seed Production Research Lead is responsible for the research programs that improve seed yield, genetic purity, quality, and production efficiency. This role sits at the intersection of plant biology, agronomy, and operations, and executes experiments across greenhouse and field environments, converts findings into scalable production practices, and partners closely with Breeding, Agronomy, Operations, and Quality to ensure reliable, high-performing seed production systems. This role requires an independent, curious, and detail oriented individual to monitor experiments and update cross functional teams in a dynamic work environment.
Key ResponsibilitiesResearch Strategy & Experimental Leadership- Design and lead multi-season research plans focused on seed production constraints and opportunities (e.g., seed set, flowering synchronization, fertility, harvest timing, shattering, dormancy).
- Build robust DOE (Design of Experiments) and field trial plans; define success metrics and sampling strategies.
- Translate production challenges into testable hypotheses and deliver validated recommendations.
Seed Production Process Development and Protocol Optimization and SOPs on- Pollination and isolation (controlled pollination, isolation distances/barriers, temporal isolation)
- Flowering and reproductive management (synchrony, fertility, pollen viability, stress responses)
- Harvest and post-harvest handling (maturity indices, drying, threshing/extraction, cleaning, storage)
- Improve seed lot outcomes including purity, moisture targets, germination, vigor, and storability.
Data Analysis, Interpretation & Communication- Analyze experimental data using appropriate statistical tools; quantify effect sizes, variability, and operational tradeoffs.
- Produce clear technical reports, SOPs, and decision-ready summaries for cross-functional stakeholders.
- Present findings and influence adoption of improved practices in production settings.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Scale-Up- Partner with Breeding to align production methods with germplasm characteristics (e.g., hybrid systems, male sterility, parental line behavior).
- Collaborate with Agronomy and Production teams to transition methods from R&D plots 1 pilot 1 commercial scale.
- Support troubleshooting of real-time production issues; recommend interventions grounded in data.
Quality, Compliance & Stewardship- Ensure best practices for genetic stewardship, contamination prevention, and traceability.
- Maintain high-quality documentation (notebooks, protocols, datasets, sample tracking).
- Follow biosafety, phytosanitary, and regulated material handling procedures as applicable.
Required Qualifications- BS in Plant Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, Genetics, Biology, or related discipline with significant commercial experience; MS preferred.
- Demonstrated experience designing and executing plant research trials (greenhouse and/or field) with rigorous data collection.
- Strong understanding of seed production fundamentals: reproductive biology, pollination, seed development, maturity, and seed quality.
- Direct experience in seed production R&D (hybrid or OP systems; row crops, vegetables, forages, or specialty crops).
- Familiarity with production-scale constraints and process control (sampling plans, SOP validation, QC thresholds).
- Proficiency with experimental design and statistics; ability to use tools such as R, Python, JMP, or equivalent.
- Excellent communication skills-able to translate technical results into operational recommendations.
- Ability to manage multiple projects with competing seasonal timelines and deliver results on schedule.
- Expertise in seed quality testing (standard germination, vigor, TZ, purity, moisture, seed health/pathology).
- Experience with GxE impacts on flowering, seed set, and maturation; multi-location trialing.
- Knowledge of LIMS/data pipelines and reproducible analysis workflows.
- Comfortable working in office / lab, greenhouse, and seasonal field work settings.
- Willingness to adjust hours during critical windows (pollination, harvest, sample processing).
The anticipated pay range that we reasonably expect to pay for this role is $100,000 - $130,000 for Watsonville, CA. Individual compensation is based on various factors including experience, education, skillset, and other relevant qualifications.
No visa sponsorship is available for this position at this time.
No recruiters, please.
