We’re hiring a Breeding Manager

We’re looking for a Breeding Manager to manage the continued and timely development of enhanced coffee germplasm in WCR’s global breeding network, in close collaboration with other breeders at WCR and research institutional partners in different countries. Drive, determination, and a self-disciplined approach are needed to achieve results that meet established standards for quality and accuracy. The work requires specialized technical problem solving and ingenuity while working within approved organizational systems and technology, and the demonstration of the values of integrity, quality, and caution. New ideas and concepts are also important but will be carefully analyzed and tested before communication and adoption. The position encompasses a defined span of control and opportunity for someone who engenders trust, demonstrates a sense of urgency, and assures consistent achievement of quality standards. The Breeding Manager reports to the Director of Research & Development.

More about the position

The Breeding Manager is responsible for the oversight of day-to-day management, crosses, harvest, and data collection from ~1000 trees that make up the primary germplasm collection located at CATIE in Costa Rica as well as the backup populations at secondary sites in El Salvador and Rwanda. Responsibilities include collecting and analyzing data to facilitate high throughput screening and selection; applying modern techniques in plant breeding including molecular
markers, and genomic selection to maximize efficiencies and shorten timelines. The Breeding Manager manages technicians, farm labor, and students as required; builds and maintains strong relationships with partners and stakeholders. The Breeding Manager prepares budgets and manages finances; prepares reports, presentations, and other communications materials to communicate results to internal and external audiences and represents WCR at industry
meetings and conferences.

About WCR

World Coffee Research (WCR) is a 501(c)5 non-profit agricultural research organization formed by the global coffee industry to drive collaborative innovation to ensure the future of coffee. WCR invests in coffee agricultural research to improve coffee productivity, coffee quality, climate resilience, and farmer livelihoods to support origin diversity (the continued availability of high-quality coffee from many producing countries). Our 26-member team lives in 15 countries. WCR’s annual operating budget of $4 million is made possible by coffee industry membership contributions complemented by public sector support.

Why work at World Coffee Research?

We are ensuring the future of coffee. Simply put, if you love coffee, and you want to be a part of a global team working to grow, protect, and enhance supplies of quality coffee while improving the livelihoods of the families who produce it – you’ve come to the right place! We’re looking for a collaborative, nimble, and curious team player who likes to solve problems that matter, embraces accountability, and is ready to adopt a spirit of kaizen. If this sounds like you, please keep reading to learn more about the position.

Key accountabilities

Breeding Management

• Co-develop breeding strategies with other breeders at WCR and research institutional partners.
• Oversee day to day management, crosses, harvest, and data collection from ~1000 trees that make up the primary germplasm collection located at CATIE in Costa Rica.
• Oversee backup populations at secondary sites in El Salvador and Rwanda
• Collect and analyze data to facilitate high throughput screening and selection
• Apply modern techniques in plant breeding including molecular markers, genomic selection to maximize efficiencies and shorten timelines
• Manage technicians, farm labor and students as required

Reporting & Financial management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with partners and stakeholders
• Prepare budgets and manage finances
• Prepare reports, presentations, and other communications materials to communicate results to internal and external audiences.
• Represent WCR at industry meetings and conferences

Supervision

• Foster team culture among direct reports to deliver organizational results
• Guide and support staff in their individual technical duties and responsibilities
• Encourage and cultivate professional development of staff
• Provide quarterly performance feedback and support to staff
• Provide administrative oversight (e.g. leave requests and expense approvals)
• Validate staff compliance with WCR policies and procedures

Qualifications

Education

• PhD in plant breeding/genetics or MSc plus equivalent professional experience
• Course work/training in agronomy, quantitative genetics, genomics, plant physiology, and/or project management is highly desirable

Experience

• Minimum 6 years of experience in modern plant breeding
• Strong project management experience and demonstrated ability to plan, budget, and deliver to deadlines
• Developing breeding strategies including use of intra- and interspecific variation
• Trait mapping, trait introgression and genomic selection
• Modern phenotyping techniques
• Designing and establishing field and greenhouse trials and conducting statistical analysis
• Experience in perennial crops, woody plants, or vegetatively propagated species is highly desirable
• Experience in private sector breeding and/or international agriculture is highly desirable

Knowledge

• Knowledge in the use of statistical analysis and software
• English fluency required, Spanish preferred

Skills

• Customer-oriented and product-driven
• Diplomacy, patience, and ability to work effectively across different cultures
• Critical thinker and problem solver

Abilities

• Detail-oriented and organized with an ability to plan and prioritize
• Ability and willingness for international travel, especially to visit partners and trial sites in coffee-producing countries
• Ability to communicate and work with a fast-paced, innovative leadership team
• Ability to work independently with self-motivation

Additional Considerations

• Ideally the position will be located at WCR’s Breeding Factory in Costa Rica but location may be negotiable for the right candidate
• This position reports directly to the Director of Research and also needs to work effectively in a matrix structure with WCR regional leaders and the broader WCR team

Direct reports

This position reports directly to the Director of Research & Development and works closely with the broader WCR team. The position may be assigned 1-3 direct reports.

Compensation and Benefits

WCR believes in pay transparency and equity; accordingly, we benchmark all salaries to local scales in the countries where our team members live.
A full suite of benefits to facilitate work-life balance including: 25 days of paid vacation, paid holidays, sick leave, bereavement leave, parental leave, and professional development opportunities to facilitate personal and professional growth.

How to Apply

Please email a copy of your resume and cover letter in English to info@worldcoffeeresearch.org with Breeding Manager in the Subject line.