[cid:image005.jpg@01D217FB.6D4738E0] Research Associate, Molecular Fruit Breeding Program at Sun World Innovations Variety Development Center About the Role: Sun World Innovations, a division of Sun World International LLC (www.sun-world.comhttp://www.sun-world.com/), is seeking applicants for a Research Associate position for its molecular fruit breeding program at the renowned Sun World Innovations Variety Development Center located near Bakersfield, California. The Research Associate will work with breeders, research associates and others at the Variety Development Center in the areas of marker assisted selection and other molecular capabilities, as well as post harvest evaluations within the breeding programs to aid in the identification and development of new table grape and stone fruit varieties. Responsibilities include management of the molecular and post harvest labs as well as coordination of greenhouse seedling organization and field seedling phenotyping, as related to Molecular Lab work. The Research Associate will also be involved in other duties in the breeding programs as needed. At Sun World, all jobs include broad responsibilities for continually improving the processes and tools used to develop new fruit varieties. Specific skills required include previous experience with large-scale DNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, and allele calling. Background in association analysis, QTL analysis, and candidate gene work for marker development are preferred. Additionally, experience with fruit post-harvest lab operation is preferred but not required. About the Company: Sun World International LLC is one of California's top table grape grower-marketers and operates the world's preeminent fruit breeding and licensing enterprise with more than 1,600 licensed growers on five continents. The company's variety development center focuses on development of new seedless table grape, peach, nectarine, plum, apricot, and cherry varieties. Sun World's company culture is to create a supportive work environment that nurtures open and friendly communication, provides targeted focus and direction, and encourages collaboration and team interaction. Sun World is committed to providing opportunities for individuals to grow along with the company, as well as cultivate their personal well-being.
The successful candidate will have the following skills, experience and attributes: * M.S. degree and/or 2+ years' hands-on experience in plant molecular biology, molecular plant breeding, molecular plant pathology, or a related field. Demonstrated experience in plant molecular biology techniques is required. * Expertise with techniques required for marker-assisted breeding (i.e. DNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, and allele calling on a large scale) and other molecular techniques that support a molecular breeding program. * Excellent laboratory and greenhouse organizational skills with attention to detail. * Expertise using, maintaining, and troubleshooting equipment, and protocols used in a molecular biology lab. * Ability to perform molecular biology research with commercial kits and classical protocols that require preparation of diverse reagents and materials. * Strong passion for working with fruit; self-motivated, dedicated, and willing to work and balance a diverse set of yearly tasks. * A positive team member, excellent communicator, and willing collaborator across diverse scientific disciplines.
Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, CV and summary of scientific work to: [cid:image006.jpg@01D217FB.6D4738E0]Sun World International LLC, Human Resources Department 5701 Truxtun Avenue, Suite 200, Bakersfield, CA 93308 twoods@sun-world.commailto:twoods@sun-world.com, 661-631-4100
