Plant Breeding Graduate Trainee

Edward Vinson Ltd is based in Kent and has been growing fruit for over 150 years and now consists of three main departments: Breeding, Propagation and Commercial fruit production. The breeding program at Edward Vinson Ltd has been extremely successful over the last 39 years with selected varieties being supplied to all major UK and International multiples.

The breeding work at Edward Vinson focuses on four main crops: strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries with the aim of creating new commercial varieties for a global market. The breeding program consists of trials in multiple locations in the southeast of England as well as throughout Europe and the rest of the world. The Breeding Team is looking for a full-time Plant Breeding Graduate Trainee to assist in every stage of the breeding process. A degree in biological sciences (or related disciplines) is required as well as full UK driving licence and own transportation.

The multifaceted role will encompass many different duties across each of the four crops. The role will be very dynamic offering experience in many different aspects of the breeding program. This includes propagation, performing hybridisation through controlled crossing, germinating seed and the selection of new promising material from the progeny. The successful candidate will also be involved in fruit scoring and trialling the advanced selections, in addition to trial husbandry work and helping pick and gather data on replicated field trials.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a world leading breeding team and forward-thinking business and gain exposure to commercial crop breeding. The right candidate must be prepared to work flexibly with extra hours work to meet the needs of the crops. You must also be able to work in glasshouses/polytunnels on commercial scale. The ability to learn new skills through on-the-job training and work independently is a must.

The farm is set over 15 ha which include individual plants for each crop– Raspberry, Blueberry, Blackberry and Strawberry. In addition to this the successful candidate will be joining a company who are transforming the way the industry views breeding as a collective.

Role description and responsibilities

You will be a hands-on part of the breeding team, which is experienced in the crossing, selecting, and trialling of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. Full training will be provided, and your role will include

· Helping with propagation and growing plants.

· Performing hybridisation through controlled crossing.

· Scoring and selecting within the progeny for key commercial traits.

· Detailed assessment of promising material.

· Husbandry work.

· Picking and recording trial data on advanced selections.

· Interpreting results to drive decisions.

Requirements

· Full driving licence.

· BSc or higher in a biological science.

· Good communications skills with managers and co-workers.

· Meticulous, consistent attention to detail in all aspects of work.

· Computer competent.

· Ability to work on your feet for long hours in polytunnels & glasshouses.

· Passionate about plants.

Desirable

· Experience in crop breeding or the soft fruit industry.

· Ability to travel abroad.

Please note a cover letter is required for your application to be considered.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From £510.00 per week

Schedule:

• Day shift

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus scheme

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Faversham: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:

• Bachelor's (required)

Language:

• English (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 12/05/2024
Expected start date: 01/07/2024