Page 23 - Choices Mag- KS3 - Issue 1

Qualifications Skills JOB:

Although this area of work is open to all You’ll need to show: Plant Breeder / Geneticist
graduates from relevant engineering
and sciences courses, a degree in civil • sound engineering knowledge
engineering may improve your chances. • experience of project management Plant breeder/geneticists work on improving the
Other degrees that may be useful include: • communication and negotiation skills quality and performance of existing agricultural and

• biochemistry • good teamwork and people horticultural crops and create new varieties of plants
management skills, for working with
• chemical/process engineering colleagues and clients As a plant breeder/geneticist your aim will be to
develop useful traits in plants, such as disease
• environmental engineering • problem-solving ability resistance and drought tolerance. You’ll also work to
• environmental science - physical • IT knowledge and a willingness to improve characteristics such as appearance. Your role
• geology learn new systems will be vital to the agricultural industry as there are
• geophysics/geotechnology • self-motivation and a proactive constant challenges to meet market requirements and
consumer demands, and to increase and maintain
• mechanical engineering approach to work yields in important crops.
• physical geography. • commercial awareness The traditional work of crossing existing plants and
• an entrepreneurial spirit selecting new strains has been enhanced. You’ll use
• good time management skills your expertise to quickly and accurately select plants
• a flexible approach to work and a containing the genes of interest
willingness to take on new challenges
• a full driving licence - this is generally Responsibilities
a requirement as you’ll have to drive
to different sites. As a plant breeder/geneticist, you’ll need to:

• produce research aims and objectives, • multiply up and produce
and predict the cost of the work virus-free plants
• research methods and techniques for • keep up to date in the fast-moving
For more information about this job and many others linking to Geography improving plant breeding area of science and translate ideas
why not visit the Prospects – Job Profile website. • identify and select plants exhibiting from scientific literature into new
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/browse-a-to-z#section-A desirable traits, based on natural approaches to breeding problems
genetic variation • respond to enquiries from farmers,
• cross plants to produce new breeding agronomists and other professionals
material for field and glasshouse trials • write and present work to other
• analyse and scientifically assess plant scientists and publish scientific findings
breeding in laboratory and field trials • liaise with and visit other
and select the best varieties scientists, commercial breeders
• conduct scientific projects, and funding bodies. 23 | DECEMBER 2020
which may be laboratory based,
especially in the winter months

DECEMBER 2020 | 22