Join RAGT’s Hybrid Wheat Team in an exciting Research Associate role, where you will play a key part in advancing fertility restoration in hybrid wheat. Based in Ickleton, near Cambridge, this fixed-term three-year position offers the opportunity to develop restoration populations, conduct genetic studies, and explore female receptivity in hybrid wheat. You will collaborate closely with leading researchers, contribute to field and glasshouse phenotyping, and support innovative hybridization projects. If you are enthusiastic about plant breeding and eager to make a real impact in agricultural research, apply now!

Your Prime Responsibilities:

• Conduct phenotyping studies to assess fertility restoration under different environmental conditions.
• Conduct genetic studies on fertility in wheat.
• Perform literature research, identify candidate genes, and work closely with the hybrid wheat breeder to implement discoveries.
• Support mapping efforts and validate genetic markers for restoration in collaboration with genotyping experts.
• Contribute to developing genomic selection (GS) models in collaboration with statistical experts.
• Present research findings internally and externally while supporting partnerships with research institutions.
• Assist with seasonal activities, including crossing, dissections, scoring, harvest, and drilling preparation.
• Investigate pollen viability, female receptivity, germination studies, and alternative hybridization systems.

Your Primary Skills:

• Degree in plant biology, crop or molecular genetics (MSc or PhD preferred but not essential)
• Expertise in whole-plant phenotyping; and a willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Experience in genetic analysis of traits, preferably in wheat
• Driving license
• Experience setting up experiments in the field and the GH
• The successful candidate will have experience on giving oral research presentations.
• Interested in exploring research gaps and willingness to develop new protocols.
• Enjoys working together in a team.
• Must have right to work in UK, unfortunately we do not offer UK VISA sponsorship

What we can offer you:

Working basic 37.0 hours per week with a competitive salary and benefits including:

• Full time three-year fixed term position
• Salary £34,500
• Company pension
• Private healthcare
• Incentive scheme
• Minimum 25 days annual leave
• Employee assistance programme
• Full training provided.
• Based at Ickleton, south of Cambridge, off the M11

Who are R.A.G.T ?

RAGT is an international plant breeding company headquartered in Rodez near Toulouse with a breeding and research site, and a successful commercial business in the UK (Ickleton).

The company has a multi-crop portfolio and a leading position in cereal varieties in the European market.

RAGT are European leaders in cereals and protein rich species, varietal innovation is at the heart of our business to support and develop sustainability in agriculture.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 16th April 2025

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract

Pay: £34,500.00 per year

Additional pay:

• Bonus scheme

Benefits:

• Company pension
• On-site parking
• Private medical insurance
• Sick pay

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 16/04/2025
Reference ID: HybridRA2025