Mahindra & Mahindra—Junior Breeder - Tomato

Job description

Description: Job Description Title: Junior Breeder - Tomato Location: Hyderabad Role Purpose To support the tomato breeding program by executing field trials, data collection, hybridization activities, and selection processes, contributing to the development of high-performing tomato hybrids/varieties with improved yield, quality, disease resistance, and market-preferred traits. Key Responsibilities Breeding Program Execution - Support the planning and execution of tomato breeding trials under the guidance of the Senior Breeder. - Execute activities related to hybridization, emasculation, pollination, selection, nursery management, and advancement of breeding materials. - Assist in developing and managing early-generation and advanced tomato breeding populations. - Participate in parental line maintenance and seed increase activities. Field Trial Management - Conduct tomato breeding trials, evaluation nurseries, and hybrid testing across locations as per defined protocols. - Ensure adherence to recommended experimental designs and trial standards. - Monitor trials to ensure proper crop establishment, plant health, uniformity, and reliable data generation. - Coordinate field operations including planting, staking, pruning, irrigation, crop protection, and harvesting activities. Data Collection & Analysis - Collect accurate and timely phenotypic, horticultural, agronomic, disease, and fruit quality data. - Evaluate key tomato traits including: - Yield and yield components - Fruit size, shape, firmness, and color - Shelf life and transportability - Plant vigor and growth habit - Disease and pest tolerance/resistance - Processing and market-preferred characteristics - Maintain proper data records through manual and digital systems. - Support data validation, consolidation, and preliminary analysis for breeding decisions. Agronomy & Crop Care - Ensure adoption of best agronomic practices for tomato crop management. - Monitor crop health and implement appropriate crop protection measures. - Identify and resolve field-level challenges affecting breeding trials and nursery performance. - Support disease screening and stress evaluation activities as required. Stakeholder Coordination - Coordinate with trial teams, farm staff, pathology teams, seed production teams, and external growers for smooth execution of breeding activities. - Assist in organizing field days, crop tours, variety demonstrations, and internal review meetings. - Support collaboration with research stations and partner locations involved in tomato breeding trials. Learning & Capability Building Continuously build knowledge in: - Tomato breeding methodologies - Hybrid development and parental line management - Tomato crop agronomy and physiology - Disease and pest resistance breeding - Data management and breeding analytics tools Stay updated with emerging breeding technologies, molecular breeding approaches, and industry developments relevant to tomato improvement. Eligibility Criteria Education - B.Sc. Agriculture / B.Sc. Horticulture (Mandatory) - M.Sc. Agriculture (Plant Breeding & Genetics) / M.Sc. Horticulture (Vegetable Science) preferred Experience - 4-8 years of experience in plant breeding, field trials, vegetable research, or crop improvement programs. - Prior experience in Tomato Breeding, Tomato Research, Vegetable Seed Industry, or related crop improvement activities is preferred. - Hands-on exposure to hybrid seed production, nursery management, and trait evaluation will be an advantage. Skills & Functional Competencies - Basic understanding of: - Tomato breeding concepts and breeding methodologies - Hybridization and selection techniques - Experimental designs and field trial protocols - Trait evaluation and data collection systems - Disease and pest screening methodologies - Familiarity with digital data capture and breeding management tools (preferred). - Working knowledge of statistical analysis and trial data interpretation will be an advantage. Skills & Personal Attributes - Strong execution focus and attention to detail. - High level of discipline in field operations and data management. - Willingness to work extensively in field and greenhouse environments. - Good coordination, communication, and teamwork skills. - Learning agility and scientific curiosity. - Problem-solving mindset and ability to manage field challenges. - Ability to follow structured guidance from senior breeders while working independently on assigned activities. - Passion for crop improvement and innovation in vegetable breeding.