Director of Breeding and Research

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Salary:

We are seeking a visionary and strategic Director of Breeding and Research to lead the next generation of crop innovation. This role will drive the advancement of high-performing, resilient crop varieties through the integration of modern breeding technologies, including genomics, phenomics, AI-assisted selection, and gene editing.

The Director of Breeding and Research will bridge science, technology, and real-world agricultural impact ensuring breeding programs are innovative, scalable, and aligned with market, climate, and sustainability needs. This is a senior leadership opportunity for a scientifically rigorous, forward-thinking leader ready to shape the future of crop improvement in Alberta and beyond.

Western Crop Innovations (WCI) is the future of crop innovation in Canada. This federally registered not for profit organization began operations April 1, 2024. It is carrying on the rich history of the Field Crop Development Centre which has been developing new higher yielding and more climate and disease resistant varieties of cereal grains since 1973 at its lab and research farm in Lacombe, Alberta.

The posting will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

Job Type: This is a full-time role (36.25 hrs per week), working onsite in Lacombe, AB. A hybrid schedule may be considered in certain cases.

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

Strategic Leadership

• Define and execute a long-term innovation strategy for crop breeding programs across target crops and geographies
• Identify and implement emerging technologies that accelerate genetic gain
• Align breeding priorities with organizational objectives, sustainability goals, and farmer needs

Scientific & Technical Oversight

• Lead the design and execution of advanced breeding pipelines (conventional, marker-assisted, genomic, and gene-editing approaches)
• Integrate genomics, phenotyping, bioinformatics, and data science into breeding decision-making
• Ensure scientific rigor, reproducibility, and strong experimental design

Program & Portfolio Management

• Manage a portfolio of breeding innovation projects from concept through deployment
• Establish milestones, KPIs, and stage-gate decision frameworks
• Balance long-term research initiatives with near-term germplasm delivery

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams including breeders, geneticists, data scientists, and technologists
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and innovation-focused culture
• Support talent development and strategic recruitment

Partnerships & External Engagement

• Build and manage strategic partnerships with universities, research institutes, and industry collaborators
• Represent the organization in scientific forums and advisory groups
• Support grant development and external funding initiatives where applicable

Translation & Impact

• Ensure breeding innovations translate into deployable, commercially viable outcomes
• Collaborate with agronomy, regulatory, and commercial teams to enable adoption
• Measure and communicate impact on genetic gain, yield stability, resilience, and sustainability

Experience and qualifications:

• PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Crop Science, or a closely related discipline (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in crop breeding, agricultural R&D, or innovation leadership
• Demonstrated success deploying advanced breeding technologies in applied programs
• Experience working across multiple crops, geographies, or sectors (public, private, or publicprivate partnerships) is considered an asset

Technical Expertise

• Deep knowledge of quantitative genetics and modern breeding tools (genomics, phenomics, AI/ML, gene editing)
• Ability to interpret complex biological and data-driven insights for strategic decision-making

Leadership & Influence

• Proven experience leading senior scientific teams and complex innovation programs
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to translate vision into execution
• Excellent communication skills across scientific and non-scientific audiences

Innovation Mindset

• Future-oriented thinker with a track record of applied innovation
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and iterative development environments
• Systems-level problem solver with strong analytical skills

What we offer:

• Competitive base salary
• 22 days of vacation to start
• 6 paid wellness days each year
• Immediate access to employer paid Group Benefits including Health and Dental coverage and Short-Term Disability (Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance premiums are paid by the employee)
• Group RRSP matching at 6% upon completion of probation period

Western Crop Innovations supports a diverse and inclusive work environment and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. You must be legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.