Job description
Purpose of the role:
Monsanto Plant Breeding Interns & Co-ops receive hands-on experience at one of our breeding locations. During this paid,6-month or 1 year assignment, students gain exposure not only to the Plant Breeding function, but also to the other related Monsanto functions such as Marker Labs, Seed Production Plants, and Transgenic Development groups and high-throughput laboratories giving a broad overview of the career opportunities available at Monsanto
The Monsanto Plant Breeding Student Program is committed to providing students with the unique opportunity to gain a practical, first-hand understanding of Monsanto’s commercial plant breeding program. Plant Breeding students receive the guidance of Site Supervisors who outline general responsibilities, provide regular feedback, assist in project assignment and completion, and arrange for the student to receive opportunities to visit other functions.
Responsibilities:
Interns are assigned to supervisors who outline general responsibilities, assist in project assignment and completion, and arrange opportunities to visit other functions in addition to daily responsibilities which include:
Nursery or yield plot planting and harvesting
Plot establishment and maintenance
Data collection
Plant pollination
Assisting with management of seasonal employees
Projects will provide exposure to breeding trials, as well as genetic analysis of vegetable traits, which may include inoculation of disease trials, analysis of genotyping and/or phenotyping data, genomic analysis, and genetic mapping.
Responsibilities
All Students are assigned a specific research project
Successful candidates will work both independently and in collaboration with other teams, and provide thoughtful analysis to their assigned research project. At the conclusion of the program, interns will present the results of the research project to an audience of peers and scientists. In addition, as part of their assignment, feedback on the program and research project will be requested throughout the internship experience.
Required:
BS, MS or PhD student in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Crop Science, Agronomy, Horticulture or related field of study
Detail and results-oriented individual with the ability to work independently and in team settings
Interest in exploring a career in agriculture
Detail and results-orientation with the ability to work independently
Strong motivational, organization and problem solving skills
Proficiency in MS Word and MS Excel
Self-motivated, strong organizational skills and problem solving abilities
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Preferred:
Experience in statistical analysis and field experimental design
Prior nursery or farm experience
Previous studentship completed in related area
Experience in characterizing plant phenotypes for disease/quality/morphological traits
Join our global team where your contribution will make a real difference
We are looking for enthusiastic and committed candidates. Placements will be made in line with Monsanto’s Employment Equity Policy.
