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Molecular Plant Breeder - Career Profile |
Career OverviewA molecular plant breeder is responsible for the development and enhancement of new and existing plants that are used for food, medicines, or to meet other human needs. The molecular plant breeder works to make the current plants more productive, or even to create new and genetically enhanced types of plants to increase production.
A molecular plant breeder usually works within a laboratory setting but may also work on research farms or other test plots to determine the viability and performance of various breeds and types of plants. The molecular plant breeder is usually the team leader in the research project but works very closely with a team that may include microbiologist, horticulturists, chemists, biochemists and other professionals from the biotechnology and science field.
The molecular plant breeder uses computers, extremely high level scientific equipment, DNA identifiers as well as other advanced level equipment to introduce various molecular and genetic components of plants into other species or types of plants. This work is very exacting and detailed, and a molecular plant breeder has a very good understanding of life sciences, biology and chemistry.
It is very critical for a molecular plant breeder to have excellent communication skills to effectively manage the research team. In addition they must be very well organized and be able to work to deadlines and timelines. Reporting out to stakeholders and supervisors is also part of the job description of a molecular plant breeder, especially when they are the head of the research team.
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Career RequirementsMost research facilities require a Masters or PhD level training for a molecular plant breeder, although some facilities will employ Bachelor level molecular plant breeders with work experience in laboratories. Most of the supervisory roles within the research teams or within facilities will only be given to those molecular plant breeders with Masters level or above training.
Some programs require molecular plant breeders with a specialty in genomes, molecular plant physiology, bioinformatics or other area of expertise. By training in a specialty area as well as a strong general program there may be more opportunity in the various research areas.
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Job OutlookWhile all areas of biotechnology continue to increase in demand for trained employees the area of plant breeding is exceeding the average. This is largely due to the fact that there is simply more population to feed with a decreasing agricultural base. The emphasis is on higher producing grains and other plants to feed the increasing world population.
In addition genetic advances have made it possible to start breeding drought resistant and disease tolerant crops that can now be grown in areas that were previously unavailable for agricultural use.
It is expected that the need for trained molecular plant breeders will continue to grow steadily for the next several years. The additional drive to find alternative fuel sources that are good for the environment will help to drive this requirement both now and in the future.
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Career TrackMasters level and above molecular plant breeders will always have the opportunity to enter both management and supervisory roles with the various laboratories or production facilities that they are employed by. In addition the option to work on a contract basis and travel to different parts of the country, both internationally and nationally provides a great incentive form many to enter this exciting field of study.
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CompensationA molecular plant breeder with a Bachelors level education and some laboratory experience will usually make between $28,000 and $35,000 depending on the facility and amount of experience. Those molecular plant breeders with a Masters level of education or higher and with some supervisory duties will make closer to $50,000 or above per year.
Doctorate level or high level management molecular plant breeders can make in excess of $80,000 per year with significant seniority and years of experience.
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