Molecular Breeder Location by Negotiation

About The Kiwifruit Breeding Centre (KBC)

Our vision at the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre is to deliver the worlds most irresistible healthy fruit. For Good. Through accelerated research better fruit and better outcomes - for our people our regions our planet.

The Kiwifruit Breeding Centre is a 50/50 joint venture between Plant and Food Research Group and Zespri International. We work together to drive greater innovation in kiwifruit breeding and to create healthier better tasting and more sustainability-focused varieties to create more value for Aotearoa New Zealand.

At KBC we encourage the team to live by ourK.I.W.I Values

• BeKeen be positive be proud and bring your best.
• Take theInitiative have courage get stuck in and enjoy your work.
• OneWaka pull together achieve more faster and trust and be trusted.
• Act withIntegrity respect each other be open and honest and speak up.

About the Role

Working across New Zealands main kiwifruit growing regions KBC brings together a diverse team with the shared goal of accelerating genetic gain and ensuring the kiwifruit industry remains internationally competitive.

We are seeking a Molecular Breeder to strengthen our breeding team and ensure genomic tools are fully embedded in our cultivar development pipeline. This role bridges the gap between genetic discovery and applied breeding translating molecular insights into practical outcomes.

The Molecular Breeder will lead the development and application of molecular markers support marker-assisted and genomic selection and identify novel alleles that can be deployed to accelerate progress. The role will work closely with breeders statistical geneticists and molecular biologists to integrate molecular data into breeding strategies and parent selection ensuring better and earlier decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and apply molecular breeding strategies aligned with KBCs trait priorities and breeding goals.

• Discover and validate novel alleles and trait-linked molecular markers through GWAS QTL mapping and pangenome analyses.

• Lead marker-assisted and genomic selection ensuring robust pipelines for earlier and more accurate selection.

• Collaborate with breeders and data scientists to integrate molecular data into selection and crossing strategies.

• Support the application of gene editing and functional genomics where appropriate.

• Contribute to research projects publications and presentations that strengthen KBCs capability and profile.

• Build collaborations with Plant & Food Research Zespri and international partners to bring new tools and ideas into the programme.

About You

We are looking for someone who brings strong molecular breeding expertise and can apply it directly to cultivar development. The successful candidate will have:

• A postgraduate qualification (PhD preferred) in plant breeding molecular genetics or a related discipline.

• Strong knowledge of molecular genetics trait discovery and breeding systems.

• Experience with GWAS QTL mapping and marker development and applying these molecular insights directly into breeding programmes.

• Proficiency in bioinformatics and data analysis tools (R Python or similar).

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work across disciplines.

• A results-driven practical mindset with a strong interest in applying science for impact.

Why Join Us

• Contribute to the development of new kiwifruit cultivars with global impact.

• Work in a collaborative environment that brings together leading expertise in breeding genomics and data science.

• Be part of a long-term strategy to deliver more better and faster genetic gain for the kiwifruit industry.

• Opportunities to work in some of New Zealands main kiwifruit growing regions.

Location Options:Te Puke Kerikeri Motueka Palmerston North Auckland or Lincoln

Please request a copy of the Position Description from:

How to Apply

If you are ready to apply your molecular breeding expertise to deliver real impact in kiwifruit wed like to hear from you.

Apply Now to join KBC and help shape the future of kiwifruit innovation!

Applications close: 3 October 2025