Recruiter's Glossary

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Seed Genetics

Term from Agriculture industry explained for recruiters

Seed Genetics is a field that focuses on improving crop plants through breeding and DNA selection. Think of it like designing better versions of seeds to grow crops that are more resistant to diseases, produce higher yields, or can better survive drought. This work is essential in modern agriculture, similar to how car manufacturers improve their vehicles over time. Companies like Monsanto (now part of Bayer), Pioneer, and Syngenta employ professionals in this field. When you see this term in a resume, it usually indicates the person has worked on developing or testing new crop varieties.

Examples in Resumes

Managed Seed Genetics research projects resulting in 3 new corn varieties

Conducted field trials for new Seed Genetics developments in soybeans

Led team of 5 scientists in Seed Genetics and Plant Breeding program

Typical job title: "Seed Geneticists"

Also try searching for:

Plant Breeder Crop Scientist Agricultural Researcher Plant Geneticist Seed Research Specialist Agronomist Plant Improvement Specialist

Where to Find Seed Geneticists

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Industry Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you manage a large-scale seed development project from start to finish?

Expected Answer: Look for answers that show experience managing multiple breeding programs, understanding of timelines (usually 5-10 years for new varieties), and ability to coordinate between lab work and field trials. They should mention stakeholder management and regulatory compliance.

Q: What strategies have you used to improve drought resistance in crops?

Expected Answer: The candidate should explain their experience with selecting plant traits, running field trials under different conditions, and using data to make breeding decisions. They should also mention working with different environmental conditions.

Mid Level Questions

Q: Can you explain how you select plants for breeding programs?

Expected Answer: They should describe the process of identifying desired traits, using both traditional breeding methods and modern genetic tools, and explain how they track and document plant characteristics.

Q: What experience do you have with seed quality testing?

Expected Answer: Look for familiarity with standard testing procedures, understanding of quality metrics like germination rates and purity, and experience with documentation and regulatory requirements.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What's the basic process of plant breeding?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the fundamental steps of selecting parent plants, cross-pollination, and testing offspring for desired traits in simple terms.

Q: How do you record and track breeding data?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of basic data collection methods, understanding of tracking systems, and attention to detail in record-keeping.