About Confluence Genetics
Confluence Genetics develops soybean technologies and varieties that create value from farm-gate to feed, food and fuel end-markets by unlocking the natural genetic diversity of plants. The Company leverages their proprietary CropOS™ machine learning platform with proprietary germplasm data and speed breeding technologies in our Crop Accelerator facility to drastically accelerate and simplify the product development process. This platform allows for cost-effective and more efficient ways to analyze and make improvements in plant genetics. Confluence Genetics brings a unique and holistic approach to our product and platform development, as we span a broader workflow involving trait and seed development, genome editing, and breeding all the way to creating better ingredients and varieties that tap a strong customer demand. More information can be found online at https://confluence.ag/.

Our Purpose and Core Values

Our Core Values are a set of common principles we share that are fundamental to our company's identity. Real. Inspired!

Real. We show up with honesty, accountability, and purpose. We lead with integrity and speak with candor, knowing that trust and transparency drive performance. We challenge each other respectfully and stay grounded in what matters—our shared mission and one another.
Inspired! We’re driven by possibility and energized by progress. With open minds and a bold spirit, we embrace change, take smart risks, and push boundaries. We stay curious, creative, and connected—to each other, our partners, and the future we’re building together.

Department Overview

The Product Design Team is responsible for the development of technology platforms and products designed to support the future growth, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability of the company. As part of its platform development efforts, Breeding conducts a wide range of research activities, namely in the areas of trait discovery and validation, molecular detection, biochemical assays, plant growth, and molecular breeding, to name a few. These activities are aimed at developing new capabilities in crop research, the outcome of which is then leveraged to create new product development opportunities and shorten the time to market. The department leverages its platform capabilities and extensive know-how in biology and crop science, along with the computational expertise housed within Data Science & Platform Engineering, as well as the market insights of the Business Development and Commercial teams to design and create new and improved crop varieties, which offer tangible benefits to farmers and consumers, specifically in the areas of sustainability, health and nutrition.

Position Summary

The primary responsibility of Breeder II is to manage a commercial variety development program focused on improved nutritional profile of the grain. The Breeder must have an affinity for the application of technology in soybean breeding and a strong innovation mindset. Rapid establishment of expertise on the identification, expression and phenotyping of target traits in soy germplasm and across growing environments is expected. As a Breeder II, the candidate will be expected to learn and assist in Product Design pipeline execution focused on the development of new populations using genomic prediction. The successful candidate will possess excellent collaboration skills and ability to lead through influence. The position will be based in Champaign, Illinois.

You Will:

Manage the product development program focused on improved compositional traits for soybean relative maturity groups 3.5 to 5
Work closely with the breeding operations team on the establishment and execution of nursery and yield trial plans.
Actively lead phenotyping coordination with the Champaign, IL operations team.
Identify and communicate strategic improvement opportunities to the breeding program with leadership and other teams across the organization.
Execute data analysis and results interpretation within the relative maturity zone, and nominate candidates for commercial variety development program
Engage actively with other breeders and scientists to build tools and processes that accelerate genetic gain in the breeding program.
Assist with prediction models validation targeting accuracy during varietal advancements
Work closely with the Product Design breeding team to learn state-of-the-art software for population development and assist in selections.
Perform other duties as assigned.

You Have:

(Competencies and Qualifications)

Education

MS degree or PhD (preferred), in plant breeding, genetics, crop physiology, pathology, or related field.

Experience

4+ years experience in a crop breeding program

Software/Skillset

Excellent skills in breeding, molecular breeding, and phenotyping
Strong understanding of experimental design, scientific concepts, approaches, application, and interpretation.
Strong data management skills and ability to use proprietary and commercial analytical applications
Proficient in R or Python programming is preferred.
Experience with technology applications that support and accelerate breeding such as data analytics, imaging and visualization, machine learning, environmental analysis, physiology, pathology, etc.

Other

Action-oriented and able to deliver timely results
Strong organization and problem-solving capabilities
Strong people leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
Ability to travel to trial and nursery locations and for other supporting activities

Confluence Genetics LLC

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Breeder II (IL)