Scientist Breeding and Biostatistics

Job description

A mutually rewarding experience.

Work. Realize your ambitions. And realize there’s more to being in business than just making a profit. That’s the Mars philosophy. And the opportunity we offer every one of our Associates. An opportunity to take what you do and make it mean more for you, for those around you and for the planet. What you get here is challenging, interesting work. You get the tools you need to do a great job and you get to have the best possible people on your side to help you do it. And at the same time as getting to find ways to do business better today than we did it yesterday and driving a great career, you also get to build a more enlightened business and drive sustainability.

Because it’s never just about a single person, a single project or a single brand. It’s about how you can grab everything that’s within your reach here and use it to pursue mutual, long-term gain. It’s about having ideas. And ideals. Being prepared to risk failure because the promise of success means we’ll all be a little better off. It’s that mix of integrity and ambition that makes Mars such a special place to work. And why working here is always about more than just a job.

About Mars, Incorporated

Mars is a family-owned business with more than a century of history making diverse products and offering services for people and the pets people love. With almost $35 billion in sales, the company is a global business that produces some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, UNCLE BEN’S®, MARS DRINKS and COCOAVIA®. Mars also provides veterinary health services that include BANFIELD® Pet Hospitals, Blue Pearl®, VCA® and Pet Partners™. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire its more than 100,000 Associates to create value for all its partners and deliver growth they are proud of every day.

Scientist-Breeding and Biostatistics

Provides major statistical support to the Cocoa Genetics and Breeding Program. Ensures proper design of experiments to enable statistically sound results. Performs a wide variety of data analyses and collaborates on proper curation of the data in the internal database. Responsible for implementation of quantitative trait improvement through QTL mapping and genomic selection.

What are we looking for?

·  PhD in Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Breeding, Plant Biology, or an equivalent field with strong quantitative skills.
·  Strong knowledge in the application of statistical analytical methods in genetic data analysis and experimental design.
·  Experience in writing proposals and scientific manuscripts
·  Technical knowledge related to statistics and experimental design
·  Ability to function in a multidisciplinary team
·  Experience with innovating solutions for non-model or specialty crops desirable
·  Proficiency in R and Python/sklearn is highly recommended –OR- experience using SPSS/SAS/JMP
·  Ability to write custom analysis pipelines is a plus

What would be your key responsibilities?

·  Owns and manages the research related to genomic selection and identification of quantitative trait loci in the Cocoa Genetics and Breeding team.
·  Supports the development of superior planting material and related technical knowledge for Mars Wrigley and partner organizations.
·  Provides statistical support for field and laboratory experiments of the team researchers.
·  Works closely with the database and informatics lead on data analysis and curating the Mars plant science databases.
·  Provides support on experimental design and statistical analysis to the Applied Breeding team.
·  Plays a major role in the delivery of the cocoa strategy goals by owning the quantitative genetics research program, including QTL discovery and genomic selection.
·  Supports the genetics and breeding team in initiating new projects, assigning priorities reflecting the business goals, and securing resources internally and externally, maximizing the availability of the required skills and competencies.

What can you expect from Mars?

·  Chance to work on global sustainability and development projects
·  An industry competitive salary
·  The opportunity to learn and develop, taking charge of your own career across Mars

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.

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