Plant breeder/geneticist : Career development

Promotion to senior research and breeding positions is dependent on ability, performance and experience. Progression will involve increased responsibilities, including supervision, project management and senior management. In larger companies, an increase in seniority will involve a shift from direct laboratory and field work to more strategic and budgetary responsibilities.

Commercial opportunities exist in international companies, specialised seed firms and an increasing number of biotechnology and genetic engineering firms. Opportunities are also available overseas.

In research councils and institutes, career development would involve moving through bands from research scientist to senior research scientist.

If you have studied for a PhD relating to plant breeding, it will be possible to go on to take up a post-doctoral position, possibly then moving to a senior research fellowship. 

Because of the reduction in vacancies and the small size of plant breeding/development teams in most settings, developing your career can be challenging.