Trait & Pathology Research Scientist

As a Solanaceae Pathologist, you will contribute to improving disease resistance in BU varieties by identifying pathogen threats in strategic markets for tomato and pepper crops, and by developing projects and tools to enhance resistance to pathogens.

You will contribute to the overall improvement of varietal development and support competitive and differentiated R&D product pipelines across the three LVS BUs.

The main responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to:

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  Contribute to the definition and implementation of the scientific strategy for disease resistance within your crop portfolio, in line with targeted market needs and considering intellectual property and regulatory constraints.

  
  


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  Propose and manage research projects related to disease resistance, including:

  
  
  
  
  • Identifying pathogens present in key markets, in collaboration with breeding and marketing/sales teams, and studying their genetic diversity
  
  
  • Developing new pathology testing protocols under controlled and field conditions, as well as new phenotyping technologies
  
  
  • Identifying sources of resistance and contributing to the genetic analysis of these resistances
  
  
  • Discovering genes associated with disease resistance/susceptibility
  
  
  
  


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  Define and manage research project budgets, implement the necessary experiments to achieve objectives, analyze results, prepare reports, and present findings in meetings.

  
  


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  Manage a small operational team (assistants, technicians, interns).

  
  


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  Conduct scientific literature reviews to implement innovative methodologies and research findings.

  
  


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  Collaborate with other experts to ensure the effective validation and deployment of new disease resistances within breeding programs.

  
  


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  Work closely with T&T application teams to optimize, transfer, and efficiently implement pathology testing protocols.

  
  

PhD or equivalent in plant pathology, with a specialization in plant disease pathology, you have at least 2 years of relevant experience. Experience within a private-sector organization is considered an asset.

You have strong expertise in plant pathology, particularly in molecular interactions between plants and pathogens, plant disease resistance, and pathogen diversity.
You also have a solid foundation in plant breeding and the use of molecular markers, along with good knowledge of statistics, genetics, and plant physiology.

Experience in managing research projects—from design through implementation (including organization, operational planning, budgeting, data analysis, and interpretation of results)—is a plus to successfully perform in this role.

You demonstrate strong communication skills, including scientific writing (project proposals and reports) and the ability to deliver clear and impactful oral presentations.

Well-organized and a strong communicator, you are able to engage, coordinate, and align project teams to successfully achieve objectives.

Finally, your adaptability enables you to work effectively in matrix, multicultural, and multi-site environments. You will be required to travel within France and Europe, and occasionally internationally (~20%). In this context, you are fluent in English, both written and spoken.

Compensation:

• A fixed salary including a 13th-month bonus


• A profit-sharing bonus based on company performance


• An incentive bonus linked to Limagrain Group results

Benefits:

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  Comprehensive employee and family coverage, including:

  
  
  
  
  • An attractive health insurance plan funded at 60% by HM.CLAUSE
  
  
  • A disability and life insurance plan
  
  
  
  


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  A Company Retirement Savings Plan

  
  


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  A Group Savings Plan

  
  

Additional benefits:

• Access to an extensive training catalog and an e-learning platform to support your professional development


• Opportunities for geographic mobility within the Limagrain Group


• A Sustainable Mobility Package to support eco-friendly commuting, with EV charging stations available on site


• Access to a social support service to assist with administrative processes, everyday matters, and personal situations affecting you or your relatives


• An attractive Works Council (CSE) offering various benefits


• A range of collaborative and social company events throughout the year