Monsanto Plant Breeding Interns & Co-ops receive hands-on experience at one of our breeding locations. During this paid,6-month or 1 year assignment, students gain exposure not only to the Plant Breeding function, but also to the other related Monsanto functions such as Marker Labs, Seed Production Plants, and Transgenic Development groups and high-throughput laboratories giving a broad overview of the career opportunities available at Monsanto
The Monsanto Plant Breeding Student Program is committed to providing students with the unique opportunity to gain a practical, first-hand understanding of Monsanto’s commercial plant breeding program. Plant Breeding students receive the guidance of Site Supervisors who outline general responsibilities, provide regular feedback, assist in project assignment and completion, and arrange for the student to receive opportunities to visit other functions.
Responsibilities:
Interns are assigned to supervisors who outline general responsibilities, assist in project assignment and completion, and arrange opportunities to visit other functions in addition to daily responsibilities which include:
  • Nursery or yield plot planting and harvesting
  • Plot establishment and maintenance
  • Data collection
  • Plant pollination
  • Assisting with management of seasonal employees
Projects will provide exposure to breeding trials, as well as genetic analysis of vegetable traits, which may include inoculation of disease trials, analysis of genotyping and/or phenotyping data, genomic analysis, and genetic mapping.
Responsibilities
All Students are assigned a specific research project
Successful candidates will work both independently and in collaboration with other teams, and provide thoughtful analysis to their assigned research project. At the conclusion of the program, interns will present the results of the research project to an audience of peers and scientists. In addition, as part of their assignment, feedback on the program and research project will be requested throughout the internship experience.
Required:
  • BS, MS or PhD student in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Crop Science, Agronomy, Horticulture or related field of study
  • Detail and results-oriented individual with the ability to work independently and in team settings
  • Interest in exploring a career in agriculture
  • Detail and results-orientation with the ability to work independently
  • Strong motivational, organization and problem solving skills
  • Proficiency in MS Word and MS Excel
  • Self-motivated, strong organizational skills and problem solving abilities
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Preferred:
  • Experience in statistical analysis and field experimental design
  • Prior nursery or farm experience
  • Previous studentship completed in related area
  • Experience in characterizing plant phenotypes for disease/quality/morphological traits
To apply for this job email your details to morgan.banda@monsanto.com