The endowed non-profit foundation, "Improvement of Perennial Plants for Food and Bioenergy" (IPPFBE) located in Richmond, UT (13 mi N of Utah State University) is searching for a dedicated, field-oriented Plant Breeder to fill the position "Director of Plant Breeding Research". IPPFBE's mission is the "Scientific selection and improvement of underutilized perennial plants for the production of food, timber, and energy and the preservation and enhancement of soil for the benefit of all."

The Director of Plant Breeding Research will manage and participate in an innovative, highly productive, very long-term program of cultivar development and population improvement leading to dramatic improvements of underutilized perennial plant species adapted to the harsh environments of Intermountain western USA and similar environments throughout the world. We prefer a person with a PhD in plant breeding, good management skills, extensive applied field research experience and a broad knowledge of supporting disciplines in agricultural sciences, and a vision of enhancing our soils, water, and climate and providing service to humanity. However, a highly qualified scientist with an MS degree and the willingness to develop the additional capabilities required by this position will also be considered. There are no restrictions placed on the applicant's gender, race, religion, nationality, or ethnic background, but they must be able to work legally in the United States of America for many years and have a highly moral character and excellent work ethics.

The successful applicant will be expected to participate in appropriate professional societies and grower organizations, publish in both refereed and popular journals, and participate and direct grant applications and other fund raising activities. He or she should have excellent time and resource management and interpersonal skills.  The Director will be expected to build an efficient and effective research team, which includes training and supervising fellow employees and working cooperatively with IPPFBE officers and all members of the IPPFBE Board of Directors.

The current emphasis of the IPPFBE plant breeding research program is on the genetic improvement of Persian (English) and black walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, sweet-pitted apricots, almonds, and pistachios. Preliminary studies have also been initiated on chestnuts, hickories, low-tannin oaks, Korean and Siberian pine nuts, and sea buckthorn, and also range-type grasses, forbs, and shrubs for grazing, soil and water conservation and the production of bioenergy.

Many underutilized perennial plant species have undergone little to no scientific breeding. As such, they offer vast and exciting opportunities for substantial genetic and cultural improvements. Improved perennial plants are needed globally for food and energy security, climate enhancement, and soil improvement. They will produce the increase in global biomass required to harvest carbon dioxide in the amounts sufficient to reduce and eventually reverse global warming. The global enhancement and use of perennial plants should provide remunerative employment for millions of workers in both developing and developed nations and help create a prosperous and peaceful global bio-economy.  Following the mission of IPPFBE, the Director of IPPFBE Plant Breeding Research would be in a highly leveraged position to make a very considerable contribution to society, both present and future.  

A competitive salary and benefits package will be offered based on the applicant's qualifications, experience, and long-term job performance as the Director of IPPFBE Plant Breeding Research.

Applicants should send:

• A CV
• Copies of transcripts and relevant publications
• A statement of their personal research goals and interests including how they would contribute to the IPPFBE mission
• Names, phone numbers, and addresses of four references

The information above should be sent to the Search Committee Chair Reed Funk at 711 South State Street, Richmond, Utah 84333.