Seed Quality Testing Lead

Responsibilities and Duties

• Lead the design, validation, and continuous improvement of seed testing methodologies, including germination, purity, vigor, stress tolerance, emergence, and predictive performance assays.
• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies such as AI-driven imaging, automation, digital phenotyping, and advanced analytics.
• Develop global standards for testing protocols, interpretation of results, and reproducibility across locations.
• Ensure testing methodologies align with Ball's quality standards and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Partner with key customers and external stakeholders to validate methodologies and performance outcomes.
• Provide technical oversight for seed testing operations across Ball's global testing network.
• Ensure facilities, equipment, and capabilities support consistent and reliable execution of testing protocols.
• Review, improve, and maintain testing procedures, documentation, and standard operating procedures.
• Train and develop technical staff on best practices in seed evaluation, growing culture, scouting, and identification of abnormal or inconsistent performance.
• Build strong partnerships with Product Management, Field Technical Teams, and strategic customers.
• Translate customer feedback and field observations into actionable testing improvements and product enhancements.
• Collaborate closely with Seed Technology, Pathology, Diagnostics, Production Research, and Operations teams.
• Support data-driven decision-making and the adoption of new technologies in delivering cross-functional project goals.
• Monitor and evaluate commercial seed inventory quality and performance trends.
• Utilize predictive analytics to identify anomalies, assess risk, and guide decision-making regarding lot quality and release.
• Develop tools and processes that improve forecasting of seed performance under commercial growing conditions.
• Advance the integration of automated data collection, digital evaluation systems, and performance analytics across the seed testing platform.

Education

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Seed Science, Seed Physiology, Plant Physiology, Agronomy, Plant Pathology, or a closely related discipline.
• Candidates with a Plant Pathology background should possess significant seed quality, seed health, or seed physiology experience.
• Applied research experience in seed quality, seed enhancement technologies, post-harvest handling, or seed performance evaluation is strongly preferred.

Experience

• 8–15+ years of progressive experience in seed physiology, seed technology, seed quality research, or related scientific disciplines.
• Demonstrated success developing, validating, and interpreting seed testing methodologies and performance assessments.
• Proven experience improving seed germination, vigor, emergence, and stand establishment through scientific investigation and applied research.
• Experience translating research findings into operational improvements, quality systems, and commercial outcomes.
• Experience with horticultural crops, vegetable seeds, ornamental crops, or other high-value seed systems is strongly preferred.
• Experience working within cross-functional environments, partnering with research, production, quality, operations, and commercial teams.

Technical Expertise

• Deep understanding of:
• Seed germination physiology, dormancy, and vigor assessment
• Seed aging, stress physiology, and emergence biology
• Seed quality evaluation and predictive performance testing
• Hands-on experience with:
• Seed testing systems, protocols, and laboratory operations
• Seed enhancement technologies, including priming, coating, pelleting, and related treatments
• Experimental design, statistical analysis, and interpretation of complex biological datasets
• PREFERRED EXPERIENCE WITH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES:
• Digital imaging systems (RGB, multispectral, hyperspectral, and machine vision)
• Automated testing platforms and digital phenotyping tools
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning applications for seed quality evaluation and performance prediction
• Data analytics and predictive modeling tools

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and use hands/fingers for extended periods of time.
• Ability to occasionally bend, kneel, reach, and lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work in laboratory, greenhouse, and field environments.
• Ability to work in varying environmental conditions, including heat and humidity.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10–15% of the time.

Pay Range

$90K-$110K

Benefits

• Medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance
• 401k/Profit Sharing Retirement Plan
• Paid time off benefits including vacation and holidays
• Tuition assistance
• An onsite subsidized café overlooking 30 acres of renowned display gardens and restored natural areas
• Employee Assistance Program and Positive Health programs