Eucalyptus Tree Improvement Specialist

Job Title: Specialist – Eucalyptus Tree Improvement Program.

Location: Pangkalan Kerinci, Riau, Indonesia.

Department: Research and Development.

Reports To: Eucalyptus Tree Improvement Program Leader.

Position Type: Full-Time.

About the Company

Asia Pacific Resources International Limited (APRIL) Group is one of the largest, most technologically advanced and efficient makers of pulp and paper products in the world. We make products that are used by millions of people every day in liquid packaging, printing and writing paper, tissues, shopping bags, food packaging, magazines and books. Our products, including our flagship PaperOne office paper, are proudly marketed and sold in more than 70 countries around the world. Our business is built on a Sustainable Forest Management Policy. Our operations include a state-of-the-art pulp and paper mill and plantation forests in Riau Province, Sumatra, Indonesia. We directly employ more than 5,000 people and 90,000 more work in businesses that supply or support us. Our pulp and paper is capable of producing up to 4.0 million tons of pulp and 1.15 million tons of paper per year. The mill is one of TOP FIVE MOST EFFICIENT pulp and paper mills in the world. It uses world-class engineering and technology to produce quality pulp and paper products. We operate the mill on the principles of “lean manufacturing”, which results in efficient practices in the use of energy and water and in minimizing emissions.

About the Role

As a breeding specialist your aim will be to develop useful traits in Eucalyptus sp. such as wood volume, bole straightness, wood properties targeting cellulose production, disease resistance and wind firmness. Your role will be vital to the forest industry as there are constant challenges to meet market requirements and consumer demands, and to increase and maintain yield. The recurrent selection methods we employ has been enhanced. You will use your expertise to quickly and accurately select trees containing the desired phenotype.

Responsibilities

• Develop research methods and techniques for improving the breeding cycles;
• Identify and select plants exhibiting desirable traits;
• Coordinate the crossing program to produce new breeding populations for field and greenhouse trials;
• Analyze and scientifically assess breeding trials to select the best genotypes;
• Manage scientific projects, which may be laboratory and/or field based;
• Provide technical support for mass-scale tissue culture plant production;
• Coordinate the data management and system to provide accurate breeding records of trials and germplasm;
• Manage, support and train technical and field staff;
• Support orchard management and seed production;
• Assist the Company nurseries with technical support to ensure efficient plant production for deployment;
• Keep up to date in the fast-moving area of science and translate ideas from scientific literature into new approaches to breeding problems;
• Write and present work to other scientists and company teams;

Qualifications

The role requires an experienced person with a proven science background in tree breeding, biology, botany and plant science, molecular biology, genetics – ideally with applied experience in the forestry / agriculture sector. A postgraduate degree in this area of science or a related field is preferred. Previous experience working with Eucalyptus management in the tropics is a considerable advantage. Additionally the candidate should be able to demonstrate experience in some of the following fields;

Requirements

• PhD degree with or without experience; or Master degree with minimum 2 year experience.
• Advanced or fluent English and good communication (written and oral).
• Able to design and execute tree breeding strategies for operational deployment and conservation.
• Able to run statistical analysis and desirable knowledge in R.
• Knowledge in tree breeding trials designs, establishment, maintenance and assessment.
• Knowledge in selection of plus trees, families and clones for growth, wood properties, pest & diseases tolerance, and site-matching allocation.
• Knowledge in orchards establishment, maintenance, early flowering and controlled pollination techniques.
• Knowledge in seeds production (Harvesting, Processing and storage).
• Knowledge in vegetative propagation techniques and nursery production.
• Good team work and results oriented.
• Ability to perform outdoor activities in a regular weekly basis.
• Willing to be located on site (Riau Indonesia).
• Male or Female with strong work ethics as an individual as well as team (working with multi-national and multi-cultural team).