Breeding Simulation and Optimization Intern
Location:US - Watsonville, CaliforniaJob FamilyInternship & Trainee ProgramsTime TypeFull timeJob Requisition IDR0008643Experience Years0-3 Years of ExperienceEmployee TypeInternAbout The OpportunityThis internship offers students in operations research, industrial engineering, computer science, data science, plant breeding, quantitative genetics, or related disciplines a unique opportunity to work within a highly collaborative agricultural R&D team focused on berry breeding. The intern will work closely with Driscoll’s global breeding teams and breeding analytics scientists, gaining exposure to researchers across field, lab, and leadership roles. The primary responsibilities include simulating berry breeding programs using software such as AlphaSimR, breedSimulatR, PyBrOpS, or comparable tools. These simulations will be based on defined breeding scheme parameters to evaluate long term genetic gain across different breeding scenarios. The intern will then develop optimization strategies—either by leveraging existing tools or designing new algorithms—to recommend improved breeding program designs. As part of building this modeling and optimization framework, the intern will assist in data collection, utilize historical datasets, and perform analytical tasks that support future program development. Additionally, they will have opportunities to participate in hands on breeding activities during peak season, including seedling selection, fruit evaluation, and phenotyping, with the amount of fieldwork tailored to their interests. At the conclusion of the internship, the intern will prepare a written report summarizing their findings and will deliver an oral presentation outlining the results of their primary projects.ResponsibilitiesWork with the breeding teams to understand the foundations and methodologies of berry breedingGain understanding of parameters needed for running simulation for berry breeding programsDevelop simulation framework to monitor long-term genetic gainDevelop optimization strategies/algorithm to various simulated scenariosShare findings through detailed documentation and summarized reportsCandidate Profile**This is a 3 to 4 month internship running from May through August, with some flexibility.**RequirementsCurrently enrolled in a bachelor’s or Graduate program in Operation Research, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Plant Breeding, Quantitative GeneticsStrong R, Python or other programming languagesCoursework in biology, plant sciences, plant breeding, or genetics related subjects is considered a plus Experience in breeding program simulation/optimization and/or operation research is preferred Driver’s license, transportation, and the ability to be covered under a company-sponsored vehicle insurance program. Ability to build components of an overall workflowUnderstand the scientific methodBe attentive to details Be able to work in office, lab, and outdoor field environments (lab and outdoor components) Option to work remotely part of the week.Have great communication skills. Be reliable, honest, and trustworthy. R/Python (Advanced)Operation Research (Intermediate)Plant Breeding (Basic)CompensationThe following information is provided in good faith as a general description of the salary range and benefits for the position posted. The actual compensation offered to the successful candidate is dependent upon experience, skills, education, work location, internal pay equity, and other objective job-related factors.The hourly range estimated for this internship is: Junior to recent grad (Bachelor's level within 6 months of graduation): $19-$23/Master to PhD: $26-$40About DriscollsDriscoll's is the global market leader for fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. With more than 100 years of farming heritage and hundreds of independent growers around the world, Driscoll's is passionate about growing fresh, beautiful and delicious berries. Our values of humility, passion and trustworthiness have guided our mission to delight consumers around the world. Driscoll's exclusive patented berry varieties are developed through years of research using only natural breeding methods – meaning, no GMOs. From farm-to-table, we focus on delivering a high quality, premium berry experience with our many supply chain partners. Driscoll's is the trusted brand for Only the Finest Berries™.Driscoll's es el proveedor líder en la comercialización de Fresas, Frambuesas, Zarzamoras y Arándanos Azules en el mundo. Con más de 100 años de herencia en agricultura y cientos de productores independiente alrededor del mundo, Driscoll's es una compañía apasionada por cultivar Berries frescas, hermosas y deliciosas. Nuestros valores de humildad, pasión y confianza han guiado nuestra misión de deleitar a los consumidores en el mundo. Las variedades exclusivas de Driscoll's han sido desarrolladas a través de años de investigación usando sólo métodos de mejoramiento natural. De la granja a la mesa, nos enfocamos en ofrecer una experiencia de alta calidad con apoyo de nuestros socios de la cadena de suministro. Driscoll's es la marca de confianza de sólo las mejores Berries.Apply NowReturn to Job List