Senior Seed Germination Testing Specialist

Job Title: Senior Seed Germination Testing Specialist

Location: United Arab Emirates (Remote)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Work Arrangement: 100% Remote — Work From Home

Level: Senior

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Seed Germination Testing Specialist to provide technical expertise in seed viability assessment, germination performance analysis, seed quality evaluation, and testing protocol oversight. The role focuses on reviewing germination test results, assessing seed lot performance, identifying factors affecting germination, and evaluating compliance with applicable seed quality standards.

The successful candidate will support seed producers, agricultural suppliers, laboratories, and quality assurance teams by interpreting test data, investigating germination inconsistencies, and recommending improvements to seed quality monitoring and testing procedures. This is a fully remote technical position involving laboratory data review, statistical analysis, documentation verification, and virtual coordination. Physical seed testing and sample handling must be performed by qualified local laboratory personnel.

Key Responsibilities

• Review seed germination testing reports for agricultural, horticultural, ornamental, and commercial crop varieties.
• Evaluate germination percentages, normal seedling development, abnormal seedlings, hard seeds, and dead seeds.
• Analyze seed lot performance and identify variations between batches, varieties, suppliers, and storage periods.
• Review laboratory records covering seed sampling, test preparation, germination conditions, observation schedules, and final counts.
• Assess the influence of moisture, temperature, oxygen availability, light conditions, and dormancy on germination performance.
• Evaluate germination test methodologies for different seed types and species.
• Review seed viability assessment results, including tetrazolium testing and other recognized viability methods.
• Analyze dormancy-related findings and review the suitability of documented dormancy-breaking treatments.
• Assess the relationship between seed storage conditions, ageing, deterioration, and declining germination capacity.
• Review seed vigour indicators, including seedling growth measurements, accelerated ageing results, and other relevant testing data.
• Investigate discrepancies between declared germination rates, laboratory results, and supplier quality specifications.
• Evaluate the consistency and reliability of seed testing procedures against applicable International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) rules and other recognized standards.
• Review laboratory quality control records, equipment calibration documentation, environmental monitoring data, and testing procedures.
• Identify recurring causes of poor germination, abnormal seedling development, and inconsistent test outcomes.
• Recommend improvements to seed testing protocols, sample evaluation procedures, and quality monitoring systems.
• Support the development of seed lot performance dashboards, germination trend reports, and technical assessment documents.
• Coordinate remotely with seed laboratories, agronomists, seed producers, research institutions, and agricultural quality teams.
• Assist with technical investigations involving seed purity, viability, vigour, storage stability, and supplier performance.
• Monitor developments in seed science, germination technology, seed certification practices, and agricultural quality standards.
• Maintain accurate digital records of test reviews, analytical findings, corrective actions, and technical recommendations.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Seed Science, Agronomy, Agricultural Science, Plant Science, Botany, Horticulture, or a related discipline.
• Master's degree in Seed Technology, Plant Physiology, Crop Science, or Agricultural Research is an advantage.
• Significant experience in seed testing, germination analysis, seed quality assurance, or agricultural laboratory operations.
• Strong understanding of seed physiology, viability, dormancy, germination, and seedling development.
• Knowledge of germination testing procedures for cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, and other crop seeds.
• Familiarity with ISTA rules, seed certification requirements, and recognized seed quality testing standards.
• Experience reviewing germination percentage, seedling classification, seed vigour, and viability testing results.
• Understanding of seed ageing, deterioration, moisture management, and storage-related quality changes.
• Familiarity with tetrazolium testing, accelerated ageing tests, and other seed viability or vigour assessment methods.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality management, equipment calibration, environmental controls, and testing documentation.
• Ability to investigate inconsistent results and identify potential sampling, testing, or environmental factors.
• Strong statistical analysis, data interpretation, and technical report-writing skills.
• Proficiency in spreadsheets, laboratory information management systems, and digital seed quality databases.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently and coordinate with international laboratory and agricultural teams in a fully remote environment.

What We Offer

• 100% remote working arrangement from home.
• Opportunity to contribute to seed quality assurance and agricultural productivity initiatives.
• Exposure to international seed testing practices and modern seed science methodologies.
• Collaboration with multidisciplinary laboratory, agronomy, research, and quality assurance teams.
• Competitive compensation based on qualifications and relevant industry experience.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit an updated CV highlighting their seed germination testing experience, seed viability assessment expertise, laboratory data analysis capabilities, and relevant agricultural qualifications.

Application Subject: Application – Senior Seed Germination Testing Specialist (UAE Remote)

Candidates should confirm applicable employment arrangements, residency requirements, and work authorization before accepting an offer.

• Role Scope: This position is limited to remote technical review, germination data analysis, testing protocol evaluation, and documentation oversight. Physical seed sampling, sample preparation, seed treatment, germination testing, seedling evaluation, laboratory equipment operation, environmental monitoring, and on-site inspections must be performed by qualified local personnel in appropriately equipped facilities. Official seed certification, phytosanitary declarations, regulated seed quality approvals, regulatory submissions, and statutory testing sign-offs must be completed by appropriately accredited or authorized professionals.