Within the Limagrain Europe Research Center, located in Chappes (France, Puy-de-Dôme, near Clermont-Ferrand), Limagrain Field Seeds Research (LFSR) is looking for an Expert in Artificial Intelligence (AI) on a permanent contract in order to reinforce its Data Analytics platform.

As an Expert in Artificial Intelligence, you will contribute to the deployment of AI by developing methods and decision support tools for research activities related to plant breeding and more particularly for field seeds.

The range of applications is quite large and potentially reaches all the research areas covered by the Data Analytics platform: genomic selection/prediction, image analysis, optimization of selection processes, signal detection, etc.

You will work in close collaboration with our various departments to identify opportunities for AI implementation and actively contribute to the development of appropriate solutions.

The aim of the Data Analytics Platform is to test and develop data analysis and decision support tools, methods and guidelines to help breeders and support functions create better performing varieties more quickly. The techniques used are based on different fields of statistics including machine learning.

Your main missions will be to:

- Evaluate and design data analysis and decision support tools based on AI and in particular Deep Learning type networks for our prediction or data classification applications in connection with our research activities. Identify, use and possibly adapt existing neural networks to address our problems. Design new neural network architectures for specific needs not covered today.

- Deploy AI in research: Participate in strategic thinking on the deployment of AI in our breeding applications: data storage and structuring, IT infrastructure, integration into existing processes... Work in close collaboration with our researchers and experts to identify opportunities for the deployment of new tools based on AI in our breeding processes and make proposals.

- Provide AI expertise: Act as an Expert in AI. Provide recommendations/advice on the methods and neural network architecture to be used according to the problems encountered. Raise awareness of the LFS scientific community on AI-related issues and promote them.

- Carry out a scientific and technical watch in AI: Maintain a bibliography on the subject. Participation in scientific conferences/seminars. Identify potential collaborations with academic or industrial actors.

- Ensure training and support: Ensure training and support for the tools and methods developed.

Skills we are looking for:

- PhD in Artificial Intelligence or equivalent. The candidate must have a first significant experience (2 years minimum) in the development and implementation of AI methods for industrial or academic applications, ideally in plant or animal breeding.
- Excellent knowledge of AI methods and more particularly of Deep Learning type approaches.
- Proficiency in Python, R or other programming languages commonly used in AI.
- Experience with Deep Learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, Keras or PyTorch.
- Good knowledge of collaborative development tools like Git, Azure DevOps and Conda would be appreciated.

- Demonstrates autonomy and thoroughness. Results oriented.
- Good interpersonal skills, able to work in a team.
- Project management skills.
- Ability to interact in an international, multicultural and multidisciplinary environment. Fluent in written and spoken English. Written and spoken French would be a plus.
- Occasional travel is expected.

What we can offer you :

Joining our Limagrain Europe teams means benefiting from opportunities for growth and professional development within a dynamic and collaborative work environment. It means having the chance to contribute to cutting-edge research to help shape the agriculture of tomorrow. It means working in a diverse and inclusive environment where innovation, creativity and collaboration are encouraged and valued.

Joining Limagrain Europe also means benefiting from various advantages:

- An attractive salary and a bonus based on objectives
- 214-day work agreement
- Family health insurance
- Supplementary pension plan
- Works council benefits
- A "life balance": telecommuting agreement for compatible positions up to 8 days/month,
- Company restaurant
- An integration program and regular training

Limagrain Europe is committed to diversity and inclusion, which are sources of progress and wealth for the company, and offers equal opportunities to all candidates.