Researcher

Researcher in Molecular Plant Reproduction Biology

In this role you will apply advanced molecular biology, cell biology and biochemistry tools to improve crop-specific traits. As Researcher (PhD level) you will work in a multidisciplinary R&D team in Fijnaart in close interaction in the Breeding departme

• Netherlands , Fijnaart
• Laboratory | Research & Breeding
• PhD

Your job at Rijk Zwaan

As a Researcher you operate in our R&D group Trait Biology that aims to build a basic understanding of different plant traits relevant for our growers and the breeding process itself. Our aim is that breeders can use this knowledge to select in a faster and more efficient way new genetics to improve our crops. You are responsible for research projects on reproduction traits and plant development in our crops. We use state-of-the-art molecular and cell biology techniques to study plant phenotypes - both at the microscopy and whole plant level. To achieve this, you are responsible for designing hypotheses, translate trait opportunities into research projects, and use your knowledge on the biology to unbox the underlying mechanisms and gene networks. Building a strong network of different (internal) stakeholders is key including organizing frequent contacts with other researchers and breeding departments. The multidisciplinary projects that you lead, are executed together with technicians from the department. Daily, you will be involved in:

• Literature review and communication between groups
• Design of hypothesis-driven experiments
• Execution and analysis of experiments including big data skills
• Working with technicians and/or supervising interns
• Reporting and transfer of obtained results into tangible outcomes

Where will you be working?

Rijk Zwaan is an international family-owned company with a people-oriented culture. Rijk Zwaan is at the beginning of the food chain. We develop vegetable and fruit varieties and sell the seeds to growers and other chain partners all over the world. We make an important contribution to the world food supply.In our laboratories about 100 colleagues work in the field of plant biotechnology. Working as a researcher in Rijk Zwaan means working in an environment where you can put the results of fundamental research into practice. You will work in our R&D team which currently consists of 31 colleagues.

Your contribution:

You are a proactive researcher with strong communication and analytical skills. You can translate crop-specific questions from breeders to clear research objectives and can translate research results into our breeding practice. You are a creative person that seeks innovative solutions to achieve results and open new avenues in your research projects. And you are motivated to work on multiple lines of research simultaneously across multidisciplinary teams. You can balance competing priorities and are able to deal with ambiguity.In addition, we can find the following on your resume:

• A PhD in Plant developmental biology with a strong basis in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, or related fields
• Experience with practical research in lab or greenhouse settings
• Experience in the field of plant reproduction or male sterility is preferred.
• You are aware of the latest technological developments including an understanding of crop breeding using cell biology.