vacatures in De Heen

Researcher Molecular Plant Developmental Biology

In this position, you will connect research and breeding building new gene-based insights for agronomic traits. Join our multidisciplinary team that uses cutting-edge technologies and strengthen our R&D labs.

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

Your job at Rijk Zwaan

As researcher, you will be embedded in our Trait Biology department that focuses on studying the genetic basis of plant development traits using state-of-the-art molecular technologies. In close consultation with our breeders, this knowledge is translated into the development of new varieties with improved agronomic traits. As an innovator and hands-on researcher, you will be responsible for running different research programs applying molecular, genetics, and cell biology techniques. Both as project lead and in a support role, you will work in multidisciplinary teams together with technicians, other researchers and breeding departments on selected traits in different crops. Daily, you will be involved in:

• Designing hypothesis-driven experiments
• Internalizing the latest ideas on plant development
• Building strategic networks both internally and with academia to strengthen this program
• Executing and analysing plant experiments applying big data skills when needed
• Work with and supervise technicians and interns
• Report and translate your results into tangible breeding 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 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 are highly motivated to perform fundamental research on plant developmental biology and then translate this knowledge to applications in our breeding programs. You are a creative person that thrives on challenges, recognizes opportunities and seeks innovative solutions to achieve results and open new avenues in your research projects. Furthermore, you are motivated to work on multiple lines of research simultaneously across multidisciplinary teams, have affinity with Big Data and in-depth biological knowledge for hypothesis generation. You can balance competing priorities and are able to deal with ambiguity.In addition, we can find the following on your CV:

• A completed PhD in Plant developmental biology with a strong basis in molecular biology or related fields
• Extensive experience with molecular biology, gene studies and genetic networks
• Demonstrable knowledge of the latest technological developments in developmental biology
• A good understanding of the plant breeding process and agronomy traits