BASF

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Agriculture plays a fundamental role in fulfilling many of humanity's basic needs: food, feed, and energy. To support growers and those who take care of our environment, BASF develops innovative solutions for farming, pest control and landscape management - so that we can effectively contribute to improving people's lives and business' demands. Come join us on our journey at the Innovation Center of BASF Belgium Coordination Center CommV in Astene, Belgium

The primary responsibility of this role is to enhance and support the Oilseeds Discovery Breeding activities by providing planning, execution & management of native trait discovery and germplasm enhancement projects. The Junior Discovery Breeder will ensure the project milestones to enhance success rate in delivering new native traits to InVigor hybrid pipelines to marketplaces.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage discovery breeding experiments and activities including plan, design, execute, take notes, collect, analyse data & report results. Accurately maintain breeding database records and seed storage inventories.
• Coordinate lab logistics to ensure high quality sample and meet the timeline of lab need.
• Enhance breeding efficiency by leveraging genomic insights, data science, analytics and deploying rapid and prescriptive recombination schemes in rapeseed.
• Develop and trouble-shoot strategies and research to gain efficiencies in developing new discovery populations.
• Establish a wide germplasm pool, including evaluation, maintenance and improvement.
• Contribute to design and assess & implement new breeding methodologies, tools and technologies in pilot projects.
• As necessary, supervise and train both full-time and temporary staff, and facilitate team interaction.
• Ensure compliance within Quality Management Systems and BASF Environmental Safety and Health (ESH) programs.
• Monitor expenditures and future resource needs, as well as aid in the supervision of capital projects associated with discovery breeding activities.
• Interact with other BASF Oilseeds breeding and research teams to further research efforts.
• Closely interact with other oilseeds discovery breeding & breeding team members.
• High collaboration with other Seed and Trait R&D functions.
• Limited travel, both domestically and internationally.

QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in Plant (Molecular) Breeding or related scientific field (i.e. Genetics, Biotechnology, etc.), or M.S. in Plant Breeding, bio-engineering or related field with 3+ years plant breeding/research experience.
• Knowledge of molecular breeding processes, techniques and methods MAS, MABC, GS ect.
• Excellent time-management skills, especially in setting and meeting project timelines, organizational and analytical skills.
• You have effective communication skills, both verbally and written in Dutch and English.
• You are a team player. You are positive, enthusiastic, flexible, pragmatic and you have a getting-things-done mentality.
• You are an innovative thinker in process & efficiency improvement
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, Visio, PowerPoint. 
• Experience in analysis of large biological data sets, quantitative genetics, statistical genetics, genetic mapping, diversity analysis, quantitative genetics, genome wide selection and visualizations outputs, as well as coding experience in R and/or Python,
• Experience in native trait and canola breeding or other Brassica crops or experience in pest resistance would be an asset.

BENEFITS

• Responsibility from day one in a challenging but dynamic work environment and "on-the-job" training as part of a committed team.
• Competitive compensation including attractive benefits.
• Development discussions and programs so that you can reach your full potential.
• A dynamic team with enthusiastic colleagues.
• Onboarding to help you settle in quickly, ensuring you are part of the BASF team from day one.
• A good work-life balance with possibility of remote working according to the company policy.

ABOUT US

BASF is a multinational company dedicated to revolutionizing agricultural science. We are committed to developing innovative solutions that address global challenges in food security and sustainability.

If you need more information about the process or the vacancy, please reach out to talent-acquisition-belgium@basf.com

At BASF, the chemistry is right.

Because we are counting on innovative solutions, on sustainable actions, and on connected thinking. And on you. Become a part of our formula for success and develop the future with us - in a global team that embraces diversity and equal opportunities irrespective of gender, age, origin, sexual orientation, disability or belief.