Junior Researcher Crop Genetics

Location

Zwijnaarde

Working hours

Full-time

Contract Type

Permanent

Working area

R&D

Join the team

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.

Within BASF Seed and Traits, the Crop Genetics Team provides genotyping and molecular genetic support to Oilseed and Wheat breeders to expedite their development of new elite varieties. Crop Genetics works with breeders to genetically map native trait loci (i.e. agronomic/disease/quality) and deploy markers for their selection during breeding. Crop Genetics works with the high throughput labs to provide the genotype data and analysis for all marker-assisted breeding decisions, from simple trait tracking to genomic selection for complex traits. To enable this the team is also responsible for designing and implementing all genotyping strategies and supporting analytical routines.

We are currently seeking a Junior Researcher in Crop Genetics with an analytical mindset to join our group at our R&D Innovation Center in Ghent, Belgium.

Responsibilities

As a Junior Researcher, you will be implementing workflow-based operations for marker-assisted selection and marker-assisted backcrossing projects and providing high quality conclusions under supervision.
You will interact with various partners (lab, breeding, discovery breeding).
You will assist the team in the development and testing of new markers and assays.
You will contribute to the testing of new analysis tools.
You will apply advanced data analysis pipelines under supervision.
You will ensure that the molecular breeding repositories are kept up to date.
You are a recognized role model in understanding and complying with company standards (Quality Management System, Health, Safety, Biosafety, Stewardship, …).
You will comply to the BASF CORE values (Creative – Open – Responsible – Entrepreneurial) and culture.

Qualifications

You hold a Bachelor or a Master’s degree in Plant Biology, Biotechnology, Life Sciences or equivalent through relevant experience.
Experience in the field of analysis or development of genetic markers is a plus.
You have good knowledge and understanding of genetic analyses, and high-density genotype data management.
Knowledge of oilseed rape and/or wheat genetics/genomics is a plus.
You work accurately and you are flexible to meet tight deadlines.
You are self-organized, and you have very good planning and reporting skills.
Team player: able to integrate in various project teams; self leadership.
You excel at engaging internal and external stakeholders, effectively managing communication and change within a complex, matrix organization.
Effective and proactive communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written English.

Benefits

A permanent contract within an attractive working environment in a professional and motivated team.
A role with challenging assignments and responsibilities.
An attractive base salary in relation to your diploma and competencies, an annual bonus and extra-legal benefits.

Come join us in bringing the lab to the field

About BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division

Everything we do, we do for the love of farming. Farming is fundamental to provide enough healthy and affordable food for a rapidly growing population, while reducing environmental impacts. That’s why we are working with partners and experts to integrate sustainability criteria into all business decisions. We invest in a strong R&D pipeline, combining innovative thinking with practical action in the field. Our solutions are purpose-designed for different crop systems. Connecting seeds and traits, crop protection products, digital tools and sustainability approaches, to help deliver the best possible outcomes for farmers, growers and our other stakeholders along the value chain. With teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we do everything in our power to build a sustainable future for agriculture. In 2023, our division generated sales of €10.1 billion.

For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or our social media channels.

Application process

1. Application

You found the job you like on our website. Time to hit that ‘apply’-button and let us know who you are through the application form.

2. First encounter

We are intrigued by your application and call you immediately. At this point you can expect questions like: What motivates you? And what are your skills?

3. Interview

The call went great! So here you are, ready for your interview with HR and a hiring manager. We want to know more of your story and of course, you can ask about our story as well.

4. Contract

Welcome to our team. When can you start? So we can everything ready for your first day. You know, computer, paperwork, cake, balloons …

5. Onboarding

We welcome you with open arms and get you up and running. Including our eye-opening bootscamp, from the lab to the field.