Program Leader Plant Biotechnology

Location

Zwijnaarde

Working hours

Full-time

Contract Type

Permanent

Working area

R&D

Join the team

As part of BASF Seed and Traits R&D, our Trait Research team focuses on designing, creating, and testing gene-based solutions for herbicide tolerance, pest, and disease control in key crops such as soybean, oilseed rape, wheat, and cotton. We are currently seeking a talented, motivated, and inspiring Program Leader to join our Trait Research team at the R&D Innovation Center in Ghent, Belgium. In this role, you will lead programs with associated internal activities and external collaborations to ensure the timely and cost-effective delivery of commercially viable traits for pest and disease control.

Responsibilities

You will manage multiple programs focusing on Pest and Disease Control traits in key crops, transforming business objectives into groundbreaking research projects.
You will define and communicate innovative program goals and develop a competitive research strategy to achieve high-quality trait delivery.
You will collaborate with a functional team of technicians and scientists in both lab and greenhouse environments to assess program progress. You will make informed decisions to meet objectives and critical milestones while optimizing resource use.
You will propose cutting-edge trait concepts and enabling technologies. You will develop and implement research strategies leveraging state-of-the-art knowledge and technology, including strategic collaborations with third parties to enhance scientific competitiveness.
You will regularly update stakeholders and internal R&D governance bodies on program developments and new opportunities.
You will work closely with Intellectual Property colleagues to ensure program competitiveness. You will develop a proactive patenting and licensing strategy, along with conducting thorough competitor IP analyses in the field.

Qualifications

You hold a PhD in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a relevant life sciences field with a focus on plant biotechnology, or possess equivalent experience, along with a minimum of 3 years of relevant program leadership experience.
You understand crop business strategies and the principles of value creation for growers, enabling you to align research initiatives with market needs.
You have developed scientific expertise in multiple Ag-biotechnology fields, preferably including Pest and Disease Control, enhancing the breadth of your contributions.
You have a proven track record of providing scientific and functional leadership for both internal and external program work packages, effectively managing collaborations with partners.
You excel in developing innovative research proposals that incorporate novel technology platforms to advance project objectives, ensuring a competitive edge.
You possess strong leadership and team coaching skills, motivating and inspiring others while fostering collaboration in diverse environments with a multicultural mindset.
You demonstrate proactivity and have well-developed communication and negotiation skills that facilitate effective interactions with stakeholders at all levels.
You build a culture of innovation by creating an environment that supports creativity and by coaching and developing talent within your team.
You are fluent in English, allowing you to communicate effectively in a global context.

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.
A good work-life balance where regular working from home is possible.

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.