Curious (Senior) Scientist Plant Genome Engineering

Location

Zwijnaarde

Working hours

Full-time

Contract Type

Permanent

Working area

R&D

Join the team

At BASF, we believe that curiosity and dedication drive groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in agricultural science. In our organization, we value individuals who take ownership of their work and are accountable for their actions. We foster a can-do attitude to achieve success.

Within BASF Seed and Traits R&D, the Plant Genome Engineering team is embedded in Trait Research that focuses on trait discovery, engineering, and evaluation. Our team combines state-of-the-art transformation techniques, tissue culture and plant regeneration activities to deliver genome engineered plants with differentiating traits through transgenesis, genome editing and mutagenesis. We are also highly experienced in workflow-based operational organization in our trait pipeline aimed at minimizing costs and timelines while ensuring quality.

We are looking for a motivated, result-oriented Scientist to join our Plant Genome Engineering team at the R&D Innovation Center in Ghent, Belgium. We seek a scientist who is passionate about Plant Tissue Culture and finds joy in successful regeneration.

Responsibilities

In this role you are part of the leadership of our Plant Genome Engineering team.
Together with other scientists and experts, you scout, propose, implement, and oversee the needs and relevant business innovation potential in plant transformation, tissue culture, plant regeneration and genome editing technologies in our core field crops —soy, oilseeds, and cotton— based on an understanding of our business strategy.
You will contribute strategically to the development of the research portfolio in support of the scientific leadership of Trait Research.
You independently develop and implement research strategies within assigned research programs, managing both internal activities and external collaborations.
You design hypothesis driven experiments and assess outcomes and adjust research tactics as necessary to ensure relevant results.
You deliver progress updates on critical milestones to all relevant stakeholders.
You lead and coach a functional team of technicians and specialists, working collaboratively with them in the lab to implement effective approaches and efficient workflows and ensure optimal use of resources and cost efficiency.
You organize learning activities in the field of plant genome engineering, and you will lead and coach others into proposing innovative workflow improvements, to actively support the growth of the group’s innovative capabilities and competences.
You represent the company at external seminars, publish scientific articles, contribute to IP filing and its tactics, build a strong internal and external network and act as a BASF internal consultant within the area of plant genome engineering.
You act as a role model with respect to ensuring compliance with the relevant company standards (Quality, Health, Safety, Environment, Biosafety, Stewardship, Regulatory, IP).

Qualifications

You are an experienced scientist, with a PhD degree in Life Sciences or equivalent through experience, with a minimum of 5-10 years of demonstrated and fit-for-purpose experience in the fields of tissue culture and plant regeneration, and plant transformation techniques, essential for this position.
Extended knowledge in plant genome editing to complement with our tissue culture activities is an advantage.
Experience with the process of publishing and with IP strategies and filings is preferred.
You are experienced in proposing and leading research projects and activities, driving results, and designing and implementing novel plant genome engineering technologies for industrial use and throughput.
You embrace the power of teamwork, motivating others and leading beyond your allocated responsibilities, while driving change and overcoming obstacles with an entrepreneurial spirit.
You can build a culture of innovation: creating an environment that supports coaching, training, and developing people to spark innovation and creativity.
You have cross-functional work experience and strong networking skills, enabling you to collaborate effectively in multi-disciplinary environments and build positive relationships with stakeholders on different levels in the organization.
You have excellent communication and presentation skills, incl. public speaking and are fluent in English, both orally as well as in writing.
You have a modern digital mindset, and experience with using digital tools and technologies to drive innovation and optimize R&D processes to support business objectives.
Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and data management is preferred.

Benefits

A permanent contract within an attractive working environment in a professional and motivated team.
A role offering challenging assignments and responsibilities, along with excellent career opportunities.
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.