Hybrid Wheat Technician

Location

Astene

Working hours

Full-time

Contract Type

Temporary

Working area

R&D

Join the team

Are you an experienced technician with a passion for plant breeding, greenhouse work and innovative agricultural technologies? We invite you to join us as Hybrid Wheat Technician in Belgium. In this position, you will support BASF’s Hybrid Wheat program by executing the Single Seed Descent (SSD) method for the female breeding pipeline and by contributing to innovative wheat breeding technologies. You will combine hands-on greenhouse and post-harvest activities with planning, documentation, data review and reporting, helping to shorten generation cycles and develop high-performing female parental lines.

Responsibilities

Independently execute greenhouse activities for female line development, including growing, maintaining and evaluating plants and seed samples, monitoring plant growth, phenology and diseases, and applying speed cycling where feasible.
Perform crosses, harvest plant material, process seed, and plan leaf or seed sampling for genotyping and Marker Assisted Selection.
Manage the seed storage inventory and troubleshoot and maintain seed-processing equipment, including laboratory threshers and sorters.
Share technical knowledge and supervise interims or seasonal workers for specific workflows.
Plan and supervise plant growth protocols, seed processing and other greenhouse activities, materials and equipment to ensure timely delivery.
Maintain accurate digital records covering plant development, crossing, harvest, seed processing, sampling and storage.
Review, record, compile, summarize and report data according to company standards.
Follow work instructions, standard operating procedures and safety requirements, and collaborate with local teams and other functions on operational, technical and safety topics.

Qualifications

At least three years of relevant experience in agriculture, biology or a related discipline, including experimental work.
Good knowledge and understanding of greenhouse operations, plant growth, crop protection, agricultural and laboratory procedures, cereal breeding or applied plant research.
Experience with crossing, spike harvest, seed processing and relevant equipment, combined with the mechanical aptitude to operate, troubleshoot and adapt equipment.
Willingness to perform approximately 85% hands-on greenhouse and post-harvest work.
Ability to carry out activities independently, collaborate in a diverse team and communicate effectively.
Proficient computer skills for documentation, inventory management and reporting.
A strong commitment to safe work practices, including the safe handling of chemicals.
Good English and Dutch language skills. A valid Belgian phytolicense is considered an asset.

Benefits

A fixed-term contract for a period of two years within an attractive working environment in a professional and motivated team.
A role with challenging assignments and responsibilities in an innovative hybrid wheat breeding program.
Interesting learning and development opportunities to help you make the most of your talents and your job.

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.