Experienced Team Leader Plant Genome Engineering

Location

Zwijnaarde

Working hours

Full-time

Contract Type

Permanent

Working area

R&D

Join the team

At BASF, we believe that great leadership is the foundation of innovation and growth. 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.

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 Seeds 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 aimed at minimizing costs and timelines while ensuring quality.

We are looking for a motivating, results-oriented leader for our Plant Genome Engineering team at the R&D Innovation Center in Ghent, Belgium. A people manager, who is passionate about collaboration and developing high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

In this role you will be leading a team of researchers and technicians.
You will run processes of people and team development, including performance management, conflict resolution, coaching and talent development.
You will ensure that your team is compliant with all existing safety, stewardship and quality standards.
You will manage human, scientific, infrastructure & financial resources in line with business strategy.
You will contribute to our research strategy and coordinate its implementation through planning and prioritization to ensure that research projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to high-quality standards.
You will contribute to our technical and digital innovation strategy to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of our Plant Genome Engineering processes by translating requirements into practical projects with relevant milestones.
You will be hands-on involved in the lab, actively driving initiatives and empowering others to take ownership of their roles.

Qualifications

You are an inspiring leader who gets energized by working with people and who has a strong affinity for the Agrobiotech industry, particularly in the Plant Biotech sector.
You have a Master’s degree in Life Sciences (or equivalent through experience) with a minimum of 10 years lab experience preferably in plant tissue culture, regeneration, transformation and genetic engineering activities.
You can demonstrate maturity in people management through multi-year experience in developing and coaching researchers and technicians in line with their needs and motivations.
You have experience with Human Resources management.
You have up-to-date knowledge of the feasibility, timelines, and costs of plant biotechnology R&D lab processes, along with strong project and stakeholder management skills to effectively plan, prioritize, and coordinate our Plant Genome Engineering activities.
With experience in workforce planning and prioritization, you know how to drive our Plant Genome Engineering operations and technologies.
You have an innovative mindset for improving processes and efficiency, using your technical and digital skills and experience.
You have strong communication and presentation skills and will promote collaboration across key functions in our complex, multi-disciplinary environment.
You are fluent in Dutch and English, both orally and in writing.

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.

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.