Greenhouse Technician Oilseed Rape Breeding

Location

Astene

Working hours

Full-time

Contract Type

Permanent

Working area

R&D

Join the team

Agriculture plays a fundamental role in fulfilling many of humanity’s basic needs: food, feed, energy. To support growers and those who take care of our environment, BASF develops innovative solutions for farming, pest control and landscape management – so that we can effectively contribute to improving people’s lives and business’ demands. Come join us on our journey to create solutions for sustainable agriculture at the Innovation Center Gent of BASF Belgium Coordination Center CommV, Belgium.

Within BASF seed and Traits R&D, the European Oilseed Rape Breeding department develops spring and winter oilseed rape hybrids for the EMEA business region. As a Technician in Breeding and with a love for plants, your position involves the executing of a broad range of Greenhouse experiments in a reproducible and reliable way as input for the Oilseeds Breeding hybrid program.

The person we are looking for will be located on our breeding station in Astene, Belgium and will be part of a team of several fellow plant-loving colleagues. You will report directly to the Greenhouse Team Leader.

Responsibilities

As a Technician, you will be hands-on involved in the execution of greenhouse projects including project management and practical implementation covering the seed-to-seed workflow.
This includes sowing, transplanting, plant sampling, seed production, seed harvesting and seed cleaning.
You will acquire knowhow and maintain agility in plant crossing activities.
You will ensure optimal growth conditions for the crop, and you will monitor plant pests and diseases proactively.
You will strictly plan the Greenhouse activities reckoning the oilseed field season to meet tight deadlines.
You will plan and execute your work independently in alignment with the team goals. You are willing to take initiative and to take on additional tasks and responsibilities.
You will record, compile and summarize data to outline the productions to your supervisor.
You will contribute to optimizing workflows and you will troubleshoot where needed.
A dynamic collaboration with your team colleagues.
When needed, you will provide support to the Doubled Haploid laboratory and greenhouse activities.
You will supervise and train temporary staff.
You will interact with other teams such as Breeders, Doubled Haploid team, Pathology and Field Breeding team, Analytical Lab, Facility Management and Discovery Breeding to ensure continuity in day-to-day operations.
You will act as a role model with respect to ensuring compliance with the relevant company standards (Quality, Health, Safety, Environment, Biosafety, Stewardship,…).

Qualifications

You hold a Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or equivalent through relevant successful experience.
Basic knowledge and interest in plants are essential.
Preferable basic knowledge about Plant Breeding and Molecular Breeding.
Plants are your passion.
You work accurate and you are flexible to meet the tight field season deadlines.
Additionally, you are self-organized, and you have very good planning and reporting skills.
You are a team player.
You have leadership and mentoring skills.
You have effective communication skills, both verbally and written in Dutch and English.
You have troubleshooting and advanced computer skills (Microsoft Office).
You are an innovative thinker in process & efficiency improvement.
You are eager to learn.
Finally, you are positive, enthusiastic, pragmatic and you have a getting-things-done mentality.

Benefits

Responsibility from day one in a challenging but dynamic work environment and “on-the-job” training as part of a committed team.
Competitive compensation including attractive benefits.
Development discussions and programs so that you can reach your full potential.
A dynamic team with enthusiastic colleagues.
Onboarding to help you settle in quickly, ensuring you are part of the BASF team from day one.

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.