Junior Researcher with a Digital Mindset

Location

Zwijnaarde

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 and pest control – 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.

We are seeking individuals who thrive in a culture of creativity, openness, responsibility, and entrepreneurial spirit. In our organization, we encourage and celebrate innovative thinking, where ideas flow freely and are nurtured. We value individuals who take ownership of their work and are accountable for their actions. We foster an entrepreneurial mindset, where taking calculated risks and seizing opportunities are encouraged to drive growth and success. Join our team and be part of an environment that values and rewards creative thinking, collaboration, and a can-do attitude.

Within BASF Seed and Traits R&D, Screening refers to exploring genetic diversity using functional bioassays. The Screening group in Trait Research is responsible for developing and performing functional bioassays for early selection of candidate leads, based on interactions between small molecules and plant target genes but also interactions between proteins, RNA and DNA. A diverse range of biological screening systems (insects, yeast and plant based) are being developed to solve a specific research question. Screening is embedded in the Trait Research department that focuses on design, creation and testing candidate leads as gene-based solutions for crop improvement.

We are seeking a Junior Researcher with a digital mindset to join the Screening group at our R&D Innovation Center in Ghent, Belgium. This role will focus on supporting discovery screening activities related to both weed and pest control.

Responsibilities

As a Junior Researcher, we expect you to design and implement experimental approaches within research programs, providing high quality data and conclusions under supervision.
You are a recognized role model in understanding and complying with company standards (QMS, Health, Safety, Biosafety, Stewardship, …).
You represent the Screening team within a cross-functional group dedicated to driving innovation through digitalization in R&D.

Qualifications

You have a master’s degree in Life Sciences or equivalent through experience.
You possess 1 to 3 years of experience utilizing a variety of laboratory techniques. Additionally, experience in conducting functional bioassays, such as the development of pest or weed control assays and performing statistical analyses, is highly regarded. Familiarity with digitalization within R&D will be considered an asset.
You possess advanced computer skills and have a strong passion for leveraging digital tools and data to drive innovation in R&D.
You excel at engaging internal and external stakeholders, effectively managing communication and change within a complex, matrix organization.
You are fluent in both English and Dutch.

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 occasional 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.