Molecular Data Analyst

Location

Zwijnaarde

Working hours

Full-time

Contract Type

Permanent

Working area

R&D

Join the team

Within BASF Seed and Traits R&D, the Molecular Biology (MB) group provides state-of-the-art expertise in DNA-, RNA- and protein-based molecular characterization of plant materials. The group identifies, develops, and implements novel technologies and is highly experienced in workflow-based operational organization aimed at minimal cost and timelines while ensuring required quality. MB is embedded in the Trait Research department that focuses on the design, creation, and testing of novel plant traits, and supports the transgenesis-, genome editing- and mutagenesis-based workflows.

For the Molecular Biology group in our R&D Innovation Center in Ghent (Belgium) we are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Molecular Data Analyst to support us with the automation and digitalization of our molecular data analysis workflows.

Responsibilities

As a Molecular Data Analyst you will be responsible for designing and analyzing molecular experiments run within our department.
As a member of the MB team, you will develop data analysis tools/workflows/applications (python, R-packages, apps, …) enabling team members with different skill sets to efficiently analyze their data and report on their experiments.
You work closely together with other digital specialists in Trait Research and beyond and will build a strong network with and be a point of contact for Digital Teams within the BASF R&D department to follow up on running projects. In the context of our path to digital maturity, you will take up a role as Solution Designer when required.
As a data analysis-expert you will provide support in the design and analysis of complex experiments.
You have freedom to shape and optimize existing and future data workflows and are expected to further develop your expertise and to stay on top of state-of-the-art methodologies in the public domain.
You become part of a multidisciplinary team in a stimulating work environment where creativity and innovation are part of the key drivers and where you get the opportunity to closely interact with and learn from multiple R&D research programs and the scientific community within Trait Research.
Coaching and supporting the team on our path to digital maturity and overall data savviness will be part of your role.

Qualifications

You have a master’s degree in data science, bioinformatics, computational biology or similar (or equivalent by experience) and have minimum 4 years of working experience as a molecular data analyst or in a similar role.
You are an expert in Phyton scripting and code development. You have excellent knowledge of and hands-on experience with statistical programming languages (R) and a track record in developing R-packages. Representing data visually in a way that facilitates their understanding and interpretation is a skill you master. Having experience with workflow management systems (like SnakeMake, Nextflow) is considered a plus.
You have specific plant biotech and molecular biology domain knowledge and are familiar with the most common molecular characterization techniques.
You are an expert in data management, data mining and integration of large datasets from various sources, ensuring data quality and consistency. You have a good understanding of FAIR data management principles, database structures, use of APIs and reproducible data analysis.
You have a strong problem-solving aptitude and are skilled in identifying data interdependencies and correlations
You are a good networker and can effectively communicate complex findings and insights to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
You are able to understand the business context and the objectives behind the data analysis. You use this to provide insights that drive decision-making and strategy.
You thrive in an environment where the team is more important than the individual, where trust is built through giving and receiving open feedback, and where we take responsibility for our actions.
Last but not least, you look forward to working in an international environment where a good communication in English (speaking and writing) is key.

Benefits

Responsibility from day one in a challenging work environment and “on-the-job” training as part of a committed team.
Competitive compensation, including attractive benefits as well as excellent career opportunities in an international company.
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.