Plant Cell Biology and Engineering Scientist

Location

Zwijnaarde

Working hours

Full-time

Contract Type

Permanent

Working area

R&D

Join the team

At BASF, we believe that curiosity and passion drive groundbreaking innovations in agricultural science. 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.

Within BASF Seed 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, plant cell and tissue culture and plant regeneration activities to deliver genome engineered plants with differentiating traits through transgenesis and genome editing.
We are also highly experienced in workflow-based operational organization in our trait pipeline aimed at minimizing costs and timelines while ensuring quality.

We are looking for a motivated, result-oriented Plant Cell Biologist to join our Plant Genome Engineering team at the R&D Innovation Center in Gent, Belgium. We seek a scientist who is passionate about understanding plant cell biology and finds joy in successful regeneration.

Responsibilities

In this scientist role you are part of our Plant Genome Engineering Leadership Team.

Together with other scientists and experts, you scout, propose, implement, and drive fit-for-business-innovations in plant transformation, cell and tissue culture, regeneration and genome editing technologies in our core field crops – soy, oilseeds, and cotton.
In addition, you design cell-based assays and screening workflows to support crop trait discovery and development.
Leveraging your deep understanding of plant cell biology, you translate fundamental insights into practical solutions that enhance efficiency, robustness, and overall quality.
Based on a solid understanding of our business strategy, you contribute to the development of the research portfolio and support the scientific leadership of Trait Research.
You independently develop and implement research strategies within assigned research programs, managing both internal activities and external collaborations.
Tasks include designing hypothesis-driven experiments, assessing outcomes and making data-driven decisions to adjust research tactics to ensure relevant results.
Progress updates on critical milestones are communicated to relevant stakeholders in a timely and effective manner.
As a functional leader, coaching technicians and specialists is part of your role, working collaboratively with them in the lab to implement effective approaches and efficient workflows and ensure optimal use of resources and cost efficiency.
Organizing educational activities in the field of plant genome engineering and leading colleagues in proposing innovative workflow improvements that actively support the growth of the group’s capabilities and competencies.
You represent the company at external seminars, publish scientific articles, contribute to IP filing and its tactics, build a strong internal and external network and act as a BASF internal consultant within the area of plant genome engineering.
You are a role model with respect to ensuring compliance with the relevant company standards (Quality, Health, Safety, Environment, Biosafety, Stewardship, Regulatory, IP).

Qualifications

You are an experienced Plant Cell Biologist, with a PhD degree in Life Sciences or equivalent through experience, with a minimum of 5-10 years hands-on expertise in plant cell and tissue culture, regeneration, and transformation techniques.
With a deep understanding of plant cell biology and a proven track record of translating fundamental knowledge into practical, fit-for-purpose protocols and transformation and screening workflows.
A demonstrated ability to propose and lead research projects and activities, analyzing results, and designing and implementing novel plant genome engineering technologies and tools for industrial use and throughput.
Experience in assay automation, genome editing, publishing, and securing IP is preferred.
You embrace the power of teamwork, by motivating others and leading beyond your formal responsibilities, while fostering a culture of trust and openness where the status quo is constructively challenged to drive change and continuous improvement.
Fostering innovation through coaching, training, and developing people to spark creativity and to generate new ideas.
You have cross-functional work experience and strong networking skills, enabling you to collaborate effectively in multi-disciplinary environments and build positive relationships with stakeholders on different levels in an organization.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, incl. public speaking and you are fluent in English, both spoken and written.
A modern digital mindset and experience, using digital tools and technologies to drive innovation and optimize R&D processes to support business objectives.
Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and data management is preferred.

Benefits

A permanent contract within an attractive working environment in a professional and motivated team.
Interesting and challenging learning and development opportunities to help you make the most of your talents and your job.
An attractive base salary in relation to your diploma and competencies, an annual bonus and extra-legal benefits.

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.