Program Leader

Location

Zwijnaarde

Working hours

Full-time

Contract Type

Permanent

Working area

R&D

Join the team

Within BASF Seed and Traits R&D, Trait Research focuses on the design, creation and testing of candidate leads as gene-based solutions for herbicide tolerance, pest and disease control in key crops including soybean, oilseed rape, wheat and cotton. We are currently seeking a talented, motivated, and inspiring Program Leader to join our Trait Research team at the R&D Innovation Center in Ghent, Belgium. In this role, you will lead Programs with associated internal activities and external collaborations to ensure the timely and cost-effective delivery of commercially viable traits for Pest and Disease Control.

Responsibilities

You lead one or more Programs for different Pest Control or Disease Control traits in different key crops by translating business objectives into innovative research projects.
You set clear Program goals and articulate an innovative and competitive research strategy to meet these goals and to ensure the efficient delivery of high-quality traits.
You evaluate progress of Programs with support of your functional team (technicians and scientists in the lab and greenhouse) and take decisions to ensure the achievement of objectives and critical milestones with optimal use of available resources.
You propose innovative trait and enabling technology concepts and develop and implement research strategies using state of the art know-how and technology by including suitable third-party collaborations to ascertain scientific competitiveness of the Program.
You proactively report on the progress of your Program developments and new opportunities to all relevant stakeholders and internal R&D governance bodies as requested.
You work closely with Intellectual Property colleagues to ensure Program competitiveness by building a proactive patenting (and, if needed, licensing-) strategy and ensure a competitor IP analysis in the Program field.

Qualifications

You hold a PhD in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a relevant life sciences field (or possess equivalent experience) and have a minimum of 3 years of relevant Program leader experience.
You understand crop business strategies and the principles of value creation for growers.
You have developed scientific know-how in multiple Ag-biotechnology or expertise fields, preferably including Pest- and/or Disease Control.
You have a track record of providing scientific and functional leadership for internal and external program work packages, effectively managing collaborations with partners, and excel in developing innovative research proposals that incorporate novel technology platforms to advance project objectives.
You possess strong leadership and team coaching skills, motivating and inspiring others, while fostering collaboration in diverse environments through a multi-cultural mindset.
You demonstrate proactivity, with well-developed communication and negotiation skills that enable effective interactions with stakeholders. You build a culture of innovation by creating an environment that supports creativity and by coaching and developing people.
You are fluent in English.

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 regular 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.