Systems Biologist

Location

Zwijnaarde

Working hours

Full-time

Contract Type

Permanent

Working area

R&D

Join the team

BASF is a multinational company dedicated to revolutionizing agricultural science. We are committed to developing innovative solutions that address global challenges in food security and sustainability. Our diverse team combines expertise in computational protein engineering, artificial intelligence, and plant molecular biology to create cutting-edge technologies that redefine the agricultural industry.

We are seeking a dynamic and highly skilled Systems Biologist to join our innovative team. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of machine learning models in the field of biological data analysis, a deep interest in plant molecular biology, and solid communication skills. As a crucial member of our research and development team, you will identify opportunities to leverage advanced AI models for mode-of-action analysis and for lead identification and optimization, and you will apply them to enhance crop traits for increased resilience and yield.

Responsibilities

As an AI scientist specializing in biological data analysis, your primary responsibility will be to develop and apply methods for modeling biological systems. The models will focus on understanding the intricate biological networks that connect molecular biology data with physiological traits. For instance, you will explore phenomena like weed resistance to herbicides, assess mechanisms that underpin eco-toxicity, or uncover gene regulatory networks. These models will help identify actionable targets, such as those relevant to trait development in plants or to discovering new modes of action for crop protectants. By integrating biological data using computational techniques, you will enable in-depth analysis of causes and effects within the fields of crop protection and crop science applications.
Enable scientists to use the Computational tools you developed via apps or interfaces. Integrate these into the available internal infrastructure.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including wet-lab and field experts, to integrate advanced methodologies into broader crop improvement programs. Identify creative opportunities for developing desired agronomic traits, by leveraging on your expertise in molecular biology and machine learning methods.
Contribute to the development and execution of research plans, experimental designs, and data analysis pipelines.
Stay abreast of the latest advancements in systems biology, AI methodologies, graph methodologies, and plant molecular biology, and apply this knowledge to drive innovation within the company.

Qualifications

Ph.D. or equivalent in Systems Biology, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, or a related field.
Demonstrated expertise in modeling biological data, networks, signaling networks, gene network reconstruction, ontologies, and biological sequence data.
Proficient in AI and data science methods like Python, R, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and an aptitude for graph modeling, user interface building, pipeline development, containerization, and deployment on different environments. Excellence in statistical methods and deep learning algorithms implementation for Biology applications
An entrepreneurial attitude, with the ability to identify innovation opportunities that leverage on knowledge in molecular biology and machine learning methods. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience in conveying complex scientific concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary research environment.

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 attracting benefits as well as excellent career opportunities in an international company.

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.