Team Leader Trait Testing

Location

Zwijnaarde

Working hours

Full-time

Contract Type

Permanent

Working area

R&D

Join the team

Within BASF Seed and Traits R&D, the Trait Testing team is embedded in Trait Research that focuses on trait discovery, engineering, and evaluation.

Our team combines state-of-the-art plant cultivation and plant evaluation techniques, greenhouse management and seed logistics activities to deliver improved plants with differentiating traits through transgenesis, genome editing and mutagenesis.

We are also highly experienced in workflow-based operational organization aimed at minimizing costs and timelines while ensuring quality.

We are looking for a motivated, results-oriented Team Leader to join our Trait Testing team at the R&D Innovation Center in Gent, Belgium. A people manager, who is passionate about collaboration and developing high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

Leadership of a team of technicians and specialists within the Trait Testing operational department.
Oversight of team development processes, including performance management, conflict resolution, coaching, and talent growth.
Assurance of compliance with safety, stewardship, and quality standards across all activities.
Management of human, scientific, infrastructure, and financial resources in alignment with strategic business goals.
Contribution to the Trait Research Strategy, with coordination of its implementation through effective planning and prioritization to ensure timely, high-quality, and budget-conscious project delivery.
Support for technical and digital innovation by translating operational needs into practical projects with clear milestones.
Active involvement in greenhouse operations, driving initiatives and fostering ownership among team members.
Embodiment of BASF’s Winning Behaviors: Own it – Drive it – Excel in it.

Qualifications

Proven leadership capabilities and a passion for coaching and developing teams.
Experience in people management aligned with both individual aspirations and organizational needs.
Background in Human Resources management and workforce planning.
Solid understanding of plant biotechnology R&D processes in greenhouse environments, including feasibility, timelines, and cost structures.
Strong project and stakeholder management skills to effectively coordinate Trait Testing activities.
Innovative mindset focused on process improvement and operational efficiency, supported by technical and digital expertise. Experience with digital tool implementation is a plus.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, with a collaborative approach across multidisciplinary functions.
Master’s degree in Life Sciences or equivalent through experience, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional background.
Experience in plant cultivation and evaluation under controlled conditions is highly valued. Familiarity with crops such as Oilseed Rape and Soybean is considered an asset.
Fluency in English (spoken and written) is essential; proficiency in Dutch is advantageous.

Benefits

A permanent full-time contract within an attractive working environment in a professional and motivated team.
Responsibility from day one in a challenging but dynamic work environment and “on-the-job” training.
Competitive compensation includes attractive 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.