Trait Testing Junior Researcher

Location

Zwijnaarde

Working hours

Full-time

Contract Type

Permanent

Working area

R&D

Join the team

Within BASF Seeds and Traits R&D, Trait Testing refers to the production of high-quality plants, seeds and data to allow selection of the best performing events in controlled environment. The team grows and evaluates plants for crops such as wheat, soybean, oilseed rape and cotton, and produces and ships seeds for further evaluation in the field. Trait Testing is embedded in the Trait Research department that focuses on design, creation and testing of genetic engineering, genome editing and mutagenesis-based traits.

We are seeking a Junior Researcher to join the Trait Testing group at our R&D Innovation Center in Ghent, Belgium.

Responsibilities

In this role you will be part of Trait Testing and support delivering on R&D projects at a competitive cost, speed and quality.
Together with your colleagues, you will be highly involved in workflow-based operations as well as in technology development, digitalization and platform innovation.
You will independently implement, design under supervision and coordinate (in consultation with relevant stakeholders) experimental approaches to achieve critical milestones for assigned tasks, with an initial focus on transgenic oilseed rape activities.
You will timely interpret, analyse and report with appropriate level of detail the outcomes of experimental approaches and ensure data integrity and data quality (under supervision).
You will support innovation and digitalization by identifying, proposing and implementing workflow improvements for Trait Testing processes.
You are a recognized role model in understanding and complying with company standards (QMS, Health, Safety, Biosafety, Stewardship, …).
You will act as a role model with respect to the BASF CORE values (Creative, Open, Responsible, Entrepreneurial) and culture.

Qualifications

You have a master’s degree in Life Sciences or equivalent through experience.
You possess a minimum of 3 years experience in plant research activities.
In your field of expertise, you are able to keep abreast of new developments, and convert these into technical innovation plans.
You can advise on research project strategies by providing technical and literature-based input.
You are known for your pragmatism, hands-on mentality and have experience in coaching and lateral leadership.
You have experience in experiment planning and prioritizing.
You have an innovative and digital mindset in process/efficiency improvement.
You possess advanced computer skills leveraging digital tools and data to drive innovation in R&D.
You have strong networking skills, and you are able to interact and cooperate with stakeholders, effectively managing communication and change within a complex, matrix organization.
You are fluent in both English and Dutch, orally as well as in in writing.

Benefits

A full time 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 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.