Molecular Grass Breeder | Wolfheze

You will oversee and supervise the running of our forage grass breeding programs in the Netherlands. You will be fascinated by modern and innovative breeding technologies and constantly on the look-out for how to apply these to create the best varieties for the market.

The uniqueness of grass breeding is the enormous amount of genetic variation and the emerging possibilities presented using novel genomic technologies.  From marker-assisted selection to genomic prediction, from mutation breeding to novel phenotyping technologies and digital image analysis, your focus will be on innovation.

To develop these unique processes, you will work closely with assistant-breeders, the molecular lab and bioinformaticians.

• Scouting for and implementation of new breeding technologies, including creation and management of (internal and external) research projects aimed at research innovations which can drive breeding forward (e.g. selectable markers linked to important existing or novel breeding targets)
• Analysis of complex datasets (big data)
• Support of strategic research projects for the greater Barenbrug Group
• Supervision of assistant breeders, lab technicians and bioinformaticians (approx. 7 FTE)
• Molecular support of breeding programs in France and the UK

In order to be successful in this role, you must be:

• Passionate about plant breeding, with a desire to see a project through to its natural conclusion
• Meticulous with high levels of attention to detail
• Innovative, seeking out new ideas and new ways of working
• An effective communicator, confidently communicating information, ideas and concepts to different stakeholders
• A proven people manager, effective in leading and developing a team.

First and foremost, you are meticulous and innovative.  You are fully aware of the importance of accurate data and you are willing to see through long-term plans (given the long development times involved in breeding).  You are able to communicate effectively at different technically complex levels.

• Education in plant breeding to graduate or post-graduate level
• Thorough understanding of modern molecular breeding technologies
• Eager to break down big data and conduct complex analyses
• A good command of the English language (with Dutch considered an advantage)
• Minimum of 3-5 years of relevant work experience

• An inspiring work environment, where every day is different.
• Stability – Barenbrug has been established for over 100 years and is a profitable organization.
• Personal development – Barenbrug is committed to helping you develop your career with training support and opportunities for further education.
• A competitive salary, based on your experience and education.

• A 38.75-hour working week, for a good balance between work and home.
• 28 days holiday plus 2 scheduled days off
• Pension scheme
• An annual bonus, payable in December.

Barenbrug Group is world-leading in the development of amenity and forage grass solutions. However, what makes Barenbrug great is its people.  We develop fantastic grass varieties, we connect with our customers, we provide industry-leading technical advice and we work every day to make a unique contribution to the best grass solutions every day

Barenbrug is a family business in heart and soul.  As a member of our team, you would be part of a vibrant group of people who care about each other.  You would also become part of a business which cares about you and your success as an individual.  Barenbrug is an organization which values everyone's contribution:  you can approach the CEO as easily as you would any other colleague.  In addition, we are socially involved through our foundation "Helping with Hands".  Through this initiative we support charities in the sphere of education, sport or conservation and we encourage all team members get involved, offering one paid day per year to be a charity volunteer.