Internship Digital Phenotyping

During this internship, you will explore how digital phenotyping strengthens our soft fruit breeding programs. You will work with high‑tech imaging systems, collect data, and contribute to the further development of this innovative technology.

Netherlands , Dinteloord
Internship
Master | Bachelor

Apply now

Your Internship at Rijk Zwaan

Every day, we work on developing new vegetable and soft fruit varieties. To work more efficiently, we are transitioning to data‑driven breeding, using data to predict the performance of new hybrids. Reliable and objective phenotypic data is essential in this process.Through digital phenotyping, imaging, and sensor technology, we can collect this data faster and more accurately. Within Breeding Berries, we operate a machine capable of analysing more than 10,000 fruits per hour. During your internship, you will help implement and apply this technology within the breeding process. Specifically, your activities will include:

Collecting both manual measurements and digital data from soft fruit (such as shape, colour, and weight)
Checking and comparing the measurements produced by our imaging machine to assess accuracy
Performing statistical analyses to determine the precision and reliability of the digital measurements
Using validated data to create simulations and propose selection decisions within the breeding process
Supporting the practical implementation of the new digital phenotyping machine within the team

Where Will You Be Working?

Rijk Zwaan is an international, family‑owned company with a people‑oriented culture and a strong position at the beginning of the food chain. We develop vegetable and fruit varieties and sell the seeds to growers and other partners worldwide. In doing so, we contribute significantly to global food supply.As an intern, you will join a team of 14 specialists. Within this department, you will work daily on the development of new soft fruit varieties for the global market. Throughout your internship, you will gain hands‑on experience across different departments at our locations in Fijnaart and Dinteloord.

Your contribution:

You enjoy working independently, are not afraid to ask questions, and like to fully understand how things work. You have a research‑oriented mindset, enjoy working with data, and are curious about the possibilities of digital phenotyping in modern plant breeding. You have an eye for detail, work accurately, and enjoy combining technology with biology. We also look for:

A HBO or MSc student in Biology, Plant Sciences, or Plant Breeding
Proficiency in English (Dutch is a plus)
Availability starting in May, for a minimum of 4 months

What Can You Expect From Us?

You will make a valuable contribution to the development of reliable and objective phenotypic datasets. In addition, we offer:

An internship allowance of €500 per month (based on a 38‑hour work week)
Plenty of room for initiative and personal development
Monthly intern lunches
Fresh soups, salads, and/or fruit

Interested?

Help develop the vegetables of tomorrow as an intern within the Breeding Berries department! Click ‘Apply’ and upload your CV and motivation letter. You will receive a response within 10 working days.Would you like to know more about this internship? Esther van der Wel (Recruiter) is happy to help. You can reach her at e.van.der.wel@rijkzwaan.nl.