Team Lead Molecular Phytopathology

As Team Leader Molecular Phytopathology, you will support a team of specialists and integrate multidisciplinary research. Together, you will develop disease-resistant vegetable varieties that contribute to the global food supply!

Netherlands , De Lier
Management | Research & Breeding
PhD

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Your job at Rijk Zwaan

The Phytopathology Research department consists of various teams of specialists who focus on identifying new resistances and uncovering the underlying mechanisms. As Team Leader, you will support and guide the Molecular Phytopathology team, which plays a key role in characterizing the (molecular) interactions between our crops and their pathogens. As a people-oriented leader, you inspire and coach these independent professionals, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to integrate different research domains, including molecular biology, microbial genomics, and classical phytopathology. In this role, your responsibilities will include:

Shaping and implementing a shared vision and developing multi-year plans for the research team
Motivating, guiding, and supporting colleagues in the implementation of their projects
Initiating new research projects in the field of molecular phytopathology
Contributing ideas and collaborating on initiatives within the department aimed at implementing new techniques and software to support research

Where will you be working?

Rijk Zwaan is an international family-owned company with a solid people-oriented culture for 100 years. Rijk Zwaan is at the beginning of the food chain. We develop vegetable and fruit varieties and sell the seeds to growers and other chain partners all over the world. We make an important contribution to the world food supply. The Molecular Phytopathology department consists of researchers and technicians who work closely together on various research projects. Together, they form a committed and skilled team focused on developing and improving vegetable varieties with strong disease resistance.

What can you expect from us?

At Rijk Zwaan, you have the freedom to initiate and conduct research, as well as the opportunity to start projects that directly impact the global food supply. In addition to an innovative work environment where colleagues are open to new ideas and eager to share successes, we offer:

A permanent contract for 38 hours per week
A competitive salary based on job level and experience
Various training opportunities through our Rijk Zwaan Academy, 25 holidays and a vitality day
The option to purchase additional leave days
A good work-life balance
Fresh soups, salads and/or fruit on daily basis

Your contribution:

With your strong communication skills, you bring structure and clarity to a multidisciplinary research environment. You know how to connect people, encourage collaboration, and always keep an eye on the bigger picture. You quickly identify solutions and opportunities, and you effortlessly translate scientific insights into practical applications. You enjoy sharing results and successes in order to make progress together. Because you work in an international context, you have an excellent command of English and travel when necessary to share knowledge and explore new opportunities.In addition, your resume should include the following:

A PhD in molecular phytopathology, molecular biology, microbiology, microbial genomics, and/or proteomics, supplemented by at least two years of relevant postdoctoral research experience
Experience in (most of) the aforementioned domains and proven ability to integrate those in multidisciplinary research projects as research leader
At least three years of experience in supervising, coaching, and supporting colleagues in a project-based or professional environment
Good command of the Dutch language. If you are not yet proficient, you must demonstrate clear commitment and progress toward fluency

Interested?

Contribute to the vegetables of tomorrow as Team Leader Molecular Phytopathology! Click on ‘Apply’ and upload your resume and cover letter. You will receive a response within 10 working days. An assessment is part of the procedure.Would you like to know more about this vacancy first? Contact one of our recruiters on WhatsApp via the contact page.