Technician Synthetic Biology

Your job at Rijk Zwaan: 

As Technician Synthetic Biology, you will contribute to the development of a new generation of vegetable crops. In this role, you will design and test DNA constructs that are used to study traits in our crop species. You will use the latest modular cloning systems and concepts from synthetic biology. You will help translate a research question into practical tests with all kinds of different molecular techniques, using your broad knowledge of molecular biology. 

Specifically, you will be involved in: 

• Designing new recombinant DNA constructs. 

• Setting up modular cloning strategies and generic BioBricks for various end-applications in molecular biology and biochemistry. 

• The practical lab work including registration in our electronic lab journal and LIMS applications.  

• Conducting independent literature research, including testing and optimizing new methods. 

• Elaborating research results and transferring them within their own department and to other departments within the company. 

Where will you be working? 

Rijk Zwaan is an international family company with a people-oriented culture. Rijk Zwaan is right at the start of the food chain. We develop vegetable varieties and sell the seeds produced from them globally. We take great pride in contributing to the health and well-being of people all over the world. Rijk Zwaan currently employs over 4,200 people globally in over 30 countries. Our most important focus is the growth for our people: we give you every opportunity to use your own initiative and achieve your full potential. 

As Technician Synthetic Biology, you will be part of the Trait Biology research. This team consists of 32 colleagues who are studying new possibilities with which molecular cell biology can contribute to our plant breeding processes. 

You will work together in multidisciplinary projects with researchers from different departments, e.g. bioinformatics, genome biology, biochemistry, phytopathology and also our breeders. In your daily work, you will independently carry out lab work and implement new technologies that strengthen our synthetic biology activities. About 70% of your work will take place in the lab and 30% in the office. 

What you bring: 

You can quickly master new information and molecular genetic techniques and are used to thinking outside the box. You are interested in research into molecular plant cell biology. You work systematically and accurately and can work well together, but also independently. You are also able to present your results clearly, both verbally and in writing. In addition, we can find the following on your CV: 

• A completed MSc degree in biology, biotechnology or a demonstrably equivalent education in life sciences 

• Experience with synthetic biology 

• Good command of the English language  

What can you expect from us? 

• A competitive salary based on job level and experience 

• A permanent contract from the start 

• 25 vacation days and one vitality day 

• A workweek of 30 to a maximum of 38 hours 

• Various training opportunities through our Rijk Zwaan Academy 

• Rijk Zwaan Fit, including running groups and discounts on your gym membership 

• Fresh soup, fruit, and/or salads available daily