Assistant Breeder Spinach V2
Assistant Breeder Spinach
At KWS Vegetables, we’re always exploring what’s next in Vegetables. Better varieties, smarter breeding technologies and new ways to turn genetic potential into value. As our Assistant Breeder Spinach, you’ll be right at the heart of it.
You combine plant science with hands-on breeding. From planning trials and making crosses to collecting phenotypic data and exploring new breeding technologies, you help turn breeding ideas into tomorrow’s spinach varieties.
You’ll work closely with breeders, the pre-breeder, farm and greenhouse teams, breeding technicians and colleagues across different locations. Together, you make sure breeding activities run smoothly, data is reliable and trials deliver the quality our breeding program needs.
You’ll be based at our R&D Center in Andijk, where you’ll become part of our international Vegetable Squad and get plenty of opportunities to grow your expertise in breeding operations, phenotyping, genotyping and breeding technologies.
Your responsibilities
Plan and coordinate sowing, transplanting and breeding trials from seed to seed.
Ensure trials are executed according to breeding protocols, timelines and quality standards.
Collect, validate and document phenotypic observations and ensure breeding data is accurate and traceable.
Coordinate lab requests and sampling for DNA extraction and record molecular marker data in our breeding software.
Execute crossing programs and support pollination activities.
Coordinate seed harvest, processing and inventory management and evaluate seed quality.
Prepare and coordinate seed shipments for international trials, including required documentation.
Guide and support greenhouse personnel, farm technicians and breeding technicians during breeding activities.
Coordinate with different teams to plan and prioritize seasonal breeding activities.
Support the implementation of new breeding technologies, phenotyping methods and digital tools.
Contribute to pre-breeding, research and improvement projects that strengthen our breeding processes and technologies.
To seed your future, you've got the following skills
Bachelor’s degree (HBO/BSc) in Plant Sciences, Agronomy, Horticulture, Crop Science or a related field.
Affinity with plant breeding and applied crop science.
Strong planning and organizational skills.
Excellent attention to detail and quality.
Experience with data collection and Microsoft Excel.
Able to work independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
A practical, hands-on mindset with a strong interest in greenhouse and field activities.
Curious about phenotyping, genotyping and new breeding technologies.
Good command of both Dutch and English, written and spoken.
A valid driving licence and willingness to travel when breeding activities require it.
Reasons to develop your talents within KWS Vegetables
Work at the heart of our spinach breeding program and contribute to the varieties of tomorrow.
Combine hands-on breeding with plant science, data and technology.
Follow the breeding process from seed and trial to crossing and the next generation.
Work alongside experienced breeders, pre-breeders and technical specialists.
Explore new technologies and methods in phenotyping, genotyping and digital breeding.
Develop your expertise in breeding operations, trial management and breeding technologies.
Join an international Vegetable Squad where curiosity, collaboration and exploring what’s next are part of the job.
