Patent Specialist with biological background

Your job at Rijk Zwaan 

As a Patent Specialist within the Business Support R&D department, you and your colleagues are responsible for managing Rijk Zwaan's patent portfolio. Patent protection is becoming increasingly more important in our sector. Besides developing new varieties and plant traits, innovative techniques are regularly developed that require protection. To this end, you maintain contacts with our researchers and (pre)breeders at home and abroad. You keep up-to-date with the latest developments and are broadly involved in the research and breeding developments within Rijk Zwaan. In addition, you are occupied with: 

• New inventions within the company and writing patent applications 

• Developments within the patent field 

• Examining patent applications of third parties and preparing possible follow-up steps 

• Cooperation with our external patent attorneys 

Where will you be working? 

In De Lier, near Delft, lies the headquarters of Rijk Zwaan. An international family business with a people-oriented corporate culture. Rijk Zwaan is at the beginning of the food chain. We develop vegetable varieties and sell their seeds to growers all over the world. From our position we can and want to contribute to the world food supply. 

As a Patent Specialist, you will be part of the Business Support R&D department. The department works together on Rijk Zwaan's patent portfolio. With regard to patent and plant breeders' rights, Rijk Zwaan follows the Plantum position. Click here for more information about Rijk Zwaan's position on patents and plant traits.  

Your contribution: 

With your creative approach you are able to come up with solutions. You have strong analytical skills and work with a focus on solutions and results. Your excellent communication skills allow you to write easily and you have a good feeling for language. You are enterprising and have a proactive attitude. You are willing to travel abroad several times a year, e.g. for conferences and proceedings. In addition, we can find the following on your resume:  

• A completed academic education in plant science or biology (preferably a PhD) 

• Completed Master Intellectual Property Law and Knowledge or willingness to follow it 

• Knowledge of molecular biology and genetics  

• Broad interest in plant research and law  

• Command of the English language in word and writing   

What can you expect from us? 

You will become part of a dedicated team of professionals where your input and ideas are valued. Besides a people-oriented and international environment, we would like to offer you: 

• A good salary based on job level and experience 

• An immediate permanent contract for a minimum of 30 hours  

• An extensive induction program including introduction to our researchers in The Netherlands and at foreign subsidiaries 

• Various training opportunities via our Rijk Zwaan Academy and specific training courses in the field of Intellectual Property Law and Knowledge Management 

Do you want to know more about our terms of employment? Take a look at our terms of employment.