Program Leader Abiotic Stress research

Your job at Rijk Zwaan! 

As the Program Leader for Abiotic Stress, you will be pivotal in launching and conducting research projects aimed at enhancing resilience to abiotic stress, utilizing a range of genetic and omics approaches. You will work closely with a diverse team of researchers and (Pre)breeding specialists throughout these initiatives. Your responsibilities will be:  

• Utilizing the latest scientific insights to create an innovative research program in an industrial context and translate this vision into actionable research proposals.  
• Collaborating with colleagues from different disciplines to establish fundamental abiotic stress research projects.  
• Leading and managing internal research projects to ensure successful execution and results.  
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with external research institutions and monitor relevant fundamental research projects focused on abiotic stress resilience.  

Where will you be working? 

Rijk Zwaan is 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 and other chain partners all over the world. In this way we make an important contribution to the world's food supply. 

As the Program Leader for Abiotic Stress, you will be part of the Crop Physiology team within the Seed Technology department, based in De Lier. You’ll collaborate with five dedicated specialists focused on plant responses to environmental challenges. In this role, you’ll lead and conduct research on resilience to abiotic stress, utilizing genetic and omics approaches, while working closely with multidisciplinary researchers and (Pre)breeding teams. 

Tania, Program Leader Disease Resistance at Phytopathology Department:  

"I truly enjoy my role as program leader at Rijk Zwaan. Researching fundamental topics like Disease Resistance is both challenging and exciting, offering many opportunities for discovery in this field." 

Your contribution 

You are passionate about research and stay updated on the latest advancements in abiotic stress. Proactive and enterprising, you thrive in project-based work. Your strong networking and communication skills allow you to establish and maintain successful multidisciplinary collaborations, with a focus on applying scientific breakthroughs in industry. Given the international scope of this role, you are fluent in English and open to travel. Additionally, your qualifications include: 

• A completed PhD in Molecular Plant Physiology.   
• At least one postdoctoral position.   
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience.   
• Extensive experience in scientific project groups.   
• Proven visionary leadership skills.   

What can you expect from us? 

Every year, Rijk Zwaan invests almost 30% of its turnover in R&D. Besides an innovative working environment where colleagues are open to sharing innovations and successes, we are happy to offer you:  

• An immediate permanent contract for 32 to 38 hours a week 
• Various training opportunities via our Rijk Zwaan Academy for your development 
• Rijk Zwaan Fit with, for example, running groups and a discount on your sports subscription 
• Fresh soup, fruit and/or salads every day