Nickerson-Zwaan is an international company, active in research, processing, marketing and sales of vegetable seeds. Nickerson-Zwaan is one of the business units within the vegetable seed division of Limagrain. Limagrain is an international agricultural co-operative group and one of the leading seed companies.

For our breeding activities in vegetable brassicas we are looking for a Cabbage Breeder (fulltime 40 hours/ Location: Tuitjenhorn)

The objective of this position is to lead a global breeding program aiming at delivering leading hybrids. Nickerson-Zwaan is seeking an enthusiastic, result oriented individual who will become a member of a multidisciplinary crucifer breeding research team. You will have close interaction with the operational team, product development, commercial department, and seed production. Functional relationships extend into the Vegetable Seed Division of the Limagrain Group to which the Nickerson-Zwaan Business Unit is part off. You will report to the Global Lead Crucifer Breeding and are based at the Crucifer R&D station of Nickerson-Zwaan in the Netherlands.

Your primary responsibilities:

• Translate the crop R&D strategy into approved product-oriented breeding projects and operational plans.
• Actively steer on delivering leading hybrids, monitor and report on progress.
• Manage all components of a successful commercial breeding program. This includes acquisition and management of germplasm, elite line development, hybrid development and evaluation, and elite seed production.
• Develop a thorough knowledge of the crop and products in the different markets by liaising with marketing and sales.
• Optimize breeding success by implementation and integration of breeding technologies (double haploids, markers, breeding decision support systems, etc.).
• Contribute to the further development of a global trial network through engagement and collaborative interaction with colleagues in the region.
• Travel to relevant markets for trial and product evaluation. Ensure objectivity and reliability, sound data processing, and fact based decision making.
• Keep abreast of scientific and technological developments in the field. Serve as a fellow and actively contribute to further strengthen and develop the companies R&D community.

Required skills and expertise:

• PhD in plant breeding or genetics or equivalent by working experience.
• Strong interest in field evaluation. • Excellent multidisciplinary team player.
• Strong problem solving and analytic skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally regularly.
• Proficient in English.

Desired skills and expertise:

• Minimum of 4 year experience in breeding.
• Knowledge of database applications, automation, electronic data capture and processing.
• Agronomical background/experience or vegetable crop research.
• Proficient in Russian or Spanish.

Nickerson-Zwaan offers:

• A multilateral position, operating in an international environment.
• A collegial environment where initiative is appreciated.
• A position with a competitive remuneration.

Information:

For information on the job contact Sylvia Versteeg (Senior HR Business Partner) +31 162 690900 or mail: jobs@nickerson-zwaan.com.

For more information about Nickerson- Zwaan you can visit our website: http://www.nickerson-zwaan.com. 

Interested?

If you are enthusiastic to join a growing organization, please send us as soon as possible a letter of motivation and a detailed resume , preferably by e-mail or through the form on our website.