Advanced Scientist Trait Discovery (m/f/d)

Field of Work: New GM Features / Novel Traits; Research & Development,
Location: Einbeck 
Legal Entity: KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA 
Contract Type: Regular
Is Full Time: Yes
Job ID: 16784

At KWS, we are accelerating the discovery and development of innovative traits that help farmers meet future agricultural challenges. As a Computational Biologist (m/f/d) – Genome Editing Trait Discovery, you will play a key role in identifying and prioritizing candidate genes for genome editing traits by combining biological expertise, computational approaches, and data-driven decision making. 

Working within our Gene Nomination team, you will act as an interface between biology, breeding, bioinformatics, and data science. You will help transform complex multi-omics datasets into actionable insights and support the development of next-generation approaches for candidate gene discovery, including Data Mining and AI-supported methodologies. 

This permanent, full-time role is based at the KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA headquarters in Einbeck, Germany.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Contribute biological expertise and domain knowledge to the development, validation, and implementation of AI-supported candidate gene discovery approaches.


• Identify, analyse, integrate, and interpret complex multi-omics datasets to support candidate gene discovery and trait development.


• Drive the prioritization and nomination of candidate genes for target traits and genome editing applications.


• Provide computational biology support for research projects and stakeholders across Trait Discovery, Breeding Technology Applications, and related R&D functions.


• Act as a scientific bridge between biology, breeding, bioinformatics, and data science teams, translating biological questions into data-driven solutions.


• Evaluate emerging computational methods and innovative technologies to increase the speed, scalability, and impact of trait discovery


• Opportunity to develop and lead own scientific projects focused on candidate gene ranking methodologies, knowledge discovery platforms, and data mining activities


• Collaborate with data science teams to transition novel approaches into scalable and user-friendly workflows and platforms. 

Bring Your Expertise

• PhD in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Plant Science, Data Science or a related discipline.


• Strong experience in the analysis and interpretation of large-scale biological datasets, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, or other omics data.


• Proven expertise in applying Data Mining, machine learning, and/or AI-driven methodologies for candidate gene identification and prioritization


• Good understanding of plant biology, plant breeding, genetics, genome editing, or trait development processes.


• Proven experience in leading scientific or R&D projects is a plus


• Experience with programming and scientific data analysis tools (e.g., Python, R, workflow environments).


• Entrepreneurial thinking and passion for innovation with a track record of developing novel solutions to scientific challenges.


• Ability to effectively influence, collaborate, and drive outcomes across multidisciplinary teams in a matrix environment.


• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.


• Fluent written and spoken English, German is a plus

Our offer

• As a family-owned company, we live a culture based on the values of team spirit, closeness and trust, independence and foresight.


• True to our motto "Make yourself grow", we encourage individual professional and personal development.


• We create the right environment for you: Capital formation benefits, company pension plans, Christmas and holiday bonuses, childcare allowance, company bike.

Advance your career and grow with KWS! We look forward to receiving your digital application via our job portal.

About KWS

KWS is one of the world’s leading plant breeding companies and employs around 5,000 employees in more than 70 countries. With the tradition of family ownership, KWS has operated independently for more than 170 years. It focuses on plant breeding and the production and sale of seeds for sugarbeet, corn, cereals, vegetables, oilseed rape and sunflowers. KWS uses leading-edge plant breeding methods and invests a significant amount in research and development.

At KWS, diversity is not just a value; it is an essential part of our success. Breeding resilient crops requires diversity; likewise, our strength comes from the diversity of our teams. Whatever your background or identity is, we invite you to join us.

Further information: www.kws.com/careers/. Follow us on LinkedIn® at https://linkedin.com/company/kwsgroup/.

Our data privacy policy for candidates is available on www.kws.com/dataprotection. Please select the country where the job you applied for is posted in and, if applicable, the specific business unit.