Molecular Breeder

Field of Work: Research & Development,
Location: Wageningen, Andijk 
Legal Entity: KWS Vegetables BV 
Contract Type: Regular
Is Full Time: Yes
Job ID: 16238

As part of our growth strategy and our plans to establish state-of-the-art facilities for our Vegetable Business Unit, we are looking for a Molecular Breeder, based at KWS Vegetables’ headquarters in Wageningen or Andijk, the Netherlands. The Molecular Breeder will contribute to the Applied Genomics team. You will report to the Head of Applied Genomics.

Job purpose

Contributes to the Applied Genomics team based in Wageningen. Takes responsibility for the development and execution of an effective molecular marker approach and contributes to the creation of an internationally oriented innovative R&D culture.

Your Responsibilities:

• Contribute to and execute parts of the innovative strategy for Applied Genomics in line with the overall goals of KWS Vegetables.


• Actively support different breeding teams world-wide and thereby contribute to the discovery of important traits within vegetable crops.


• Take part in the development and execution of an efficient molecular marker approach for breeding.


• Together with the breeding teams and the Service Department of KWS you share responsibility for the rapid development of molecular markers, organize logistics and perform analyses to support the breeding goals of the KWS Vegetables business unit.

To seed your future, you've got the following skills:

• MSc/PhD in a relevant scientific discipline e.g. genetics, plant breeding or biotechnology


• Practical and theoretical knowledge of the usage of molecular marker analyses is highly valued.


• Experience with handling large data sets, marker assisted selection, QTL and statistical analyses


• Excellent command of the English language. Additional relevant languages are very beneficial


• Collaborative and supportive mindset


• Data-base savvy, e.g. experience with markers and/or genomic databases


• Ability to get things done and enthusiasm for vegetables research & breeding

Reasons to join KWS?

• You will be part of a fast-evolving, international company striving to become a leader in the vegetable seed industry.


• It’s an ideal opportunity to build your career within a unique organization with big ambitions.


• You own and drive the job, with this lots of freedom and responsibility to truly make a difference.


• Your working environment is inspiring and consists of a diverse and growing team of experienced gurus and fresh talents.

Ready to seed the future at KWS Vegetables?

Join the team!

Will you become our new Molecular Breeder?  Then apply for this position and become part of The Vegetable Squad! We invite you to apply online via our SuccessFactors application system. Use the "Apply" function to submit your application.

About KWS

KWS is one of the world’s leading plant breeding companies. Nearly 5,000 employees in more than 70 countries generated net sales of around €1.68 billion in the fiscal year 2023/2024. A company with a tradition of family ownership, KWS has operated independently for almost 170 years. It focuses on plant breeding and the production and sale of seed for sugarbeet, corn, cereals, vegetables, oilseed rape and sunflower. KWS uses leading-edge plant breeding methods to continuously improve yield for farmers and plants’ resistance to diseases, pests and abiotic stress. To that end, the company invested more than €300 million last fiscal year in research and development. For more information: www.kws.com/career. Follow us on LinkedIn® at https://linkedin.com/company/kwsgroup/.

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