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Junior Breeder

Enza Zaden

Enkhuizen
Full-time
0-2 years experience
Hybrid

€3,655 - €4,781 per month

Key Skills

Plant breeding
Plant sciences
Genetics
Data analysis
Field trials
Greenhouse trials
Data-driven breeding
Plant selection
Research and development
Communication
Analytical skills
Project support

Job Description

Developing strong new varieties starts with making the right breeding decisions. As Junior Breeder Cauliflower & Kohlrabi, you will work hands-on with breeding trials and data, while learning from experienced breeders and gradually taking on more responsibility. This is your opportunity to develop as a breeder while contributing directly to the future of our cauliflower and kohlrabi varieties.


Make a difference as a Junior Breeder 

As Junior Breeder Cauliflower & Kohlrabi, you will contribute to the development of new varieties by supporting breeding and screening activities from trial to selection. You will combine hands-on observations in the field and greenhouse with the processing and analysis of breeding data, helping the team make well-informed selection decisions. Working closely with experienced breeders, you will develop your expertise while gradually taking on more responsibility within the breeding program.

 

In this role, your work will include:

  • Observing, evaluating and selecting plants in breeding and screening trials;
  • Recording, processing and analyzing breeding and screening data;
  • Planning and preparing breeding activities and trials;
  • Supporting the execution and follow-up of breeding projects;
  • Using data to support selection decisions and improve breeding activities;
  • Working independently on assigned activities while collaborating closely with the breeding team. 

 

What you bring as out future colleague

As Junior Breeder Cauliflower & Kohlrabi, you are curious, observant and eager to develop your expertise in plant breeding. You work accurately and feel comfortable combining hands-on work with data, using your observations and analytical skills to support breeding decisions. You enjoy working as part of a team, while also taking responsibility for your own activities.

 

In addition, you have:

  • A MSc degree in Plant Breeding, Plant Sciences, Genetics or a related field;
  • A basic understanding of plant breeding and genetics;
  • An interest in working with breeding data and data-driven breeding methods;
  • Good communication skills in English;
  • The ability and willingness to work in field and greenhouse trials.
  • A valid driving licence and the willingness to travel regularly within Europe.

 

Please note that we can only consider candidates who are already eligible to work in the Netherlands, as visa sponsorship and relocation support are not available for this position.


Enza Zaden as your employer 

Enza Zaden is an international family-owned company that has been developing innovative vegetable varieties since 1938. Together with more than 3,300 colleagues worldwide, we work on vegetable seeds with better flavor, higher yields and strong resistances. We do this from our mission: “Breeding to feed the world.” Every day, more than 480 million people eat vegetables grown from our seeds, and that is something we are very proud of. 

 

We are passionate about our work and care about one another. Good ideas are given room to grow and together we keep moving forward. This is how we continue to grow and innovate, both as a company and as colleagues. 

 

What you can expect from us  

We believe it is important that you can grow in your work and feel good about what you do. That is why we invest in your development, well-being, and job satisfaction. Through our Great to Grow development program, our focus on vitality, and activities that bring colleagues together, we create a work environment where you can keep learning and contribute with energy and enjoyment.

 

You can also count on:

 

  • A position for 38 hours per week; 
  • A gross monthly salary between €3,655 and €4,781 (Salary Scale 7, Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Vegetable Seed Companies), based on a full-time workweek of 38 hours and aligned with your knowledge and experience; 
  • 8.33% vacation allowance and an attractive annual bonus program of 10% of your annual salary, depending on your job level and company performance; 
  • 25 vacation days, the option to purchase additional vacation days, and one paid vitality day per year, with extra vacation days granted as you get older;
  • A laptop and mobile phone provided by Enza Zaden;
  • An attractive retirement plan, commuting reimbursement if you live more than 10 kilometers from your workplace and a remote work allowance when working partly from home in consultation with your manager;
  • Opportunities for personal and professional growth through our Great to Grow development program, training courses, workshops, and e-learning platform;
  • Plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues outside of your daily work through social events organized by the Staff Association, as well as Young Enza networking events, inspiration sessions, and social gatherings. We also host an annual summer barbecue, Christmas market and New Year’s reception;
  • A strong focus on your health and well-being, including free fresh fruit, healthy lunch options at the office, a bike-to-work program, sports activities through enzActive, and mental well-being support through OpenUp.

 

 

Let's connect

Looking for a career that grows with you? Apply using the application button. You will receive an automatic confirmation within a few minutes. We will let you know the next step within 10 business days.

 

Do you have questions about the role or the application process? Please feel free to contact Tamara Woudstra, Recruiter, at [email protected] 


Enza Zaden is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on background, identity, or personal characteristics.


Want to learn more about Enza Zaden? Visit our website.

Core Responsibilities

The Junior Breeder will support breeding and screening activities by observing, evaluating, and selecting plants in field and greenhouse trials. They will also process and analyze breeding data to assist the team in making informed selection decisions.

Requirements

Candidates must hold an MSc degree in Plant Breeding, Plant Sciences, Genetics, or a related field and possess a basic understanding of plant breeding. Additionally, they must be eligible to work in the Netherlands and hold a valid driving license.

Benefits

  • Vacation allowance
  • Annual bonus program
  • Paid vacation days
  • Vitality day
  • Laptop
  • Mobile phone
  • Retirement plan
  • Commuting reimbursement
  • Remote work allowance
  • Development program
  • Training courses
  • Workshops
  • E-learning platform
  • Social events
  • Fresh fruit
  • Healthy lunch options
  • Bike-to-work program
  • Sports activities
  • Mental well-being support

About Enza Zaden

Industry: Food and Beverage Manufacturing

Company size: 1,001-5,000 employees

From the ambition of one man, we grew into a global family company with a shared passion for plants. That great passion is reflected in the vegetable varieties we develop and the seeds we produce. All we do is driven by a clear and ambitious goal: to grant people anywhere in the world access to healthy, varied vegetables. How do we do it? By working shoulder-to-shoulder with our business partners. It is vital to understand their challenges, wishes, and needs. It keeps us sharp and inspired and enables us to develop exactly the right products for the right markets at the right time. Curious to learn more about our journey? Visit our website to find out!

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