Hybrid Wheat Technician (m/f/d) at BASF in Belgium

WELCOME TO BASF

Are you an experienced technician with a passion for plant breeding, greenhouse work and innovative agricultural technologies? We invite you to join us as Hybrid Wheat Technician in Belgium. In this position, you will support BASF's Hybrid Wheat program by executing the Single Seed Descent (SSD) method for the female breeding pipeline and by contributing to innovative wheat breeding technologies. You will combine hands-on greenhouse and post-harvest activities with planning, documentation, data review and reporting, helping to shorten generation cycles and develop high-performing female parental lines.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

• Independently execute greenhouse activities for female line development, including growing, maintaining and evaluating plants and seed samples, monitoring plant growth, phenology and diseases, and applying speed cycling where feasible.
• Perform crosses, harvest plant material, process seed, and plan leaf or seed sampling for genotyping and Marker Assisted Selection.
• Manage the seed storage inventory and troubleshoot and maintain seed-processing equipment, including laboratory threshers and sorters.
• Share technical knowledge and supervise interims or seasonal workers for specific workflows.
• Plan and supervise plant growth protocols, seed processing and other greenhouse activities, materials and equipment to ensure timely delivery.
• Maintain accurate digital records covering plant development, crossing, harvest, seed processing, sampling and storage.
• Review, record, compile, summarize and report data according to company standards.
• Follow work instructions, standard operating procedures and safety requirements, and collaborate with local teams and other functions on operational, technical and safety topics.

WHAT YOU OFFER

• At least three years of relevant experience in agriculture, biology or a related discipline, including experimental work.
• Good knowledge and understanding of greenhouse operations, plant growth, crop protection, agricultural and laboratory procedures, cereal breeding or applied plant research.
• Experience with crossing, spike harvest, seed processing and relevant equipment, combined with the mechanical aptitude to operate, troubleshoot and adapt equipment.
• Willingness to perform approximately 85% hands-on greenhouse and post-harvest work.
• Ability to carry out activities independently, collaborate in a diverse team and communicate effectively.
• Proficient computer skills for documentation, inventory management and reporting.
• A strong commitment to safe work practices, including the safe handling of chemicals.
• Good English and Dutch language skills. A valid Belgian phytolicense is considered an asset.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A fixed-term contract for a period of two years within an attractive working environment in a professional and motivated team.
• A role with challenging assignments and responsibilities in an innovative hybrid wheat breeding program.
• Interesting learning and development opportunities to help you make the most of your talents and your job.

HOW TO REACH US

If you need more information about the process or the vacancy, you can reach our recruiting team here.

ABOUT US

We are BASF in agriculture and everything we do, we do for the love of farming. Connecting seeds and traits, crop protection products, digital tools and sustainability approaches, to help deliver the best possible outcomes for farmers, growers and our other stakeholders along the value chain. We do everything in our power to build a sustainable future for agriculture by connecting innovation, customers and society.

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