(Senior) Scientist Plant Genome Engineering (m/f/d)

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Agriculture plays a fundamental role in fulfilling many of humanity's basic needs: food, feed, energy. To support growers and those who take care of our environment, BASF develops innovative solutions for farming, pest- disease- and weed- control and landscape management. Within BASF Seed and Traits R&D, Plant Genome Engineering is embedded in Trait Research that focuses on trait discovery, engineering, and evaluation. Our Trait Research mission is “We must enable and deliver differentiating traits”, to effectively contribute to improving people's lives and business' demands. For the Plant Genome Engineering team in our R&D Innovation Center in Gent (Belgium) we are looking for a pragmatic, enthusiastic and inspiring scientist to bring our Trait Research mission to life.

The Plant Genome Engineering team combines state-of-the-art transformation techniques, tissue culture and plant regeneration activities to deliver genome engineered plants with differentiating traits through transgenesis, genome editing and mutagenesis. We have extensive experience in workflow-based operational organization, with a focus on cost and time efficiency, while ensuring high quality standards are met.

 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• In this role you will be part of the leadership of our Plant Genome Engineering group.
• Together with our other scientists and experts, based on business strategy understanding, you will propose relevant, fit-for-purpose, state-of-the-art innovative plant transformation, tissue culture, plant regeneration and genome editing technology concepts in our core field crops.
• You will independently develop and implement research strategies within assigned research programs, with associated internal and external activities, including management of external collaborations.
• You will lead and coach a functional team of technicians and researchers, working collaboratively with them in the lab to implement efficient workflows and ensure optimal use of resources and cost efficiency.
• You will consolidate and summarize the main findings from experimental approaches and identify potential future opportunities and will proactively report to relevant stakeholders.
• You will organize learning activities in the field of plant genome engineering, and you will lead and coach others into proposing innovative workflow improvements, to actively support the growth of the group’s innovative capabilities and competences.
• You will evaluate the needs & potential in the area of transformation techniques, tissue culture, plant regeneration and genome editing across assigned research programs, and you will tactically contribute to the strategic research portfolio development in support of the scientific leadership of Trait Research.
• You will represent the company in external seminars, publish scientific articles, actively contribute to IP filing, build a strong internal and external network and act as act as a BASF internal consultant within the area of plant genome engineering.
• You will act as a role model with respect to ensuring compliance with the relevant company standards (Quality, Health, Safety, Environment, Biosafety, Stewardship).

QUALIFICATIONS

• You are an experienced scientist, with a PhD degree in Life Sciences or equivalent through experience, with a minimum of 10 years of demonstrated and fit-for-purpose experience in the fields of tissue culture and plant regeneration, and plant transformation techniques, essential for this position.
• Extended knowledge in the area of plant genome editing is an advantage.
• Experience with external publications and IP filings is preferred.
• You are experienced in proposing and leading research projects and activities, in driving results and designing and implementing novel plant genome engineering technology concepts in the lab that enable industrial utilization.
• You embrace the power of teamwork, motivating others and leading beyond your allocated responsibilities, while driving change and overcoming obstacles with an entrepreneurial spirit.
• You are able to build a culture of innovation: creating an environment that supports coaching, training, and developing people to spark innovation and creativity.
• You have cross-functional work experience and strong networking skills enabling you to collaborate effectively in multi-disciplinary environments and building positive relationships with stakeholders on different levels in an organization.
• You have excellent communication and presentation skills, incl. public speaking and are fluent in English, both orally as well as in writing.
• You have a modern digital mindset, using digital tools and technologies to drive innovation and optimize R&D processes to support business objectives.
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