Back Cross Factory Research Associate/Ref: #1094579

Join Hazera as a Back Cross Factory Research Associate

Hazera is a global leader in the seed industry. Hazera brings expertise, commitment and support, combining decades of experience with state-of-the-art technology. Hazera breeds, develops, produces and markets varieties and seeds in a wide range of vegetable crops around the world. Hazera’s headquarters are situated in Israel and in The Netherlands, with subsidiaries in twelve countries and an extensive distribution network providing services in over 100 additional markets.

For our R&D location in Warmenhuizen, the Netherlands, we are looking for a new team member to join our Back Cross Factory (BCF) as a Research Associate.

Can you imagine what a vegetable seed company of the future will look like? Does the thought of making the future a reality get you excited? We are seeking hands-on candidates to assist the Back-Cross department with fast trait introgression in multiple crops. This activity is critical for the development of new plant varieties by ensuring the efficient and effective introgression of desirable traits into elite breeding lines. The Research Associate will assure, locally, the planning and execution of the backcrossing programs at the Warmenhuizen platform. Globally, your agronomy skills will be central to refine plant cultivation methods on all crops worked by the different BCF platforms. You are part of and interact closely with a multidisciplinary and international team of researchers. You will have close interaction with the local operational team and with colleagues in different departments. You will report to the Back Cross Factory manager in the Limagrain vegetable division based in the North of France.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Oversee the Back-Cross Factory Platform in Limagrain Vegetable Seeds (LVS) in Warmenhuizen, ensuring efficient and effective operation.
• Maintain a close working relationship with platform customers, i.e. Breeders, AGS, Operations and other concerned scientists to design trait introgression projects.
• Prepare and execute these trait introgression projects on brassica crops.
• Co-ordinate with colleagues of Back-Cross Factory, Breeding and Operations teams.
• Manage plant selection and seed harvest at each cycle.
• Manage sampling and data analysis for molecular based plant selection.
• Monitor KPI linked to the activity (number of seeds sown, germination rate, % recurrent parent, seeds harvested, number of cycles, cycle duration…)
• Contribute to practices harmonization across LVS Back-Cross Factories network.
• Monitor monthly and yearly planning using appropriate IT tools and other application tools to support generation advancements to update clients to inform them on project progress.
• Be an active member of the LVS BCF taskforce to work on continuous process and protocol improvement to increase quality, reduce cycle time, and optimize planning according to our R&D & LVS needs.
• Stay informed on the latest advancements in plant breeding and backcrossing techniques.
• Play a key role, as an agronomy expert, in the establishment and improvement of plant culture protocols for fast and efficient trait introgression in different crops.
• Establish, apply, direct, and execute new technologies and protocols consistent with our needs.
• Demonstrate willingness to engage in practical work as required by platform activities.
• Actively participate in Limagrain working groups to share insights and contribute to collective goals.

Candidate profile:

• Ing / Bsc level in Agriculture, Plant Physiology, Plant Breeding, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of greenhouse cultivation techniques for Brassicaceae crops.
• Hands-on experience and affinity with plants, greenhouse, and field work.
• Project management skills to manage priorities and resources.
• Demonstrated efficiency and organizational skills to deliver high-quality results on time with integrity.
• A collaborative mindset, open to sharing and receiving ideas, perspectives, and feedback.
• Familiarity with Microsoft software and activity management software.
• Fluent in English and Dutch, with good written and oral communication skills.

Our offer:

• Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) for Horticultural Seed Companies
• 25 days paid holidays (full time employment)
• 13 days paid ATV (full time employment)
• Vitality leave to facilitate sustainable employability (number of days depending on age)
• Holiday allowance of 8.33%
• Flexible working hours (depending on the position)
• Hybrid working (depending on the position)
• Lease-a-bike to promote sustainable employability
• Discount on collective health insurance
• Commuting allowance according to the CLA
• Free fresh fruits
• Free fresh vegetables to take home in the growing season
• Career opportunities within Limagrain Group (access to all vacancies, locally & abroad)
• Learning & Development opportunities (Hazera Academy)
• Working with passionate colleagues
• Active Employee Association (regular events, e.g. BBQ & Padel)

Why working for Hazera Seeds:

Hazera is a worldwide leader in the breeding, development, production and marketing of hybrid vegetable seed varieties, characterized by advanced research & development, marketing throughout the world, and agro-technical support. Combining decades of experience with state-of-the-art technology, Hazera constantly develops new products that address market needs. Thanks to our core beliefs of expertise, trust, engagement and dynamism, shared by our committed teams we strive to continuously exceed the expectations of our customers. Hazera headquarters are situated in Israel and The Netherlands and with a worldwide presence through our 12 subsidiaries. Hazera is part of the Limagrain Group.

Working at Hazera means contributing in a professional way to the growth of our business, in an informal, international environment. We are customer and market oriented and teamwork is important. Other characteristics of our organization are openness, flexibility and orientation on results. We focus on employee development with consideration and respect for individual needs. That’s why it's great to work at Hazera!