We are the world's leading chemical company because we offer intelligent solutions for our customers and for a sustainable future. We link and develop people with diverse talents all over the world. For you, this means a variety of ways to advance. Not only your performance but also your personality matter to us. At BASF, careers develop from opportunities.

BASF - the Chemical Company - consolidated its plant biotechnology activities in BASF Plant Science in 1998. Today, about 700 employees are working to optimize crops for more efficient agriculture, renewable raw materials and healthier nutrition. We are currently looking for a Fungal Corn Scientist.

The Fungal Corn Scientist will be a member of the Crop Pipeline function within the BASF Plant Science organization. This team performs critical activities necessary to advance plant biotechnology projects from idea to marketplace as quickly and effectively as possible. These research and development projects focus on enhancing crop performance, productivity, nutritional value, and overall plant health.

The Scientist will work as part of a team which; investigates, creates and develops new methods and technologies for fungal screening in corn, including: Pathogen propagation and maintenance; Inoculation procedure; Optimization of disease assessment conditions; The Scientist will also train personnel to perform fungal screenings. The individual will work closely with the project teams in developing strategies and methodologies in the area of Corn fungal research and will lead the implementation of work plans within the Crop Pipeline function.

Qualifications
BASF recognizes institutions of Higher Education which are accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or equivalent

Required: 

• PhD degree in Plant Biology, Plant Pathology, Plant Physiology, Agronomy, Plant Breeding or related field -OR- MS degree in Plant Biology, Plant Pathology, Plant Physiology, Agronomy, Plant Breeding or related field, with 4+ years experience in conducting independent research -OR- BS degree in Plant Biology, Plant Pathology, Plant Physiology, Agronomy, Plant Breeding or related field, with 7+ years experience in conducting independent research. Additional experience may be substituted for educational requirement.
• Demonstrated experience in practical phytopathology or mycology
• Experience in cultivation and maintaining of fungal cultures (in planta andaxenic)
• Knowledge of microbial inoculation methods
• Experience in disease assessment / rating of fungal diseases
• Experience in originating novel scientific hypotheses on fungal disease resistance and developing assays to test those hypotheses.
• Demonstrated experience in designing experiments and measuring plant performance in the greenhouse, preferably also in the field.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong leadership and decision making skills with experience in working with seasonal field personnel.
• Preferably willing to travel/work 25% of the time at BASF field stations located in NC and IA

Preferred:

• PhD degree in Plant Physiology, Agronomy, Plant Breeding or related field, with a minimum of 2+ years post-PhD experience in conducting independent research.
• A strong background in high-throughput phenotyping.
• A basic understanding of genetics and/or molecular biology.
• Experience working with the pathology of row crops, especially maize
• Experience in conducting quantitative fungal assays.
• Experience in histological techniques

Apply Online!

Reference: 1300211