Nunhems® is a global specialist in vegetable seeds and sharing products, concepts and expertise adding value to the professional horticultural production industry and supply chain. Nunhems is a leading supplier of varieties based on a specialized and personal approach and a proximity to the main markets with breeding, screening, sales and expert advice around the globe. With more than 1,500 employees, Nunhems is present in all major vegetable production areas. The company is active in research, plant breeding, production, processing and marketing and sales of vegetable varieties for the professional vegetable production and supply business. Nunhems is the vegetable seed business of Bayer CropScience.

We are looking for a Scientist, Molecular Diagnostics, based in Haelen/Nunhem, The Netherlands.

Job purpose

• To develop and optimize molecular-based diagnostic, detection and identification protocols for plant and seed pathology applications.
• This position will functionally report to the Global Head of Phytopathology and hierarchically to the Global Head of Molecular Breeding.
• Major Accountabilities
  • Design and test molecular-based tools for plant pathogen detection and identification. These assays will be used for breeding purposes and for Quality Assurance in the case of seed borne pathogens
  • Pro-actively collaborate with the Nunhems plant pathologists world wide, to set priorities
  • Work with colleagues in molecular breeding, and with the Process Optimizer of our high throughput laboratories to develop, optimize, and implement the required protocols and databases.
  • Actively network within the industry and academic world to keep track of the latest developments and initiate external collaborations where appropriate.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Ph.D. (or equivalent experience) in Plant Pathology, pathogen diagnostics or in a related field.
• Proven record of experience with molecular biology applications.
• Excellent understanding of diagnostics, phylogenetics, disease thresholds, and assay sensitivities.
• Good and open communicator, also in English.
• Result oriented, cooperative and a team player.
• Self motivating individual
• Affinity with project based research.
• Willing to travel.

Application & Information

For more information, please contact Mr. Jan van den Berg, Global Head of Molecular Breeding, phone +31 (0)475 – 599 291.
If you are interested and meet our profile, please load up your application and extensive CV on our site www.nunhems.com.