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, Marker Assisted Breeding

Based in Netherlands (Haelen/Nunhem)

Job Purpose

The MAB scientist is responsible for the development of molecular markers, improving mapping and marker development and together with colleagues in R&D for the efficient introgression of desirable alleles in breeding. The MAB scientist works closely together with (pre) breeders, bio informatics, bio statistics, crop genomics and Marketing/Sales within Nunhems, Bayer Crop Science and the academic world. The MAB scientist will represent molecular breeding in the cucumber crop coordination team. Besides the focus on cucumber MAB projects the MAB scientist will be responsible for the development of innovative population design over crops to enhance advanced QTL studies.

Major Accountabilities

• In close interaction with the cucumber breeders and pre-breeder the MAB scientist will design, plan and implement together with the research assistant(s) Marker Assisted Breeding projects in cucumber.
• The MAB scientist is familiar with public research initiatives or initiates MAB projects him/herself. These initiatives are typically in the area of: genetic mapping, map integration, marker development and QTL mapping and fine mapping and positional cloning
• As project leader of advanced QTL projects over multiple crops the MAB scientist will be the contact person with universities, institutes and third party companies to keep updated wit the latest developments in population design and to get access to specific algorithms and software tools to accompany in house activities aimed at developing advanced mapping populations.
• In close interaction wit the pre-breeders the MAB scientist will develop a plan to identify unique genetic variation to further exploit new natural genetic resources.
• In close interaction with the biostatistician and the pre-breeders the MAB scientist will design different crossing and backcrossing schemes to enhance advanced QTL studies with the goal to unravel the genetic basis of complex quantitative traits. By performing simulation studies the MAB scientist will estimate the effectiveness of different population types.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications,

• PhD in Plants Genetics or related field.
• Thorough understanding of statistics and quantitative genetics
• Substantial knowledge of Plant breeding
• Basic knowledge of bio-informatics
• Experience with managing a research team is a pre.
• Effective networker with academic scientists of various disciplines.
• Good communication skills, have the ability to convince people.
• Pragmatic mind set.
• Team player
• Ability and willingness to work internationally (travel approx. 10%).
• Self-disciplined.

Application & Information

For more information, please contact Mrs. Marion van de Wal, Scientist Coordinator Marker Assisted 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.