(Fulltime, based in the Netherlands)
Reporting to: Allium & Brassica Pathologist
As part of the Discovery team, you will support phytopathology research activities aimed at developing disease-resistant vegetable varieties. Working closely with pathologists, breeders, and research colleagues in an international environment, you will contribute to disease screening, diagnostics, pathogen maintenance, and applied research projects in the laboratory, greenhouse, and field.
Roles & Responsibilities:
- Support the Pathologist in the execution of phytopathology research projects and routine pathology activities.
- Prepare and execute disease screening trials in laboratory, greenhouse, climate chamber, and field environments.
- Produce, maintain, and characterize pathogen collections using standard microbiological and sterile techniques.
- Perform disease diagnostics and technical assessments using established methodologies.
- Support the development, optimization, and validation of pathology protocols, diagnostic methods, and screening tools.
- Contribute technical expertise in specific pathogens, diagnostic methods, or laboratory processes.
Required Profile:
- BSc degree in Plant Sciences, Phytopathology, Biology, Microbiology, or a related discipline.
- Experience with laboratory techniques, including sterile working procedures and media preparation.
- Experience with plant-pathogen interactions, disease assessments, or diagnostics is an advantage.
- Knowledge of pathogen isolation and disease diagnostic techniques.
- Strong Microsoft Office skills.
- Experience with statistical software, molecular techniques (e.g. PCR), microscopy or image analysis is considered a plus.
- Ability to troubleshoot technical issues and follow projects through to completion.
- Valid driver's license (B) and willingness to travel within the Netherlands and occasionally internationally.
Personal Capabilities and skills:
- Hands-on, accurate, and detail oriented.
- Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
- Able to work both independently and within multidisciplinary teams.
- Curious, proactive, and eager to learn new techniques.
- Good communication skills in English; Dutch is an advantage.
- Results-oriented with a strong sense of responsibility and quality.
- Flexible and comfortable working in a dynamic research environment.
- Enthusiastic about contributing to innovation in vegetable breeding and plant health research.
Your benefits and working environment
- 25 days paid holidays (by full time employment)
- 13 days paid ATV (by 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 job)
- Lease-a-bike to promote sustainable employability
- Discount on collective health insurances with CZ and Nationale Nederlanden
- Commuting allowance according to the CLA for Horticultural Seed Companies
- Free fresh fruits
- Free fresh vegetables to take home in the growing season
- CLA for Horticultural Seed Companies
- Career opportunities within Limagrain Group (access to all vacancies, locally & abroad)
- Leaning & Development opportunities (Limagrain Group)
- Working with passionate colleagues
- Active Employee Association (regular events, e.g BBQ & Padel)
Recruitment process
Our recruitment process consists of two interviews (we may deviate from this process in particular cases, in which you will be informed in advance.)
The first interview focuses on understanding the candidate’s background, experience, and motivation for the role, as well as assessing overall fit.
The second interview is more in-depth and explores role-specific skills, competencies, and alignment with the team and company culture. A final decision is made following this stage.
Candidates may be asked to complete an assessment designed to evaluate role-specific skills.