Group Lead (m/f/d) for Molecular Trait Analysis and Genomics

KWS is one of the world's leading plant breeding companies. Over 5,000 employees in more than 70 countries generated net sales of around €1.8 billion in the fiscal year 2022/2023. A company with a tradition of family ownership, KWS has operated independently for 165 years. It focuses on plant breeding and the production and sale of seed for corn, sugar beet, cereals, vegetables, oilseed rape and sunflower. KWS uses leading-edge plant breeding methods to continuously improve yield for farmers and plants' resistance to diseases, pests, and abiotic stress. To that end, the company invested more than €300 million last fiscal year in research and development.

We are looking to recruit, as soon as possible, a Group Lead (m/f/d) for Molecular Trait Analysis and Genomics within our Breeding Technology Application Team for Sugar Beet and Cereals located in Einbeck (Germany), on a full-time and permanent-contract basis.

Your new challenge:

• Translate KWS goals into a strategy and structure for the for Molecular Trait Analysis and Genomics group covering trait discovery, the identification of candidate genes up to causal mutation level for the integration of such traits into breeding or genome editing projects. The group has capabilities in genome sequencing, genomics, and marker-trait association for the integration of traits into breeding processes. The group is responsible for all molecular resources that support breeding.
• Lead and develop the team by setting goals and responsibilities in a matrix organization
• Ensure closeness with breeding programs and support development of deep expertise
• Jointly review trait discovery processes and trait integration schemes, identify optimization potentials, organize pilots, and implement tailor-made solutions in close collaboration with breeders
• Drive method and tool development, success monitoring in trait discovery and deployment, and exploit synergies across crops.
• Work on joint responsibility topics within the breeding technology leadership team

Bring in your competencies:

• University degree in plant science with a focus on plant breeding, quantitative genetics, genomics or plant biotechnology or similar qualification (Ph.D. or M.Sc.) with several years of experience
• Being an inspiring “hands-on” leader to drive innovation and operations in molecular trait discovery and application in high-performing varieties
• Strong capabilities in data management, workflows and documentation
• Very good command of programming languages
• Visionary thinker who likes to exploit the full potential of genome sequences, genomics, genes and their interaction etc. for improved plant varieties following objective, data-driven criteria
• Proven experience in group and project leadership
• Leadership skills, including the motivation of team members as well as strength in decision-making
• Act as a role model and strive for impact in a collaborative and transparent way
• Thinking across departments, acknowledging, and supporting diversity as a team asset
• Excellent team player and good communication skills (in English, German or other languages are a plus)

Start your future with us! What we offer to help you grow:

• As a family-run company we are guided by the values of closeness, reliability, foresight and independence - this culture is lived in practice creating thus an open and friendly working atmosphere.​
• True to our motto Make yourself grow, we support employees' professional and personal development.​
• We offer excellent work equipment (e.g. ergonomic workstations, several monitors, air conditioning, high-end technical equipment, the newest laboratory equipment), a fully-fledged, subsidized canteen and sufficient free parking spaces at the KWS location. ​
• We create the appropriate framework conditions for you: a company pension scheme, capital formation benefits, Christmas and holiday bonuses, special prices for company shares, childcare allowance and a job bike. ​

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