A strong breeding pipeline starts with translating molecular insights into practical breeding decisions. In this role as Junior Molecular Breeder Open Field Crops, you will support the development and implementation of strategic traits within our global breeding programs. Working at the intersection of molecular science and breeding, you will help bridge research and practical breeding applications, contributing to the development of innovative vegetable varieties for the future.
Make a difference as Junior Molecular Breeder Open Field Crops
As a Junior Molecular Breeder Open Field Crops, you will play an important role in supporting breeding teams around the world. Based in Enkhuizen, the Netherlands, you will work in an international environment where science, innovation, and collaboration come together to develop the next generation of vegetable varieties. While your primary focus will be on Brassica crops, you will also contribute to projects involving leek, radish, beetroot, onion, carrot and others.
Working closely with breeders, molecular scientists, and researchers, you will support breeding programs globally and help accelerate the implementation of strategic traits in breeding pipelines. You will divide your time between data analysis, greenhouse and field evaluations, and project coordination activities. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience while translating scientific insights into practical breeding solutions.
In this role, your work will include:
Supporting pre-breeding and molecular breeding projects focused on strategic trait development;
Analyzing molecular and phenotypic data to support breeding decisions and trait introgression;
Contributing to the development, validation, and implementation of molecular breeding tools and methodologies;
Supporting the establishment and optimization of breeding pipelines for complex traits;
Collaborating with breeders, researchers, and other specialists across international teams;
Supporting the coordination of activities across projects and global breeding programs.
What you bring as our future colleague
As a Junior Molecular Breeder Open Field Crops, you are curious, analytical, and eager to translate scientific insights into practical applications. You have a connection with plants and are excited to see how molecular insights translate into improvements in the greenhouse and field. You enjoy working in multidisciplinary teams and are comfortable balancing multiple priorities in an international environment. With a proactive mindset and strong collaboration skills, you know how to connect data, people, and breeding objectives.
In addition, you have:
An MSc degree in Plant Sciences, Plant Breeding, Biotechnology, Genetics, or a related field;
Preferably 0-3 years of experience in plant breeding, molecular breeding, genetics, biotechnology, or applied research;
Knowledge of genetics, molecular biology, marker technologies, and data analysis;
Strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously;
A proactive, collaborative mindset with excellent communication skills in English and an eagerness to learn and develop;
Willingness to travel internationally 1-3 times per year.
Enza Z aden as your employer
Enza Zaden is an international family-owned company that has been developing innovative vegetable varieties since 1938. Together with more than 3,300 colleagues worldwide, we work on vegetable seeds with better flavor, higher yields and strong resistances. We do this from our mission: “Breeding to feed the world.” Every day, more than 480 million people eat vegetables grown from our seeds, and that is something we are very proud of.
We are passionate about our work and care about one another. Good ideas are given room to grow and together we keep moving forward. This is how we continue to grow and innovate, both as a company and as colleagues.
What you can expect from us
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