WELCOME TO BASF

We are BASF in agriculture and everything we do, we do for the love of farming. Connecting seeds and traits, crop protection products, digital tools and sustainability approaches, to help deliver the best possible outcomes for farmers, growers and our other stakeholders along the value chain. We do everything in our power to build a sustainable future for agriculture by connecting innovation, customers and society.

Come join us on our journey to create solutions for sustainable agriculture at the Innovation Center of BASF Belgium Coordination Center CommV in Ghent, Belgium.  

We are seeking people who thrive in a culture of creativity, openness, responsibility, and entrepreneurial spirit. In our organization, we encourage and celebrate innovative thinking, where ideas flow freely and are nurtured. We value individuals who take ownership of their work and are accountable for their actions. We foster an entrepreneurial mindset, where taking calculated risks and seizing opportunities are encouraged to drive growth and success. Join our team and be part of an environment that values and rewards creative thinking, collaboration, and a can-do attitude.

Within BASF Seed and Traits R&D, Trait Research we focus on the design, creation and testing of candidate leads as gene-based solutions for herbicide tolerance, pest and disease control in key crops including soybean, oilseed rape, wheat and cotton. We are currently seeking a talented, motivated, and inspiring Nematologist to join our Trait Research team at the R&D Innovation Center in Ghent, Belgium. In this role, you will develop and execute research strategies aligned with business goals to successfully commercialize innovative nematode resistant traits and germplasm.

#ForTheLoveOfFarming #TheBiggestJobOnEarth

Take a look at our Agricultural Solutions: Vision & Mission

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

• You propose innovative nematode trait concepts and develop and implement nematode control research strategies using state-of-the-art know-how and technologies including suitable third-party collaborations to ascertain scientific competitiveness of the nematode program.
• You evaluate scientific progress of nematode control programs with the project leader and with support of team members (technicians and scientists in the lab and GH) and take decisions to ensure the achievement of scientific objectives and critical milestones with optimal use of available resources.
• You design and oversee the execution of nematode control assays to support program goals. You articulate a clear, innovative and competitive testing scheme to meet these goals and to ensure the efficient delivery of high-quality nematode traits.
• You proactively report on your scientific progress and new opportunities to all relevant stakeholders as requested.
• You develop the innovative ability and competence of research teams, and you act as a mentor and give scientific guidance across the organization.
• You support the program leader to ensure strategy competitiveness by working closely with Intellectual Property colleagues to build a proactive patenting (and, if needed, licensing-) strategy and ensure a competitor IP analysis in the program field.

WHAT YOU OFFER

• You hold a PhD in Nematology with 12-15 years of relevant experience or equivalent.
• You are internationally acknowledged as a consistent innovator and leading authority in the field of Plant Nematology and have a profound knowledge of GM trait development. 
• You provide innovative solutions for plant parasitic nematode issues and demonstrate knowledge and expertise from working directly with plant parasitic nematodes.
• You are familiar with crop business strategies and the principles of value creation for growers. You understand the connection between the lab and the field.
• You have a track record of providing scientific leadership for internal and external program work packages, effectively managing collaborations with partners, and excel in developing innovative research proposals that incorporate novel technology platforms to advance plant parasitic nematode control project objectives. 
• You possess leadership and team coaching skills, motivating and inspiring others, while fostering collaboration in diverse environments through a multi-cultural mindset. 
• You demonstrate proactivity, with well-developed communication skills that enable effective interactions with stakeholders. You build a culture of innovation by creating an environment that supports creativity and by coaching and developing people. 
• You are fluent in English. 

WHAT WE OFFER

• A permanent contract within an attractive working environment in a professional and motivated team.
• Interesting and challenging learning and development opportunities to help you make the most of your talents and your job.
• An attractive base salary in relation to your diploma and competencies, an annual bonus and extra-legal benefits.

HOW TO REACH US

If you need more information about the process or the vacancy, you can reach our recruiting team here. 

Diversity is our greatest strength!

Become a part of our winning formula for success and develop the future with us - in a global team that embraces inclusion and equal opportunities irrespective of gender, age, origin, sexual orientation, disability or belief.