Now hiring! 2027 Agricultural Solutions Professional Development Program - Seeds & Traits Research - Breeding

The Professional Development Program Experience 

Accelerate your career in an early career role with BASF Agricultural Solutions. BASF’s Professional Development Programs (PDPs) offer driven, mobile-minded university graduates the opportunity to kickstart their careers through immersive, real-world experiences. Participants rotate through diverse roles within our business, gaining hands-on exposure to cross-functional teams and business challenges. The program is designed to build professional skills, foster meaningful connections, and provide a holistic view of BASF’s operations through mentoring, executive engagement, site tours, and training seminars.

Throughout the program, participants develop a strong foundation in BASF’s systems and processes while building networks and exploring their career interests. With structured support and a focus on growth, the PDP experience empowers individuals to solve complex problems and contribute to impactful work at the world’s largest chemical company. Upon successful completion, participants may be considered for direct placement into roles across related disciplines to their specific program.

Seeds & Traits Research - Breeding PDP Program Summary

As a highly motivated upcoming graduate, you will participate in a 36-month cross-functional program with three rotations within the Agricultural Solutions business across our North American sites. The three 12-month rotations will include work in statistical analysis, seed operations, digital tools and data capture, trait biology, trait development & governance, breeding & genetics, commercial pipeline, field operations, and agronomy. Rotational assignments may be across greenhouse, field, laboratory, and office environments. 

Successfully engaging across the business, your rotations will expand your network, allow you to grow personally and professionally, and learn a variety of valuable skill sets within different areas of the business. 

Upon your completion of the program, participants will have the opportunity to join our talent pipeline for a role in a variety of disciplines within our commercial functions.

Welcome to BASF

We are BASF in Agriculture and everything we do, we do for the love of farming, and the biggest job on Earth. We are an internationally successful company of the BASF Group. Our solutions are purpose-designed for different crop systems. 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. With teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we do everything in our power to build a sustainable future for agriculture.

#ForTheLoveOfFarming #TheBiggestJobOnEarth #AgEmployerOfChoice

Here you can gain more insight into our Vision at BASF Agricultural Solutions!

As a program participant, you wil...

• Complete three unique rotational assignments across greenhouse, field, laboratory, and office environments, contributing to strategic projects and day-to-day operations within Seeds & Traits Research.
• Build scientific and technical expertise across breeding and genetics, trait biology and development, seed operations, field operations and agronomy, statistical analysis, and digital tools and data capture.
• Contribute to innovative seed, trait, and technology concepts by supporting competitive breeding programs and applying current scientific knowledge, tools, and approaches.
• Evaluate experimental approaches, analyze results, and contribute to breeding project plans under the guidance of experienced team members and managers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve workflows, use resources effectively, and develop innovative solutions that support the agricultural industry.
• Communicate project progress, recommendations, and key conclusions through written reports, presentations, seminars, and other learning activities.
• Participate in technical training, mentorship, coaching, and leadership development opportunities that strengthen your scientific, professional, and entrepreneurial skills.
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning while maintaining safety, quality management, confidentiality, and protection of competitive know-how.

If you...

• Have completed a PhD degree program within 12 months of your date of hire, preferably in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Crop Science, or a related field (graduating between December 2026-May 2027).
• Are authorized to work in the U.S. now and in the future without restrictions or need for future sponsorship.
• Are self-driven and thrive in collaborative environments, even when working with geographically dispersed teams.
• Have strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to identify and address challenges in breeding projects.
• Demonstrate a proactive and results-driven mindset, with a strong focus on continuous improvement and achieving targets.
• Have a cross-functional and collaborative mindset with ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Demonstrate proficiency in using databases for data management and analysis with a strong attention to detail and accuracy in data collection and analysis.
• Use communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with internal teams and external partners.
• Embody BASF’s Winning Behaviors: you take accountability, move with speed, and bring an improvement mindset to everything you do.
• Are open to working in multiple geographic locations throughout rotational program and upon place-off from the program.

Create your own chemistry with you@BASF

At BASF, you will have the chance to do meaningful work towards building a more sustainable future. In addition to competitive compensation and benefits, BASF provides you with access to a wide range of elements to help you be your best. It’s what we call you@BASF. We are committed to providing benefits, programs, and opportunities that support our employees’ overall well-being, personal growth, and a safe, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.

Just some of the many benefits we offer include:

• Flexible work arrangements whenever possible
• Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options
• Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members
• Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more)
• Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages
• Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive
• Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.
• Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens
• Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more!

About us

BASF Agricultural Solutions is a trusted partner to the agricultural industry, delivering innovative and sustainable solutions that help farmers succeed across a wide range of cropping systems. Across North America, our teams work together to address some of agriculture's most important challenges while creating value for customers, communities, and the environment. At BASF, you'll find opportunities to grow your career, collaborate with talented colleagues, and make a meaningful impact through work that matters.

Find out more about our Agricultural Solutions team here. 

Our people are at the heart of everything, dedicated to delivering value for our customers every day.

By focusing on enabling our people today and in the future, we will ensure we have the talent and skills needed to succeed. 

United by the love of farming, we innovate, collaborate, and strive for the best solutions together, creating connections and driving success as one team. This is how we make an impact. For the love of farming, the biggest job on Earth.

Privacy statement

BASF takes security & data privacy very seriously. We will never request financial information of any kind via email, private text message or direct message on any social medial platform or job board. Furthermore, we will never send a candidate a check for equipment or request any type of payment during the job application process. If you have experienced any of the above, please contact Careers.NorthAmerica@basf.com to report fraud.

Equal employment opportunities

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.