Junior Molecular Breeder

A strong breeding pipeline starts with translating molecular insights into practical breeding decisions. In this role as Junior Molecular Breeder Solanaceae, 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 Solanaceae
As a Junior Molecular Breeder Solanaceae, 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. Your primary focus will be on Solanaceae crops, including tomato, pepper and eggplant, while collaborating with colleagues across our global breeding network.

Working closely with breeders, molecular and trait discovery researchers as well as Life Cycle Acceleration department, 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 evaluations, and have a strong focus on 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 and coordinating 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 Solanaceae, you are curious, analytical, very organized 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 Zaden 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 
We believe it is important that you can grow in your work and feel good about what you do. That is why we invest in your development, well-being, and job satisfaction. Through our Great to Grow development program, our focus on vitality, and activities that bring colleagues together, we create a work environment where you can keep learning and contribute with energy and enjoyment. 

You can also count on: 

• A position for 38 hours per week; 

• A gross monthly salary between €3,629 and €4,746 (Scale 7, Collective Labor Agreement for Vegetable Seed Companies), based on a full-time workweek of 38 hours and aligned with your knowledge and experience; 8.33% vacation allowance and an attractive annual bonus program of 10% of your annual salary, depending on your job level and company performance; 

• 25 vacation days, the option to purchase additional vacation days, and one paid vitality day per year, with extra vacation days granted as you get older; 

• A laptop and mobile phone provided by Enza Zaden; 

• A contribution toward overnight accommodation costs if you live farther away from Enza Zaden. This program applies to employees working for Enza Zaden in the Netherlands whose one-way commute exceeds 100 kilometers and 75 minutes; 

• An attractive retirement plan, commuting reimbursement if you live more than 10 kilometers from your workplace and a remote work allowance when working partly from home in consultation with your manager; 

• Opportunities for personal and professional growth through our Great to Grow development program, training courses, workshops, and e-learning platform; 

• Plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues outside of your daily work through social events organized by the Staff Association, as well as Young Enza networking events, inspiration sessions, and social gatherings. We also host an annual summer barbecue, Christmas market and New Year’s reception; 

• A strong focus on your health and well-being, including free fresh fruit, healthy lunch options at the office, a bike-to-work program, sports activities through enzActive, and mental well-being support through OpenUp. 

Let’s connect 
Looking for a career that grows with you? Apply using the application button. Youwill receive an automatic confirmation within a few minutes. We will let you know the next step within 10 business days. 

This role cannot be filled on an interim basis. A security screening is also part of our recruitment process.

Do you have questions about the role or the application process? Please feel free to contact Tamara Woudstra, Recruiter, at t.woudstra@enzazaden.nl

Enza Zaden is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on background, identity, or personal characteristics. 

Want to learn more about Enza Zaden? Visit our website.