Associate Agronomist Hybrid Wheat Technology

What is offered

MindCapture offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment.

We have a strong focus on the candidate and believe in long-term relationships built on quality contacts and insight into career opportunities. Not only for our candidates, but also for our consultants, recruiters and support staff.

We offer strong compensation packages that reward your abilities, hard work and resourcefulness in achieving success. We reward you with competitive salaries and offer a strong package of additional legal benefits such as meal vouchers, eco vouchers, high health insurance (DKV) and group insurance. Depending on your seniority, a car may be provided.

We offer personalized training to help you grow in terms of

• What you like to do
• What you are good at
• Where and how you want to make an impact

About MindCapture

MindCapture is a talent company specializing in the fields of cleantech / sustainability & life sciences. As a consultant, you will have the opportunity to learn from diverse environments. Moreover, we offer personal and professional support, both from MindCapture and from our project partners.

Mission description at our customer

Our client, an international company who brings innovative solutions for the crop & seeds business through modern biotechnology and advanced plant breeding, is looking for a motivated agronomist in consultancy mode, to focus on innovative hybrid wheat technology.

Our client covers many aspects within the field crop seeds business from early discovery research to product commercialization, or as they call it: "from the lab to the field".

The hybrid wheat technology associate agronomist supports the hybrid wheat technology breeder to develop and run a mature Seed Descent (SSD) sustainable, high-performance innovative breeding pipeline, to support commercial success of the hybrid wheat program. The candidate will generate breeding populations in greenhouses in Belgium, applying methods to shorten generation cycles (speed cycling from seed to seed).

Major Tasks and Responsibilities

Execute greenhouse activities for the female line development of Hybrid Wheat with limited supervision, including:

• Growing and evaluating plants and seed samples in greenhouse and post-harvest according to agreed procedures.
• Maintain and document plant growth, perform crossing blocks, harvest and process seed in a timely manner.
• Plan and execute leaf or seed sampling for genotyping (Marker Assisted Selection).
• Evaluate phenological plant characteristics and plant diseases.
• Timely reporting of results.
• Apply speed cycle methods when possible.
• Manage seed storage inventory.
• Follow WIs and SOPs and follow guidelines maintaining a safe work environment.

Troubleshoot and maintain equipment needed for evaluation and processing of seed samples (lab thresher, sorter, etc.).

Collaborate and coordinate with local teams and other functions related to greenhouse activities, technical and safety topics.

Maintain appropriate records including computer documents by applying MS Office.

Required skills & competencies

Education: Degree in Agritech, Biotech or equivalent through relevant experience

Skills:

• Knowledge of common agricultural and laboratory procedures and skill and mechanical aptitude in handling as well as modifying/adapting respective equipment.
• Knowledge of and experience in greenhouse activities, plant growth protocols and crop protection.
• Training in agriculture, biology or equivalent work experience - including the design and execution of experiments.
• Professional experience in cereal breeding and applied plant research.
• Experience in performing crosses, harvest of spikes and with seed processing.
• Ability to multi-task while working independently with occasional supervision.
• Ability to work in a team environment with a group of diverse individuals.
• Basic computer (e.g. MS Office) skills.
• Good technical and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain a safe work environment and follow safe work practices (e.g. with chemicals).
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written Dutch & English.
• Team spirit

Ready to make a difference? Join MindCapture and grow with our success!