Post-Harvest & Consumer Insights Researcher

Enza Zaden España; Almería; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Enza Zaden España is seeking a Post Harvest & Consumer Researcher to lead post-harvest and consumer studies, translating market and stakeholder needs into actionable insights for breeding, product management and sales.

You will work in Murcia with collaboration across Almería, contributing to a globally integrated research agenda and ensuring scientifically sound, commercially meaningful outcomes.

Qualifications

• A university degree, preferably an MSc, in Food Science, Biochemistry, Plant Science, Plant Biotechnology, Sensory or Consumer Science, or another relevant agri‑food or life science discipline.
• Relevant experience in post‑harvest research, food quality, sensory evaluation, consumer research or a related research environment.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data and translate findings into practical recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of post-harvest and consumer research activities to strengthen Enza Zaden’s product value proposition across crops and markets.
• Translate market, customer and stakeholder needs into relevant research questions, robust testing approaches and actionable insights for breeding, product management, marketing and sales.
• Contribute to international, multidisciplinary projects and help prioritise activities based on strategic relevance and business impact.
• Design, coordinate and interpret post-harvest quality assessments on vegetable crops (shelf life, texture, color, visual quality).
• Initiate and lead sensory and consumer research activities that generate insights into consumer needs and preferences.
• Translate research findings into clear recommendations to support breeding decisions, product positioning and portfolio development.
• Develop and improve protocols, methodologies and reporting standards for post-harvest testing and sensory evaluation.
• Analyse data, identify patterns and translate results into concise reports and practical recommendations for stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical skills

Strategic judgment

Collaboration & communication

Proactive mindset

Customer engagement

Ownership & decision making

Education

MSc in Food Science or related field

Tools

None

Job description

Enza Zaden España is seeking a Post Harvest & Consumer Researcher to lead post-harvest and consumer studies, translating market and stakeholder needs into actionable insights for breeding, product management and sales.

You will work in Murcia with collaboration across Almería, contributing to a globally integrated research agenda and ensuring scientifically sound, commercially meaningful outcomes.