Research Scientist Phytopathology (m/f/d)

KWS SEMILLAS IBÉRICA S.L.; Murcia; Presencial; EUR 60.000 - 90.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

KWS Semillas Ibérica S.L. in Murcia seeks a Research Scientist Phytopathology to join our Vegetable Business Unit. You will implement and execute local phytopathology activities, lead disease testing protocols, and support breeding programs with disease crop monitoring.

The role requires a PhD or MSc, 3+ years in plant pathology, fluency in English and Spanish, and a willingness to travel internationally (~10%). You will manage a small team and report to the Head of Phytopathology.

Formación

• PhD/MSc in a relevant scientific discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in plant pathology, preferably in an industrial setting.
• Fluent in English and Spanish.

Responsabilidades

• Facilitate execution of short- and long-term Phytopathology strategy aligned with KWS Vegetables.
• Participate in crop team discussions to develop and prioritize pathology traits.
• Develop and implement disease testing protocols to support local breeding.
• Provide support to breeding team on disease crop monitoring.
• Foster cross-department collaboration and clear communication.
• Assist in hygiene protocol development and implementation with Farm teams.
• Support PD and Sales with technical growers' guidance.
• Manage local Phytopathology budgets (operations and investments).
• Lead a small local team of Phytopathology Assistants and Technicians; conduct appraisals and development.

Conocimientos

English fluency

Spanish fluency

Leadership

Team collaboration

Analytical skills

Multicultural awareness

Educación

PhD/MSc in a relevant field

3+ years plant pathology experience

Descripción del empleo

Career Opportunities: Research Scientist Phytopathology (m/f/d) (16562)

Requisition ID16562-Posted08/11/2026-Murcia- Fields of Work (1) -Experienced Professional-Up to 15%-Onsite

Field of Work:Breeding,
Location:Murcia
Legal Entity:KWS SEMILLAS IBÉRICA S.L.
Contract Type: Regular
Is Full Time:
Job ID: 16562

As part of our growth strategy and our plans to establish state-of-the-art Research Teams for our Vegetable Business Unit, we are looking for a hands-on Research Scientist Phytopathology (m/f/d) , based at our KWS station in Murcia, Spain . The Research Scientist Phytopathology will be part of the global phytopathology research team and is responsible for the local implementation and execution of cucurbits plant pathology activities.

Areas of expertise include Plant Pathology (including Virology, Mycology, Bacteriology, Entomology and Nematology), with a focus on development, implementation, and routine application of methodologies related to routine resistance testing, diagnostics, and disease crop monitoring. The candidate will report to the Head of Phytopathology of KWS Vegetables. The intended starting date for this position is July 15th, 2026.

Your Tasks:

• Facilitate the execution of the short- and long-term strategy for Phytopathology in line with the overall KWS Vegetables strategy
• Participate in strategic crop team discussions to effectively develop and prioritize pathology traits
• Develop and implement protocols for disease testing (routine and research) to support local breeding team
• Facilitate effective support to local breeding team on disease crop monitoring
• Foster an open, clear and efficient cross-department communication and collaboration
• Assist and collaborate in the development and strict implementation, along with Farm teams, of the hygiene protocols in the breeding station
• Assist PD and Sales teams on providing the proper technical support to growers
• Prepare and control, in support of the Head of Phytopathology, the local Phytopathology research budgets (operations and investments)
• Lead a small local team of Phytopathology Assistants and Technicians, including appraisals, training, development and career planning to foster the appropriate individual and team performance.

Your profile:

• PhD/MSc in a relevant scientific discipline
• 3+ years of experience in the field of plant pathology; preferably in an industrial setting
• English and Spanish (fluent)
• Practical and theoretical know-how on disease resistance testing
• Proven experience on service-oriented disease testing
• People oriented leadership style;
• Team player person with excellent organizational and analytical skill
• Multicultural/international orientation, ability to work in an international setup
• Willingness to travel internationally ~10% of time.

About KWS

KWS is one of the world’s leading plant breeding companies and employs around 5,000 employees in more than 70 countries. With the tradition of family ownership, KWS has operated independently for more than 170 years. It focuses on plant breeding and the production and sale of seeds for sugarbeet, corn, cereals, vegetables, oilseed rape and sunflowers. KWS uses leading-edge plant breeding methods and invests a significant amount in research and development.

At KWS, diversity is not just a value; it is an essential part of our success. Breeding resilient crops requires diversity; likewise, our strength comes from the diversity of our teams. Whatever your background or identity is, we invite you to join us.

Our data privacy policy for candidates is available on www.kws.com/dataprotection . Please select the country where the job you applied for is posted in and, if applicable, the specific business unit.