Tomato Breeder (m/f/d)

KWS Group; Almería; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

KWS is seeking an experienced Tomato Breeder to lead the tomato breeding programme in Almería, Spain. You will shape the breeding strategy, implement state-of-the-art methods, and drive commercial variety development with a global R&D network.

You will collaborate with breeding, research, product development and production teams, manage a breeding team, and travel as needed to advance projects in an international context.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a vegetable breeding programme.
• PhD or master's degree with a focus on plant breeding.
• Good knowledge in quantitative genetics, plant pathology, breeding methodology and the vegetable market.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required, and preferably good working knowledge of Spanish.
• Ability to work (assessment, selection) under field conditions.
• Strong communicator and team player with excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• Willingness to travel internationally.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the tomato breeding programme.
• Use, innovate and optimize breeding schemes with state-of-the-art technologies.
• Cooperate with internal groups of breeding, research, product development and production.
• Contribute ideas and support scientific research projects.
• Manage, direct and coordinate activities for breeding staff and ensure effective team functioning.

Skills

Tomato breeding

Team leadership

Field work

Analytical skills

English fluency

Education

PhD in plant breeding

Master in plant breeding

Job description

Career Opportunities: Tomato Breeder (m/f/d) (17000)

Requisition ID17000-Posted11/06/2026-Almeria- Fields of Work (2) -Experienced Professional-Up to 15%

Field of Work:Breeding; Breeding stations,
Location:Almeria
Legal Entity:KWS SEMILLAS IBÉRICA S.L.
Contract Type: Regular
Is Full Time: Yes
Job ID: 17000

Shape the Future of Tomato Breeding with KWS Vegetables

AtKWS, we are driven by a long-term vision: to build a strong and sustainable position in the global vegetable seeds business. Over recent years, this ambition has been backed by significant investments across the world’s key vegetable markets, reinforcing our commitment to innovation, growth, and excellence in plant breeding.

We are now looking for anexperienced Tomato Breeder (m/f/d) to kick-start and lead our tomato breeding programme in Almería, one of Europe’s most dynamic vegetable-growing regions. This is a unique opportunity to shape a tomato breeding programme and drive it towards commercial success, with the support of a global R&D network and the long-term stability of KWS.

• Develop and manage the tomato breeding programme.
• You use, innovate and optimize breeding schemes by using state-of-the-art breeding technologies for the development and selection of high-quality, commercially successful varieties.
• You cooperate with internal groups of breeding, research, product development and production.
• You bring your ideas and support scientific research projects.
• Manage, direct and coordinate activities for competent employees and ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the breeding team.

Your profile:

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a vegetable breeding programme.
• You hold a PhD or master's degree with a focus on plant breeding.
• You have gained good knowledge in quantitative genetics, plant pathology, breeding methodology and the vegetable market.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required for the position, and preferably good working knowledge of Spanish.
• The ability to work (assessment, selection) under field conditions is common ground for you.
• You are known to be a strong communicator and a team player with excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• You have the ability to work in an international team of breeders and scientists.
• You have the willingness and flexibility for business trips.

We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, sex, gender identity or expression, gender reassignment, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or age, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

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.