Head of Applied Genomics

KWS SAAT SE; Wageningen; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

KWS SAAT SE in Wageningen, the Netherlands, seeks a Head of Applied Genomics (m/f/d) for KWS Vegetables to co-develop the research strategy and lead the Applied Genomics team.

This role covers Crop Genetics, Trait Biology and Molecular Breeding Support, advancing state-of-the-art methods to support the breeding process and collaboration with Global Research.

You will manage budgets, build external partnerships, and travel internationally up to 20%. Starting date: December 1, 2026.

Qualifications

• MSc/PhD in a relevant scientific discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in Crop Genetics.
• Thorough practical and theoretical knowledge of Genomics, Genetics, and Breeding Support.
• Hands-on experience with service-oriented Molecular Breeding.
• Proven track record of building and leading a team.
• People oriented leadership style.
• Experience in Project Management and Finance & Accounting.
• International orientation.
• Willingness to travel internationally max. 20% of time.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and facilitate the execution of the short- and long-term strategy for Applied Genomics in line with the overall KWS Vegetables strategy.
• Lead a successful Applied Genomics team in Wageningen, including the attraction, retention and training of highly skilled scientists.
• Ensure the development and implementation of molecular breeding methods and protocols.
• Participate in across crop strategic platforms and technology development within KWS' Global Research and Service Departments.
• Build alliances with external academic institutions and technology providers.
• Facilitate breeding support towards the KWS vegetable crops using genomics, molecular markers and breeding selection methods.
• Prepare and control, in collaboration with the Global Head of Research, the Applied Genomics research budgets, including routine service costs.
• Lead and direct, in cooperation with HR, the personnel flow within the Applied Genomics team, including appraisals, training, development, and succession and career planning to ensure individual and team performance.

Skills

Crop Genetics

Genomics

Breeding Support

Leadership

Project Management

Finance & Accounting

International orientation

Travel readiness

Education

MSc/PhD in a relevant scientific discipline

Job description

Onsite/ Remote: Hybrid Working Within Country

We are looking to recruit a newHead of Applied Genomics (m/f/d), based at KWS Vegetables' research hub in Wageningen, the Netherlands.The Head of Applied Genomics will co-develop the research strategy for KWS Vegetables and will lead the Applied Genomics team. Areas of expertise include Crop Genetics, Trait Biology and Molecular Breeding Support, with a focus on development, implementation and routine application of methodologies to support the breeding process. You will report to the Global Head of ResearchVegetables of KWS. The intended starting date for this position is December 1, 2026.

Job purpose:

Contribute to the competitiveness of the KWS vegetable breeding portfolio worldwide by continuous scouting for, developing and implementing technologies, and breeding methods. Develop a successful strategy for the Applied Genomics team that contributes to overall R&D plans and the strategic plan of the Business Unit ultimately resultingincommercially successful vegetable varieties. Further develop state-of-the-art molecular breeding support for all vegetable crops in the KWS portfolio. Direct, approve and monitor innovative research programs that are performed in collaboration with the Global Research and Services Department of KWS worldwide.

Key Success Factors:

Further develop competitive molecular breeding support through a team of highly skilled research professionals at the KWS Vegetables location in Wageningen;

Effectively collaborate with the Global Research & Service Department of KWS world-wide for the development of novel molecular breeding methodologies;

Secure strategic external partnerships with universities and service providers;

Professionalism of the Applied Genomics team, alignment with the breeding and research teams within KWS Vegetables;

Output in supporting the breeding teams;

Manage the Applied Genomics budget within the KWS Vegetables R&D team.

Your Tasks:

Formulate, advise and facilitate the execution of the short- and long-term strategy for Applied Genomics in line with the overall KWS Vegetables strategy;

Lead a successful Applied Genomics team in Wageningen, the Netherlands, including the attraction, retention and training of highly skilled scientists;

Ensure the development and implementation of molecular breeding methods and protocols;

Participate in across crop strategic platforms and technology development within KWS' Global Research and Service Departments;

Build alliances with external academic institutions and technology providers;

Facilitate breeding support towards the KWS vegetable crops using genomics, molecular markers and breeding selection methods;

Prepare and control, in collaboration with the Global Head of Research, the Applied Genomics research budgets, including routine service costs;

Lead and direct, in cooperation with HR, the personnel flow within the Applied Genomics team, including appraisals, training, development, and succession and career planning to ensureindividual and team performance.

Your profile:

MSc/PhD in a relevant scientific discipline;

5+ years of experience in Crop Genetics;

Thorough practical and theoretical knowledge of Genomics, Genetics, and Breeding Support;

Hands-on experience with service-oriented Molecular Breeding;

Proven record of effectively building and leading a team of professionals;

People oriented leadership style;

Experience in Project Management and Finance & Accounting;

International orientation;

Willingness to travel internationally max. 20% 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.
Further information: https://www.kws.com/corp/en/careers/ . Follow us on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/company/kwsgroup/.
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.