Junior Molecular Breeder

Enza Zaden Services B.V.; Enkhuizen; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Laptop provided

Mobile phone provided

25 vacation days

Annual bonus 10%

Pension plan

Remote work allowance

Job summary

Enza Zaden, an international family-owned company, is seeking a Junior Molecular Breeder for Solanaceae. You will bridge molecular science and practical breeding to support strategic trait development in global programs.

The role involves coordinating pre-breeding and molecular breeding projects, analyzing data to inform trait introgression, and collaborating with international teams. 38-hour weeks, with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• MSc degree in plant sciences or related field.
• 0–3 years of experience in plant breeding, molecular breeding, or related research is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of genetics, molecular biology, marker technologies, and data analysis.
• Excellent English communication and collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

• Support pre-breeding and molecular breeding projects focused on trait development.
• Analyze molecular and phenotypic data to guide breeding decisions and trait introgression.
• Contribute to development and validation of molecular breeding tools and methodologies.
• Help establish and optimize breeding pipelines for complex traits.
• Collaborate with international teams across projects and programs.
• Coordinate activities across global breeding initiatives.

Skills

Curious mindset

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

English communication

Travel willingness

Education

MSc in Plant Sciences / Plant Breeding / Biotechnology / Genetics

Job description

Position Overview

A strong breeding pipeline starts with translating molecular insights into practical breeding decisions. In this role as Junior Molecular Breeder Solanaceae, you will support the development and implementation of strategic traits within our global breeding programs. Working at the intersection of molecular science and breeding, you will help bridge research and practical breeding applications, contributing to the development of innovative vegetable varieties for the future.

Responsibilities

• Supporting and coordinating pre-breeding and molecular breeding projects focused on strategic trait development.
• Analyzing molecular and phenotypic data to support breeding decisions and trait introgression.
• Contributing to the development, validation, and implementation of molecular breeding tools and methodologies.
• Supporting the establishment and optimization of breeding pipelines for complex traits.
• Collaborating with breeders, researchers, and other specialists across international teams.
• Supporting the coordination of activities across projects and global breeding programs.

Required Skills & Experience

• Curious, analytical, very organized and eager to translate scientific insights into practical applications.
• Connection with plants and excitement to see how molecular insights translate into improvements in greenhouse and field.
• Comfortable working in multidisciplinary teams and balancing multiple priorities in an international environment.
• Proactive mindset and strong collaboration skills.
• Excellent communication skills in English.
• Willingness to travel internationally 1-3 times per year.

Qualifications

• MSc degree in Plant Sciences, Plant Breeding, Biotechnology, Genetics, or a related field.
• Preferably 0-3 years of experience in plant breeding, molecular breeding, genetics, biotechnology, or applied research.
• Knowledge of genetics, molecular biology, marker technologies, and data analysis.
• Strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proactive, collaborative mindset with excellent communication skills in English and an eagerness to learn and develop.

Enza Zaden – Your Employer

Enza Zaden is an international family‑owned company that has been developing innovative vegetable varieties since 1938. Together with more than 3,300 colleagues worldwide, we work on vegetable seeds with better flavour, higher yields and strong resistances. We do this from our mission: “Breeding to feed the world.” Every day, more than 480 million people eat vegetables grown from our seeds, and that is something we are very proud of.

What you can expect from us

We believe it is important that you can grow in your work and feel good about what you do. That is why we invest in your development, well‑being, and job satisfaction. Through our Great to Grow development program, our focus on vitality, and activities that bring colleagues together, we create a work environment where you can keep learning and contribute with energy and enjoyment.

• A position for 38 hours per week.
• A gross monthly salary between €3,629 and €4,746 (Scale 7, Collective Labor Agreement for Vegetable Seed Companies), based on a full‑time workweek of 38 hours and aligned with your knowledge and experience.
• 8.33% vacation allowance and an attractive annual bonus programme of 10% of your annual salary, depending on your job level and company performance.
• 25 vacation days, the option to purchase additional vacation days, and one paid vitality day per year, with extra vacation days granted as you get older.
• A laptop and mobile phone provided by Enza Zaden.
• A contribution toward overnight accommodation costs if you live farther away from Enza Zaden. This programme applies to employees working for Enza Zaden in the Netherlands whose one‑way commute exceeds 100 kilometres and 75 minutes.
• An attractive retirement plan, commuting reimbursement if you live more than 10 kilometres from your workplace and a remote work allowance when working partly from home in consultation with your manager.
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth through our Great to Grow development programme, training courses, workshops, and e‑learning platform.
• Plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues outside of your daily work through social events organised by the Staff Association, as well as Young Enza networking events, inspiration sessions and social gatherings.
• We also host an annual summer barbecue, Christmas market and New Year’s reception.
• A strong focus on your health and well‑being, including free fresh fruit, healthy lunch options at the office, a bike‑to‑work programme, sports activities through enzActive, and mental well‑being support through OpenUp.

Compliance & Diversity

Enza Zaden is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on background, identity, or personal characteristics.

A security screening is also part of our recruitment process.