Researcher Seed Enhancement

Enza Zaden; Netherlands; Remote; EUR 49,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Laptop and mobile phone provided

Great to Grow development program

25 vacation days + buy/sell options

Retirement plan

Travel accommodation contribution

Remote work allowance

Job summary

Enza Zaden BV is seeking a Researcher Seed Enhancement to lead novel seed technology development and translate discoveries into practical applications across diverse growing conditions.

You will guide multidisciplinary teams, manage projects, and shape the seed enhancement portfolio while communicating with stakeholders at all levels. Strong English skills are essential; Dutch is a plus.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Plant Sciences, Seed Physiology, Chemistry, or related field.
• 8–12+ years of experience in seed enhancement or seed technology.
• Proven experience in managing research projects.
• Strong expertise in seed enhancement technologies (priming, coating, etc.) and seed processing knowledge.
• Experience translating research outcomes into practical applications and operational processes.
• Excellent communication skills; fluent in English; Dutch is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage research projects from concept to implementation in seed enhancement.
• Drive development of innovative seed technologies (priming, coating, etc.).
• Translate insights into robust, scalable protocols for operational use.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to develop new products and technologies.
• Contribute to strategic development of the seed enhancement portfolio.
• Ensure alignment between research outcomes, operations, and business objectives.

Skills

Research leadership

Seed technology

Project management

Communication

Education

MSc/PhD in Plant Sciences or related field

Job description

As a Researcher Seed Enhancement at Enza Zaden, you will play a leading role in developing and implementing novel seed technologies that improve seed performance under a wide range of conditions. At the same time, you will guide and develop projects, making a tangible impact on both technology and people.

In this role, you will initiate and lead research programs, working closely with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders across the organization, including colleagues in Research, Seed Operations, and Product Development. Together, you will ensure that innovations are successfully translated into practical applications that enhance the quality and performance of our seeds.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage research projects within seed enhancement, from concept to implementation;
• Drive the development of innovative seed technologies (e.g. priming, coating, and related enhancement solutions);
• Translate fundamental insights into robust, scalable protocols for operational implementation;
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to develop and validate new products and technologies;
• Contribute to the strategic development of the seed enhancement portfolio;
• Ensure alignment between research outcomes, operational processes, and business objectives.

What you bring as our future colleague

You are an experienced researcher with a strong background in seed technology and a passion for innovation. You have the vision to translate scientific insights into impactful solutions for seed enhancement. At the same time, you are comfortable operating at different levels within an organization—from the shop floor to senior management—and are able to engage stakeholders, build support, and successfully lead projects. You bring a proactive, results-oriented mindset combined with a strong sense of ownership. In addition, you have:

• An MSc or PhD degree in Plant Sciences, Seed Physiology, Chemistry, or a related field;
• 8-12 years of experience (or more) in seed enhancement or seed technology in its broadest sense;
• Proven experience in managing research projects;
• Strong expertise in seed enhancement technologies (such as priming, coating, and related application areas), as well as a solid understanding of the seed industry and seed processing environment;
• Experience in translating research outcomes into practical applications and operational processes;
• Excellent communication skills; you are fluent in English, and proficiency in Dutch is considered an advantage.

Employer overview

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 flavor, 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. We are passionate about our work and care about one another. Good ideas are given room to grow and together we keep moving forward. This is how we continue to grow and innovate, both as a company and as colleagues.

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 €4,356.06 and €6,222.94, 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 program 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 program applies to employees working for Enza Zaden in the Netherlands whose one-way commute exceeds 100 kilometers and 75 minutes;
• An attractive retirement plan, commuting reimbursement if you live more than 10 kilometers 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 program, training courses, workshops, and e-learning platform;
• Plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues outside of your daily work through social events organized 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 program, sports activities through enzActive, and mental well-being support through OpenUp.

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

Want to learn more about Enza Zaden? Visit our website.

Great Place To Grow - Breeding to feed the world, creating value for sustainable life and living.

Haven't found the right role yet? Be the first to hear about opportunities that match your profile. Our employees are the driving power of our company. From their specific sphere of expertise, each individual contributes to creating the vegetable varieties of the future. We rely on specialists and the wide-ranging skills amassed by people with years of experience in the field. And the innovative vision of interns and newcomers. We value this knowledge and experience and therefore invest in our people by providing plenty of opportunity for personal development and advancement. Take a look at our current vacancies and see if there is an opportunity that suits you.