Researcher Seed Enhancement

Enza Zaden Services B.V.; Enkhuizen; On-site; EUR 48,612 - 69,448; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Laptop provided

Mobile phone provided

8.33% vacation allowance

Annual bonus 10% of salary

25 vacation days

Remote work allowance

Retirement plan

Commuting reimbursement

Great to Grow program

Staff events

Job summary

Enza Zaden is seeking a Researcher Seed Enhancement to lead research programs in seed technologies, guiding multidisciplinary teams across R&D, Seed Operations, and Product Development. You will translate scientific insights into robust, scalable protocols for practical use in our seed products.

The role requires an MSc/PhD in a related field, 8–12+ years in seed enhancement, and strong communication to engage stakeholders and drive projects from concept to implementation.

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 managing research projects.
• Excellent communication; fluent in English; Dutch is a plus.
• Experience translating research outcomes into practical applications and operational processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage research projects within seed enhancement, from concept to implementation.
• Drive development of innovative seed technologies (e.g. priming, coating).
• 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 strategic development of the seed enhancement portfolio.
• Ensure alignment between research outcomes, operational processes, and business objectives.

Skills

Seed technology

Project leadership

English fluency

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Team leadership

Education

MSc/PhD in Plant Sciences or related field

Tools

Seed enhancement technologies (priming, coating)

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. Make a difference as Researcher Seed Enhancement

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.

Your work will include:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Enza Zaden as 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 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

• 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.

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