Senior Researcher Seed Production

Enza Zaden France Recherche S.A.S.; Enkhuizen; On-site; EUR 52,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme

Development program

Great place to grow

Job summary

Enza Zaden seeks a Senior Researcher Seed Production to lead and evolve agronomy research translating advances into scalable seed production practices. Based in Enkhuizen or Allonnes, you will guide a multidisciplinary team and interact with colleagues worldwide, driving practical adoption of new agronomic technologies.

You will contribute to strategy, manage complex projects, and partner with internal and external experts to deliver high-quality seeds to growers globally.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Sciences, or Agricultural Engineering with at least 8 years of post-educational experience.
• Proven track record in leading and coaching people and developing talent.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with practical application.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coach a team of agronomy researchers and develop innovative practices.
• Carry out research across crops and environments.
• Ensure transfer of research outcomes to production teams and operations.
• Collaborate with seed production specialists, breeders and phenotyping experts to translate research into protocols.
• Identify opportunities for external collaboration and oversee Enza Zaden’s participation in joint research.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Agronomy expertise

Project management

Analytical skills

English proficiency

French proficiency

Education

PhD or MSc in Agronomy

Job description

As Senior Researcher Seed Production your work contributes to everyone's worldwide access to healthy and varied vegetables. You will work at the forefront of strategic research initiatives that directly influence vegetable seed production practices. While you collaborate with internal and external global experts to develop and facilitate the implementation of innovative agronomic technologies you are part of a mission-driven team ensuring high-quality vegetable seeds reach growers worldwide. Make a difference as Senior Researcher Seed Production

As Senior Researcher Seed Production, you will join the "Seed Production Research" team within the Seed Research and Innovation department that integrates expertise in plant physiology and integrated pest management to address changing demands of seed producers. You play a key role in steering research in agronomy and producibility, transforming scientific advances into innovative, scalable, and sustainable seed production practices with a strong operational impact.

In this role, your work will include:

• Leading and coaching a team of experts in the field of agronomy research, including producibility Identify, assess, and develop innovative agronomical practices, methods, and technologies.
• Carry out research projects using agronomic expertise across a range of crops and environments.
• Ensure effective transfer of research outcomes to production teams and operational environments.
• Collaborate with seed production specialists, agronomists, breeders, and digital phenotyping experts to translate research into practical cultivation protocols.
• Contribute to the development data driven future-proof seed production strategies Identify new opportunities for collaboration with external partners, actively participate in joint research projects, and overseeing Enza Zaden’s participation in such activities.

Based at our headquarters in Enkhuizen (Netherlands) or at our research center in Allonnes (Maine-et-Loire), you will have regular interactions with your colleagues internationally with regular business trips.

What you bring as our future colleague

A PhD or Master’s degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Sciences, or Agricultural Engineering with at least 8 years of post-educational experience; experience in the seed industry is a must; Proven track record in leading and coaching people, with a focus on personal development; Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on practical application; Demonstrated experience in managing diverse, complex agronomic projects in seed production and producibility assessment, and taking them through to implementation; Experience in the initiation, preparation and launch of projects of (new) approaches and/or technologies, including stakeholder management; Collaborative mindset and ease in working on multidisciplinary, multicultural teams to deliver results; Strong communication skills in English and preferably also in French; Flexibility and resilience in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.

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.

You can also count on:

• A permanent employment contract
• A transparent compensation policy, including continuous salary progression and a bonus scheme
• A development program designed to support the growth and success of every employee
• A gross annual salary ranging from €51 700 to €73 700 (depending on your experience, skills, and profile)

Enza Zaden as an 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 yield 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’re 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.

Let’s connect

Do you have questions about the role or the application process? Email Esther Scharloo, Senior Recruiter at [e-mail]

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

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.