Research Technician Phytopathology (m / f / d)

As part of our growth strategy and our plans to establish state-of-the-art Research Teams for our Vegetable Business Unit, we are looking for a hands-on Research Technician Phytopathology, based at our KWS station in Murcia, Spain. The Phytopathology Technician will support the Phytopathology team in the department needs. Areas of expertise include plant pathology (including virology, mycology, entomology, and nematology), routine testing, diagnostics, and disease monitoring, with a focus on routine application of methodologies to support breeding tasks. She/He will report to the Research Scientist Phytopathology in Spain. The intended starting date for this position is July 1st, 2025.

Your responsibilities:

1. Execute protocols for routine disease testing for vegetable crops.
2. Proper maintenance of phytopathology trials.
3. Proactively collaborate and coordinate with the farm team to meet phytopathology needs.
4. Maintain the phytopathology lab according to quality standards.
5. Implement hygiene protocols in phytopathology facilities.
6. Maintain and supervise pathogen stocks.
7. Organize and store phytopathology consumables properly.

Your tasks:

1. Assist and support the phytopathology team to optimize departmental efficiency and output.
2. Execute routine disease bioassays, from inoculum production to trial management (fertigation, watering, crop protection, pruning, etc.).
3. Collaborate in designing and setting up phytopathology trials in greenhouse and climate chamber.
4. Support the team in data collection for resistance screening trials.
5. Ensure hygiene measures are followed in phytopathology facilities.
6. Maintain pathogen stocks responsibly.
7. Support assistants and scientists in laboratory work.
8. Organize and track greenhouse and laboratory consumables.
9. Coordinate and supervise farm personnel during daily phytopathology tasks, including sowing, transplanting, sampling, and trial removal.

Your profile:

• BSc in Biology, Horticulture, Agricultural Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• At least 3 years of experience in plant pathology, preferably in an industrial setting.
• Language skills: Spanish and English (intermediate level).
• Team player with good interpersonal skills.
• Resilient and able to work independently.
• Willing to travel locally (Murcia-Almeria).

We look forward to receiving your application through the KWS Job Portal application system.