Agriculture plays a fundamental role in fulfilling many of humanity's basic needs: food, feed, energy. To support growers and those who take care of our environment, BASF develops innovative solutions for farming, pest control and landscape management - so that we can effectively contribute to improving people's lives and business' demands. Come join us on our journey to create solutions for sustainable agriculture at the Innovation Center in Ghent, Belgium.
We are seeking people who thrive in a culture of creativity, openness, responsibility, and entrepreneurial spirit. In our organization, we encourage and celebrate innovative thinking, where ideas flow freely and are nurtured. We value individuals who take ownership of their work and are accountable for their actions. We foster an entrepreneurial mindset, where taking calculated risks and seizing opportunities are encouraged to drive growth and success. Join our team and be part of an environment that values and rewards creative thinking, collaboration, and a can-do attitude.
Within BASF Seed and Traits R&D, Trait Research focuses on the design, creation and testing of candidate leads as gene-based solutions for herbicide tolerance, pest and disease control in key crops including soybean, oilseed rape, wheat and cotton. We are currently seeking a talented, motivated, and inspiring Program Leader to join our Trait Research team at the R&D Innovation Center in Ghent, Belgium. In this role, you will lead Programs with associated internal activities and external collaborations to ensure the timely and cost-effective delivery of commercially viable traits for Pest and Disease Control.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT You lead one or more Programs for different Pest Control or Disease Control traits in different key crops by translating business objectives into innovative research projects.You set clear Program goals and articulate an innovative and competitive research strategy to meet these goals and to ensure the efficient delivery of high-quality traits.You evaluate progress of Programs with support of your functional team (technicians and scientists in the lab and greenhouse) and take decisions to ensure the achievement of objectives and critical milestones with optimal use of available resources.You propose innovative trait and enabling technology concepts and develop and implement research strategies using state of the art know-how and technology by including suitable third-party collaborations to ascertain scientific competitiveness of the Program.You proactively report on the progress of your Program developments and new opportunities to all relevant stakeholders and internal R&D governance bodies as requested.You work closely with Intellectual Property colleagues to ensure Program competitiveness by building a proactive patenting (and, if needed, licensing-) strategy and ensure a competitor IP analysis in the Program field. WHAT YOU OFFER You hold a PhD in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a relevant life sciences field (or possess equivalent experience) and have a minimum of 3 years of relevant Program leader experience.You understand crop business strategies and the principles of value creation for growers.You have developed scientific know-how in multiple Ag-biotechnology or expertise fields, preferably including Pest- and/or Disease Control.You have a track record of providing scientific and functional leadership for internal and external program work packages, effectively managing collaborations with partners, and excel in developing innovative research proposals that incorporate novel technology platforms to advance project objectives.You possess strong leadership and team coaching skills, motivating and inspiring others, while fostering collaboration in diverse environments through a multi-cultural mindset.You demonstrate proactivity, with well-developed communication and negotiation skills that enable effective interactions with stakeholders. You build a culture of innovation by creating an environment that supports creativity and by coaching and developing people.You are fluent in English. WHAT WE OFFER A permanent contract within an attractive working environment in a professional and motivated team. A role with challenging assignments and responsibilities. An attractive base salary in relation to your diploma and competencies, an annual bonus and extra-legal benefits.A good work-life balance where regular working from home is possible. HOW TO REACH USIf you need more information about the process or the vacancy, you can reach our recruiting team here.
ABOUT USBASF is a multinational company dedicated to revolutionizing agricultural science. We are committed to developing innovative solutions that address global challenges in food security and sustainability.
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