Job ID: 11585

Field of Work: Research & Development

Contract Type: Regular

Is Full Time?: Yes

Onsite/ Remote: Onsite

As part of our growth strategy and our plans to establish state-of-the-art facilities for our Vegetable Business Unit, we are looking for a Technical Assistant DH Production, based at KWS Vegetables’ headquarters in Wageningen, the Netherlands. The Technical Assistant will support the lab activities relating to doubled haploid production for KWS vegetables. You will implement protocols developed by Global Research & Service Department of KWS and support their subsequent optimization. You will ensure all DH production records are up to date and accurate. She/He will report to the DH Production Lead. The intended starting date for this position is October 2022. This a full-time, permanent position.

Job purpose 

Contribute to the competitiveness of the worldwide KWS vegetable breeding portfolio through the routine, cost effective and reliable production of doubled haploid lines. Support the implementation and optimization of doubled haploid production protocols for selected crops. Participate in all activities in the DH production process including media preparation, sample picking, in vitro tissue culture and DH acclimatization. Facilitate efficient platform management through the maintenance of accurate records.  

Key Success Factors 

• Support the routine operation of DH platforms. 
• Participate in all lab activities involved in DH production. 
• Maintain accurate lab records to facilitate efficient platform management. 

What you can expect in this role:

• Perform all tasks associated with the production of high quality doubled haploid lines. 
• Assist in planting and sampling of donor plants. 
• Sterilisation of incoming material. 
• Preparing media and other materials. 
• Execution of sterile in vitro tissue culture work. 

• Maintenance of accurate lab records and sample management databases. 
• Set-up, maintenance, operation and cleaning of laboratory instruments and equipment. 
• Keeping lab and work area clean, adhering to sterile techniques and good lab practices. 
• Ensure that all work is performed in a safe and efficient manner in accordance with production protocols, company policies, and regulations. 
• Provide regular updates to the team and supervisors about the status of the work and flag any issues for resolution. 

• Participate in protocol optimisation and process improvement programs. 

What you bring in:

• You have a BSc in biology (or related field) with 2-3 years of experience of in vitro tissue culture work in different crops. Non-degree holders with longer-term experience will also be accepted for the position.
• You have knowledge of breeding.  
• Experience with Office365 applications, knowledge of sample-tracking systems (LIMS) and an ability to learn new software. 

• Excellent attention to detail and highly results oriented. 
• You have a good command (oral and written) of the English language.

Did we spark your interest?
Then apply now via our online portal and send us your documents (cover letter, resume, certificates). We look forward to getting to know you!

To apply

Please click HERE to learn more and to apply online.

About KWS

KWS is one of the world’s leading plant breeding companies. With the tradition of family ownership, KWS has operated independently for more than 165 years. It focuses on plant breeding and the production and sale of seed for corn, sugar beet, cereals, potato, rapeseed, sunflowers and vegetables. KWS uses leading-edge plant breeding methods. Around 6.000 employees represent KWS in more than 70 countries. For more information: www.kws.com/career. Follow us on LinkedIn® at https://linkedin.com/company/kwsgroup/.