Prebreeder hybrid Potato
Mitselwier, fulltime

Your contribution to our success
Every day higher demands are put on the potato, one of the biggest staple foods in the world. A constantly changing view on nutritional values alters the way consumers look at the potato and environmental changes in potato producing regions need more resilient potato varieties. Our challenge is to breed varieties which both meet current and future needs. This is your chance to help our mission: "We drive the development of responsible food for the world population."

Your opportunity
To deliver new potato varieties which combine new traits with superior quality, more tasks are created for prebreeding. Prebreeding is a crucial function, where new traits are discovered for commercial application. A prime example of this is the exploration of new genetic resources to find additional disease resistance genes, for the creation of more sustainable varieties. You will be a member of the hybrid potato breeding team, which is a focused group working on the introduction of a diploid hybrid potato. You are furthermore supported by the research groups Molecular Biology, Plant Pathology, Quality, Cell Biology, Bioinformatics and Biometrics.
The described function entails the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Lead and develop most advanced pre-breeding systems with a main focus on diploid hybrid breeding.
• Experimental design, population development and phenotyping for marker assisted breeding and mapping studies.
• Analysis and interpretation of large datasets generated with modern molecular marker and sequencing techniques.
• Scientific and practical support of members of the breeding team.

Your profile
For this prebreeder position you preferably have a PhD in plant breeding, or Genetics with a specialization in plants, supplemented with demonstrable experience in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). MSc graduates who have specialized in GWAS during their studies in plant sciences are also encouraged to apply.
Additionally, you recognize yourself in the following requirements:

• A creative attitude, which enables you as a breeder to translate obstacles into solutions.
• Good communicative and interpersonal skills: team player capable of working in groups which combine many different disciplines.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving attitude.
• Strong communication skills in spoken and written English (Dutch is an asset but not essential).

What we offer
This prebreeding position is a challenging job with a lot of freedom to operate and possibilities to develop your creative character. Furthermore, we offer you:

• A fulltime contract.
• An innovative atmosphere.
• An organization which supports your development.

Our organization
HZPC, founded in 1898 from the Netherlands, has grown into a global market leader in innovative breeding, seed potato trading and concept development. Our ambition is sustainable growth. We offer innovative potato varieties that are adapted to local growing conditions. We share knowledge and offer solutions that dynamically anticipate the climatic, cultural and commercial challenges facing the food chain. With 400 employees in 19 countries and exporting to more than 90 countries, we contribute to the availability of responsible food for the well-being of millions of people worldwide. Our R&D activities are located in Metslawier. In this advanced knowledge center, about 100 colleagues from all over the world work daily on developing new varieties, improving current varieties and expanding our knowledge in all kinds of specialties. In the field of genomics and bioinformatics we are supported by our research hub in Wageningen. More information can be found on our website: www.hzpc.com.

Your response
Apply now via the application form on our website. We look forward to your response! You are invited to express your interest before September 20. For questions, please contact us at info@hzpc.com.

Agency calls are not appreciated.