Germains Seed Technology, founded in 1871, has become an industry leader in seed treatment technologies with 200 experts, collaborating in four agricultural crop sectors worldwide. The portfolio encompasses Prime, Pellet, Filmcoat and Health; using innovative processes and technologies that increase germination and uniformity as well as maximize quality and yield.
Working in eight locations across two continents, they work in partnership with their customers, listening to their needs, adapting swiftly in challenging environments and adding value to their businesses. “Maximizing nature’s potential is the aim"; an ethos they are passionate about.
In The Netherlands they have their European Horticulture office and production facility for Horticultural and Field crops (except Sugar beets) in Aalten and a dedicated R&D centre in Enkhuizen.

Role    

Development and continuous improvement of seed enhancements.

• Leading a small team of Junior Scientists and assistants, either in the priming developments or in the field of disinfection and benificials ( micro nutrients, beneficial bacteria and fungi etc.) for the Horticultural group.
• Working closely with the R&D, Sales Team and customers to develop new seed treatments and enabling technologies for the improvement of germination and vigour of seeds.
• Develop and continuously improve treatment offerings to ensure continuous provision of high quality treatments on core species of Germain's customers.
• To fully utilize company systems to accurately record all results, provide detailed statistical analysis of relevant information and to provide interpretation of results.
• Conduct statistical analysis on study results to identify patterns and trends.
• Write clear and concise reports to enable the presentation of findings and conclusions, as well as proposed next steps.
• Communicate and transfer technical knowledge of any findings or developments to the organization.
• Work closely with production to periodically review manufacturing processes to ensure that maximum efficiencies are being achieved through all processes.
• Manage specific ad hoc projects within specified timescales.
• To build effective internal and external relationships to ensure a clear understanding of customer needs and business priorities.
• Maintains and improves technical proficiency by attending appropriate (global) scientific and industry meetings and seminars.

Profile        

Combining research experience with a pragmatic approach and keen eye for innovation.

Job requirements

• MSc. or PhD, preferably Agricultural University or Biology with relevant education in the field of plant sciences (for example plant physiology, seed physiology , microbiology and/or phytopathology).
• Minimum 5 years research experience in biological sciences area. Preferably experience in product development projects and/or experienced in seed physiology, (seed)separation technology or seed coating technology.
• Direct line management experience preferred. Alternatively, a desire to grow into a management position in the future.
• Fluent in English is required and proficiency in other additional languages would be preferred.

Competences

• Good communicator within academic as well as business environment.
• Project management skills.
• Creative and innovative.
• Customer- and market oriented.
• Good sense of economics of new processes and products.
• Good understanding of new process implementation in commercial environment.
• Able to find the good balance between academical and practical approach.
• High level of commitment and involvement.

Place of employment
Enkhuizen.

Offer     
Germains offers an interesting opportunity to contribute to the filling of the pipeline as necessary base for the growth strategy and strong ambitions of an international and innovative "niche-player" with a strong parent company. Germains is part of Associated British Foods plc; itself and to this day, a family-run, multi-billion pound turnover and FTSE 100 company. Good possibilities for further personal development in a professional training and working environment and a competitive remuneration package.

Respond

Germains has outsourced the recruitment and selection for the Senior Scientists Seed Technology exclusively to CeresRecruitment.
You can send your application via the website www.ceresrecruitment.eu
For further information, please contact Ajaan Hijmans on telephone number +31 (0)6 53 905 829
Comprehensive information regarding the company can be found at www.germains.com
A personality questionnaire will form part of the recruitment process.