Driscoll’s is developing a strong position in the European berry market from their EMEA headquarters in Breda. Our  family-owned company operates for over 100 years and we are totally dedicated to berries. Over the years, Driscoll’s, which started out in California, has grown to be represented on each continent.

As our dynamic European organisation is growing rapidly, we are looking for an ambitious: Molecular Plant Pathologist

The Molecular Plant Pathologist will provide leadership and support for plant pathology research in the Breeding department.You will work closely with our plant breeders in deploying host plant resistance through developing and conducting appropriate screens of our berry crops (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries). These screens can involve controlled inoculation in greenhouse and growth chambers as well as natural field exposure. You will be involved in facilitating the cooperation of our breeders and our molecular biology department to take greater advantage of marker assisted breeding through assessment of specific populations, as well as, screening advanced selections and varieties.

Responsibilities:

• Discuss and write up appropriate protocols for lab activities and then follow the protocols and assure that others do as well
• Keep records of all lab activities in an organized and readily accessible fashion in print form and electronically
• Maintain department culture collection including short term transfers and long-term storage in -80°C
• Develop and carry out disease resistance assays for Driscoll’s varieties for the most important diseases of our berry crops
• Responsible to establish diagnostic procedures for prevalent diseases
• Responsible for the isolation and culture of plant pathogens
• Conduct inoculations, potting up plants and maintaining plants during the course of disease assessment.
• Consult with the greenhouse staff about fertility, irrigation and pest management issues on an as needed basis
• Conduct disease assessments using scales or percentage of plant area affected
• Coordinating plant pathology efforts in existing external and internal collaborative projects
• Responsible for liaising with other departments within Driscoll's (EMEA wide)

Candidate profile

You are the ideal candidate for us if you have a Master or PhD degree in Plant Sciences, Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Pathology or Plant Protection and at least 2 years of relevant working experience. Knowledge of or experience in Plant Breeding and Genetics is a must. You have demonstrated field experience and lab skills in disease identification, diagnostics and isolation. Your English is fluent and knowledge of another European language is a distinct advantage. You have good verbal and written communication skills and you have eye for detail. Furthermore you will show passion in your work and you strive to gain knowledge and skills for self-development. Working in a high pressure environment is no problem for you and you have the ability to adapt to frequent change.You are an enthusiastic and flexible team player with good interpersonal skills that fit our values.
 
We offer

We offer you a chance to build a young fast growing brand and be part of a `energetic young’ and winning team that opens doors to a very broad experience with limitless international opportunities for talents. In order to complete your goals, you can count on the support of a professional and global company, that finds itself in a structurally growing movement.

Visit our website(s) for further information: www.driscolls.eu and www.driscolls.com.  

If you would like to apply for this role, please go to www.careersatdriscolls.com.  

Acquisition regarding this job opening is not appreciated