As part of our growth strategy and our plans to establish state-of-the-art Research Teams for our Vegetable Business Unit, we are looking for a hands-on Research Scientist Phytopathology (m/f/d), based at our KWS station in Murcia, Spain. The Research Scientist Phytopathology will be part of the global phytopathology research team and is responsible for the local implementation and execution of all plant pathology activities. 

Areas of expertise include Plant Pathology (including Virology, Mycology, Bacteriology, Entomology and Nematology), with a focus on development, implementation, and routine application of methodologies related with routine resistance testing, diagnostics, and disease crop monitoring. The candidate will report to the Head of Phytopathology of KWS Vegetables. The intended starting date for this position is April 1st, 2025.

Your Tasks:
•    Facilitate the execution of the short- and long-term strategy for Phytopathology in line with the overall KWS Vegetables strategy
•    Assist in building up the local Phytopathology team in Spain
•    Collaborate with the Farm Manager and Head of Phytopathology in the finalization of the plant pathology facilities at the Murcia breeding station
•    Participate in strategic crop team discussions to effectively develop and prioritize pathology research projects
•    Develop and implement methods and protocols for disease testing (routine and discovery) to support local breeding team
•    Facilitate effective support to local breeding team on disease crop monitoring 
•    Foster an open, honest and efficient communication as well as collaboration with Breeding, Molecular Breeding and Farm teams
•    Assist and collaborate in the development and strict implementation, along with Breeding and Farm teams, of the hygiene protocols in the breeding station
•    Prepare and control, in support of the Head of Phytopathology, the local Phytopathology research budgets, including facility and routine service costs
•    Lead a small local team of Phytopathology Assistants and Technicians, including appraisals, training, development and career planning to foster the appropriate individual and team performance.

Your profile:
•    PhD/MSc in a relevant scientific discipline
•    3+ years of experience in the field of plant pathology; preferably in an industrial setting
•    Practical and theoretical know-how on disease resistance testing and pathogen monitoring
•    Proven experience on service-oriented disease testing
•    People oriented leadership style;
•    Team player person with excellent organizational and analytical skills
•    Language skills: English and Spanish (fluent)
•    Multicultural/international orientation, ability to work in an international setup
•    Willingness to travel internationally ~10% of time.
 
We look forward to receiving your application through the KWS Job Portal application system. Only resumes and cover letters in English will be considered.