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 cucurbits 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 to 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 July 15th, 2026.

Your Tasks:

• Facilitate the execution of the short- and long-term strategy for Phytopathology in line with the overall KWS Vegetables strategy
• Participate in strategic crop team discussions to effectively develop and prioritize pathology traits
• Develop and implement protocols for disease testing (routine and research) to support local breeding team
• Facilitate effective support to local breeding team on disease crop monitoring
• Foster an open, clear and efficient cross-department communication and collaboration
• Assist and collaborate in the development and strict implementation, along with Farm teams, of the hygiene protocols in the breeding station
• Assist PD and Sales teams on providing the proper technical support to growers
• Prepare and control, in support of the Head of Phytopathology, the local Phytopathology research budgets (operations and investments)
• 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
• English and spanish (fluent)
• Practical and theoretical know-how on disease resistance testing
• Proven experience on service-oriented disease testing
• People oriented leadership style;
• Team player person with excellent organizational and analytical skill
• Multicultural/international orientation, ability to work in an international setup
• Willingness to travel internationally ~10% of time.

 Only resumes and cover letters in English will be considered. We look forward to receiving your application through the KWS Job Portal application system.