Shape the Future of Hybrid Rye Breeding with KWS!

At KWS LOCHOW POLSKA Sp. z o.o., innovation is at the heart of everything we do. As a market leader in hybrid rye, we don’t just breed new varieties — we help shape the future of sustainable agriculture. Now, we’re looking for a driven Breeder (m/f/d) – Hybrid Rye to join our talented Rye Breeding Department in Kondratowice, Poland on a full time basis.

In this role, you will be at the centre of an international breeding network, connecting research, technology, and field operations across Poland, Germany, and beyond. You’ll work with cutting-edge breeding tools, lead high-impact projects, and collaborate with some of the best minds in the industry — all while developing solutions that will feed generations to come.

Your Key Areas of Responsibility:

1.Phenotyping & Trial Management

• Lead the functional unit for phenotyping in Poland
• Plan and coordinate phenotyping operations at Polish yield-trial locations — from sowing and agronomic management to data collection, harvest, and post-harvest seed processing — in close alignment with counterparts in Poland and Germany
• Design and analyse experiments using company software for routine multi-environment yield trials and alternative tools (e.g., R) for specialised breeding experiments
• Support trial dimensioning across test locations
• Lead and contribute to data collection in yield trials
• Ensure timely and accurate documentation of breeding files, data, and results in the company database.
• Support line and hybrid selection by optimising workflows for data analysis and reporting, and contribute to selection recommendations.
• Optimise seed-management workflows.

2.Breeding Research

• Plan and analyse experiments to address key breeding questions.
• Supervise breeding-research projects and act as a communication link with internal and external partners.
• Optimise procedures for line development and evaluation.
• Develop and manage drone-based data collection systems for trait selection.
• Collaborate closely with hybrid rye breeding and breeding-technology teams.

3.Additional Breeding Activities

• Lead trait data collection in observation nurseries and isolation plots; contribute to other field data collection activities.
• Coordinate crosses and early line development for the biomass-breeding program.
• Oversee experimental hybrid production in isolated fields, in collaboration with the seed production team.
• Team Leadership & Collaboration
• Define and align plans, goals, and operational frameworks for breeding programs and projects.
• Coordinate effectively across internal teams and external partners.
• After onboarding, supervise one breeding technician focused on yield-trial activities

4.Requirements for this Position

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in plant breeding or a related field.
• At least three years of practical experience in plant breeding.
• Strong foundation in breeding methods and technology.
• Knowledge of marker technology and marker-assisted selection.
• Expertise in the design and analysis of experiments; experience with R and database systems is an advantage.
• Strong leadership and project management skills.
• Proficient in English (written and spoken).
• Basic Polish communication skills required; fluency preferred. Candidates with strong English and basic Polish are welcome if committed to improving their Polish.
• Willingness to travel and work in diverse, intercultural teams.

We offer:

• attractive salary together with a package of social and health benefits
• modern work tools
• independent position with a possibility of further professional and personal development
• work in an international environment with a high organizational culture, and every day work in a friendly team
                                                                                                                                                    

If you are ready to grow your career while helping to shape the future of hybrid rye breeding, we look forward to receiving your application. Please send your application (CV with cover letter and information on expected gross monthly salary) via our online system! Join KWS LOCHOW POLSKA Sp. z o.o. and grow with us!