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 based at the KWS Vegetables’ breeding station in Antalya, Türkiye. The Research Scientist Phytopathology will support the global phytopathology research strategy 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), seed pathology, routine testing, diagnostics and disease monitoring, with a focus on development, implementation and routine application of methodologies to support the breeding process. You will report to the Head of Phytopathology of KWS Vegetables. The intended starting date for this unlimited position is May 1, 2024.

Job purpose: Contribute to the competitiveness of the worldwide KWS Vegetables breeding portfolio.

You will take part in the globally operating Phytopathology team and, together with the local breeding & farm team, you will implement and execute the local phytopathology strategy. Your daily activities include developing, implementing and executing phytopathological methodologies and protocols to effectively perform resistance source discovery, routine disease testing, diagnostics and disease monitoring for the vegetable crops in the KWS portfolio. In addition, you will actively participate in the build-up of the local plant pathology team and facilities, as well as collaborate with the Applied Genomics and Service Departments of KWS. Your activities will contribute to the generation of commercially successful vegetable varieties.

Key Success Factors:

• Be a proactive member of the local Phytopathology team at the KWS Vegetables breeding station in Türkiye;
• Help to establish state-of-the-art plant pathology facilities at the Antalya location;
• Develop and implement protocols for pathogen monitoring and routine disease testing for the vegetable crops (Cucurbitaceae and Solanaceae);
• Collaborate with colleagues from the breeding teams and implement disease testing methodologies to support resistance breeding;
• Collaborate with the Applied Genomics team & the Molecular Services Department of KWS for the development of novel methodologies to create disease resistance in vegetable crops;
• Identify strategic external partnerships with universities and service providers;
• Operational excellence in supporting the breeding teams;
• Support and collaborate with farm and breeding teams in the development and implementation of the proper hygiene measures in the station;
• Support the Head of Phytopathology in the preparation of annual budgets and reporting of local Phytopathology costs.

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 Türkiye;
• Co-develop, in collaboration with the breeding station manager and Head of Phytopathology, the plant pathology facilities at the Antalya breeding station;
• Participate in strategic crop team discussions to effectively prioritize pathology research projects;
• Develop and implement methods and protocols for disease testing;
• Facilitate effective support to local breeding team by disease routine testing and pathogen crop monitoring;
• Facilitate discovery for resistance breeding in all vegetable crops;
• Foster an open and efficient communication and collaboration with Breeding, Molecular Breeding and Farm teams;
• Assist and collaborate in the development and implementation, along with Breeding and Farm teams, of the proper hygiene protocols in the breeding station;
• Identify local external academic institutions and technology providers;
• Prepare and control, in support of the Head of Phytopathology, the Phytopathology research budgets, including facility needs and routine service costs;
• Lead a small local team of Phytopathology Assistants and Technicians, including appraisals, training, development and career planning in order to ensure 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 knowledge of disease resistance testing and pathogen monitoring;
• Residence in Antalya, or willing to relocate to Antalya;
• Hands-on experience with service-oriented disease testing;
• People oriented leadership style;
• Language skills: English and Turkish (fluent);
• International orientation;
• Willingness to travel internationally ~10% of your time.

Do you recognize yourself in this job description or would you like to know more about this role within KWS Vegetables? Then we look forward to receiving your online application via our SuccessFactors application system! We will process applications only in English. You can also contact our Head of Phytopathology, Daniel Jimenez (daniel.jimenez@kws.com) or Head of Breeding Turkey, Remzi Dogan (remzi.dogan@kws.com).