Our KWS UK Ltd. Barley Breeding Team is currently seeking at the earliest opportunity a Breeding Technician for the 2-row Winter Barley programme. This is a full-time, permanent position based in Thriplow near Cambridge. We offer a hands-on working environment and the opportunity to work with highly motivated and qualified colleagues, and to contribute to the development of new and successful barley varieties for the UK and EU markets.

What you can expect in this role:

The successful candidate will be responsible for a wide range of seasonal tasks within our Barley Breeding team: You will assist with field, glasshouse and warehouse operations essential for the successful development of new varieties.

• Practical breeding work including scoring in nurseries and field trials as well as drilling, pest control, maintenance, rogueing and harvesting
• Work in glasshouse including sowing, harvesting, transplanting and crossing
• Work indoors including seed cleaning and processing, seed sampling and testing, seed preparation 
• Data Management is an essential part of this position, uploading and dealing with data on Excel and inhouse software
• The role has space for growth and the successful candidate will be supported in their professional development according to their expertise

What you bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences, Plant Breeding, Genetics or Agronomy or equivalent experience
• Interest in plant breeding and in helping develop new varieties
• Practical experience in the field of cereal breeding and agronomy will be considered a bonus
• Good computer literacy skills and competent in using databases and managing data
• Good English skills (oral and written)  
• You are known to be a detailed-oriented and organized person
• This position requires a flexible approach and ability to work independently and as part of a team
• You hold a Full Driving license. You will be expected to drive teams during harvest, and occasionally drive long distances with the Breeder
• Willingness to work longer hours during harvest, drilling and other peak periods, sometimes on short notice
• Understanding of quantitative genetics or molecular marker information would be useful but not a requirement

Our offer:

• Key focus on professional and personal development. “Make yourself grow”.
• 35 working hours weekly – additional working hours will be expected based on seasonal demands (especially in July - Sep)
• 30 days of annual leave plus bank holidays
• Highly competitive Pension Scheme with 16% Company contribution and 1.2% minimum employee contribution
• Life Assurance, of three times annual salary
• Income Protection Plan at 75% of salary for long-term illness and disability for a period of three years
• Private Health Care Plan
• Profit Related Bonus Scheme, targeted at 10% of annual salary
• Membership of Lifestyles discount scheme
• Reduced diesel prices from the company’s fuel pump

Due to the salary for this role being below the minimum salary necessary to qualify for a skilled worker visa, KWS will not be able to sponsor applicants for this role.

Did we spark your interest?
Then apply now via our online portal and send us your documents (cover letter, resume). We look forward to getting to know you!