Senior Group Lead Crop Genetics

BASF is a multinational company dedicated to revolutionizing agricultural science. We are committed to developing innovative solutions that address global challenges in food security and sustainability. Our diverse team combines expertise in computational protein engineering, artificial intelligence, and plant molecular biology to create cutting-edge technologies that redefine the agricultural industry.

The Role

As a Crop Genetics Senior Group Leader, you provide strategic, operational, and disciplinary leadership to the Crop Genetics Team whose competencies in genetics, genomics and native trait discovery contribute to and enhance the global breeding programs. You ensure alignment with global business and BTO strategy, primary stakeholders within Seeds & Traits R&D, and provide plant genetics, genomics, and genotyping expertise throughout the Seeds & Traits organization.

Responsibilities

Leadership/People Focus:

• Build and maintain trust, inspire, motivate, and create development opportunities. Secure and develop an expert team of scientists and support staff with relevant and state of the art technical and analytical skills in crop genetics and genomics through recruitment and training. Ensure alignment internal and with the main stakeholders, promoting collaboration across key functions.

Operational Technology:

• Strategically plan and execute genotyping strategy, competencies and quality of innovative genetics and genomics capabilities for the discovery, characterization and validation of native traits and germplasm enhancements in alignment with the next generation molecular breeding programs.
• Along with Informatics teams, direct and ensure the development, implementation, and use of efficient and effective data repositories to store and retrieve both historical and ongoing molecular marker and genotype data for their application in molecular breeding processes

Stakeholder Management:

• Build and maintain, relationships with internal and external stakeholders to maximize the contribution. Ensure alignment with the S&T Strategy and R&D stakeholders
• Communicate regularly and effectively to key stakeholders on research opportunities, strategies and outcomes.

Innovation Strategy:

• Propose, develop and lead innovation-based research plans (either directly or by delegation and collaboration) in Crop Genetics based on consultation with strategic leaders in the R&D organization. Ensure harmonized approaches and the enabling of new technology advances with the global Crop Genetics team.

Requirements

• PhD degree in biological sciences with a minimum of 7 years relevant experience or equivalent, in-depth knowledge of genetics and molecular technologies.
• At least 5 years of experience in leading research teams where you demonstrated strong people development skills as well as advanced influencing skills with a multi-cultural mindset.
• Experience organizing and managing complex projects, especially in setting and meeting project timelines, including budget planning and managing expenses.
• Experience in global, and multifunctional collaborative initiatives influencing the R&D innovation strategy.
• Experience in creating and leading agile as well as high-performing teams based on trust, collaboration, and diversity.
• You have the mobility and flexibility to successfully oversee and engage remote teams and external stakeholders.
• Advanced/Expert scientific knowledge, experience, and skills in diverse Ag-biotechnology areas, particularly in modern crop breeding, genotyping, and data informatics.
• Capability to develop new concepts and applications. Ability to plan present and future needs through critical and strategic thinking.
• Excellent Interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills for interfacing with internal and external Research Sector personnel with advanced capability to communicate complex ideas and influence business strategy across functions.
• Proficient in English.

Benefits

• Responsibility from day one in a challenging but dynamic work environment and “on-the-job” training as part of a committed team.
• Competitive compensation including attractive benefits.
• Development discussions and programs so that you can reach your full potential.
• A dynamic team with enthusiastic colleagues.
• Onboarding to help you settle in quickly, ensuring you are part of the BASF team from day one.
• A good work-life balance with possibility of remote working according to the company policy.