Breeder

Syngenta is one of the world’s largest developers and producers of seed for farmers, commercial growers, retailers and small seed companies. Syngenta seeds improve the quality and yields of crops. High-quality seeds ensure better and more productive crops, which is why farmers invest in them. Advanced seeds help mitigate risks such as disease and drought and allow farmers to grow food using less land, less water and fewer inputs. Syngenta Seeds brings farmers more vigorous, stronger, resistant plants, including innovative hybrid varieties and biotech crops that can thrive even in challenging growing conditions.

Plant Breeder - Flowers

Type: Permanent - fulltime
Department: R&D Flowers  
Location: Andijk, The Netherlands         

Into action

Are you passionate about shaping the future of plant breeding? Do you thrive in an innovative environment where collaboration and curiosity drive success? We are looking for a Plant Breeder to join our dynamic Flowers team (existing out of in total 6 senior- breeders and assistant breeders), focusing on the development of high-value flower crops. In this role, you will play a key part in creating commercially successful varieties while collaborating closely with internal and external stakeholders to bring innovative solutions to life. 

The challenge

As a Plant Breeder, you will be responsible for driving the breeding program from concept to commercialization. Your main focus will be on developing inbred lines and hybrid varieties that align with market needs and future demands. Your responsibilities include: 

• Leading the breeding program: Oversee all aspects of the breeding process, from setting long-term breeding strategies to annual trial planning and the evaluation of experimental varieties with a project-based mindset.
• Innovation and implementation: Use advanced breeding techniques, including molecular marker-assisted breeding and predictive methods, to optimize genetic gains and improve breeding efficiency through data driven decisions.
• Collaboration and stakeholder engagement: Work closely with cross-functional teams such as Pathology, Cell Biology, and Pre-breeding, while maintaining strong relationships with external partners, growers, and the scientific community. Communicate efficiently with operations teams to facilitate the execution of the trials. 
• Market-driven approach: Translate market insights and business strategies into projects including breeding targets, timelines and required resources, ensuring new product development aligns with commercial goals and future growth opportunities. 

Your profile:

We are looking for an innovative and structured professional who is eager to make an impact. To succeed in this role, you bring:  

• A PhD in Plant Breeding, Plant Science, or equivalent experience, with knowledge of crop genetics, experimental design, and statistical analysis. 
• 3+ years of experience in technical and applied plant breeding, ideally within an international environment. 
• Knowledge about and experience in conventional plant breeding techniques, germplasm management, diversity analysis, experimental design, quantitative genetics, and statistical analysis including prediction theory. Ideally you have a good understanding of the fundamentals of genome wide (GW) and marker assisted breeding approaches as well.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to think creatively and independently while thriving in a collaborative setting.
• Proficiency in English (Dutch is a plus) and the ability to work effectively across global teams and external networks. 
• A proactive and curious mindset—constantly looking for ways to improve and innovate.

What’s in it for you?

Syngenta is proud of its unique culture and the values that are at the heart of it. We also foster a strong learning culture with plenty of opportunities for personal development. Why? Because our work matters!

• A permanent contract – we believe in investing in long-term collaboration.
• The opportunity to receive an annual bonus and profit-sharing – we celebrate success together!  
• Flexible working options where possible to support a healthy work-life balance, including the ability to work from home. Additionally, we offer flexible working hours between 06:30 and 18:00, allowing you to organize your day in a way that works best for you.  
• Grow and thrive – unlimited access to Learning Edge, our online learning platform, where you can continuously develop yourself through various training programs and courses.  
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offering free advice, coaching, and support in areas such as career development, emotional support, and legal or financial advice.  
• 25 vacation days + 1 vitality day to recharge. From the age of 35, you will receive an extra vacation day every 5 years.  
• An attractive pension plan – because your future matters to us.
• If you live more than 5 km away, you will receive a travel allowance of €0.23 per km, up to a maximum of 50 km one way.  

Take your chance!

Are you ready to grow your career with us? If you recognize yourself in this profile and would like to apply for this position, please apply on-line via www.syngenta.com. If you would like to have more information about this vacancy please contact our recruiter Silvana van den Elzen via [email protected] or +31 6 82426074.