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Research Scientist Phytopathology

On-site in Murcia·Added 7 days ago (last checked 22 Oct)

KWS

4 open roles

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Our summary

Work mode: On-site, Murcia
Spanish: Fluent
English: Required
Experience: 3+ years
Education: Master's degree

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Requirements

What we're looking for

PhD/MSc in a relevant scientific discipline
3+ years of experience in the field of plant pathology; preferably in an industrial setting
English and Spanish (fluent)
Practical and theoretical know-how on disease resistance testing
Proven experience on service-oriented disease testing
People oriented leadership style;
Team player person with excellent organizational and analytical skill
Multicultural/international orientation, ability to work in an international setup
Willingness to travel internationally ~10% of time.

The role

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 (m/f/d), based at our KWS station in Murcia, Spain. The Research Scientist Phytopathology will be part of the global phytopathology research team and is responsible for the local implementation and execution of cucurbits plant pathology activities.

Areas of expertise include Plant Pathology (including Virology, Mycology, Bacteriology, Entomology and Nematology), with a focus on development, implementation, and routine application of methodologies related to routine resistance testing, diagnostics, and disease crop monitoring. The candidate will report to the Head of Phytopathology of KWS Vegetables. The intended starting date for this position is November, 2026.

What you'll do

Facilitate the execution of the short- and long-term strategy for Phytopathology in line with the overall KWS Vegetables strategy
Participate in strategic crop team discussions to effectively develop and prioritize pathology traits
Develop and implement protocols for disease testing (routine and research) to support local breeding team
Facilitate effective support to local breeding team on disease crop monitoring
Foster an open, clear and efficient cross-department communication and collaboration
Assist and collaborate in the development and strict implementation, along with Farm teams, of the hygiene protocols in the breeding station
Assist PD and Sales teams on providing the proper technical support to growers
Prepare and control, in support of the Head of Phytopathology, the local Phytopathology research budgets (operations and investments)
Lead a small local team of Phytopathology Assistants and Technicians, including appraisals, training, development and career planning to foster the appropriate individual and team performance.

Your profile

Only resumes and cover letters in English will be considered. We look forward to receiving your application through the KWS Job Portal application system.

About KWS

KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA is a global plant breeding company headquartered in Germany, specializing in the development of seeds for a wide range of crops including sugarbeet, corn, cereals, oilseed rape, sorghum, vegetables, sunflower, soy, alfalfa, and grain peas. The company focuses on sustainable agriculture and employs advanced breeding methods, including genome editing, to improve crop yields and resilience. With a presence in numerous countries worldwide, KWS operates in the agricultural seeds industry, serving farmers and agricultural partners.

Industry: Seeds and Agriculture
Founded: 1856
Employees: 5,000–10,000
Headquarters: Einbeck, Germany
In Spain: Almería, Murcia, Agüimes (Gran Canaria)

Good to know if you are moving

KWS has job openings in Spain, including roles in Almería, Murcia, and Agüimes (Gran Canaria), indicating a local presence in agricultural research and sales.
The company offers positions in fields such as breeding, marketing, and sales, with some roles requiring onsite work at cultivation stations.
KWS is a global company with operations in many countries, providing opportunities for international career development.
The company emphasizes innovation and sustainability, which may appeal to professionals interested in agricultural technology and environmental stewardship.

All open roles at KWS