Research Assistant Phytopathology

Oudecampsweg 35C, 2678 NN De Lier, Netherlands

Flowers and plants have a strong emotional value for the people who buy them. Their potential to inspire is endless – They can make our day, brighten up the house, or turn the garden into a paradise.

Dümmen Orange is a leading breeder and propagator of flowers and plants. Our goal is to inspire people and create a better, more beautiful world. We offer an impressive portfolio of crops and varieties to growers, wholesalers and retailers around the world. 

We are looking for a Research Assistant who can support our Phytopathology team in De Lier for a period of 1 year (replacement due to longterm sickleave and pregnancy).

Why is this your job?

As a Research Assistant you will expand and strengthen our Phytopathology team, which is a part of the Trait Development department. You will be responsible for the routine execution of protocols for phytopathology projects and for the maintenance of facilities. The main activities would be plant maintenance, pathogen maintenance, inoculum preparation, plant observations both in the greenhouse and controlled climates, basic laboratory work, and to ensure that the facilities run smoothly in collaboration with the technical team. You will be part of a dynamic team where a proactive nature is valued, but balanced with team collaboration. You will be based in our Breeding Technology Center in De Lier and will report to the Senior Team Lead Phytopathology.

Your tasks and responsibilities:

• Execution of phytopathology bioassays by inoculation, maintenance and scoring and assisting in bioassay and protocol improvement;

• Performing experiments in the laboratory;

• Contribute to continuous improvement activities to create more efficient workflow processes;

• Lead in smooth running of facilities by frequent collaboration with technical team and third parties;

• Effectively plan activities according to project plans and timelines.

Who are you?

• BSc in a relevant field in plant science (for example phytopathology, entomology or similar).

• Creative, independent and solution oriented. 

• Ability to handle a diversity of activities and stakeholders.

• Ability to communicate well and work easily with colleagues and external parties.

• Ability to translate aligned project goals and activities to daily tasks independently.

• Analytical and critical mindset with strong problem solving and pro-active attitude.

• Experience with computers and maintenance software.

• Excellent communication skills and good command of the English language, both verbal and written. Knowledge of Dutch is a plus.

What do you get in return?

Dümmen Orange has major international ambitions with innovation technology and quality high on the agenda. There is plenty of room for autonomy, personal growth and you are part of an expert team. This allows you to optimally develop as a driven professional in your field. There is a supportive and open working environment where sharing knowledge, collaboration and achieving common goals are very important.

We also offer:

• An attractive salary depending on your knowledge and experience;

• Full-time employment (based on 38 hours);

• 25,5 vacation days on a full-time basis;

• Working hours are flexible and can be determined in consultation;

• A personal development plan based on continuous learning and our core values of commitment, focus, passion and responsibility.

• An international working environment;

• Collective Labour Agreement for the Greenhouse Horticulture Sector with, among other things, good leave arrangements and a good pension scheme (BPL Pension). We invest in your future by paying 2/3 of the pension premium;

Who are we?

We are a leading international breeder and propagator of flowers and plants. Our breeders enhance characteristics such as colour, fragrance, and shape, as well as less visible traits like disease resistance, higher yield per square meter, and extended vase life. In production locations across Africa, South and Central America we have 330+ hectares of production space at our disposal. Here we set up our mother stock plants and propagate the starting material. Our extensive range of crops and varieties finds its way to growers, wholesalers, and retailers around the world.

With a leading R&D team, a diverse network of our own propagation sites, and over a century of experience in floriculture, we are the trusted source for industry expertise and innovation in floriculture breeding.

The products our industry produces have a strong emotional value for the consumers who buy them. Our purpose is to inspire people and create a better, more beautiful world. Our team of 6,600 dedicated, focused, and passionate professionals works across the globe. Our head office is located in De Lier, the Netherlands.

Your application 

Do you dare to bloom and are you ready to take your career to the next level? Click on the button below to apply for this job. If you have questions about the job, you can contact Sayantani Chatterjee, Senior Team Lead Phytopathology via s.chatterjee@dummenorange.com or +31 174 530 100. 

Acquisition with reference to this advertisement will not be appreciated.