Research Assistant Phytopathology

Oudecampsweg 35C, 2678 NN De Lier, Netherlands

At Dümmen Orange, every role contributes to our mission of creating sustainable value in ornamental horticulture. As a Research Assistant Phytopathology, you play a key role in the execution of protocols for phytopathology projects and in the maintenance of the Phytopathology facilities. Your work directly supports the Phytopathology team and helps us deliver innovation, quality, and value to our customers and partners worldwide.

 

Why this role matters

This role is critical to our Trait Discovery pipeline and our resistance breeding initiatives. Your expertise and skills will help Dümmen Orange stay ahead in a competitive global market, while also reinforcing our commitment to excellence, sustainability, and innovation. 

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/or responsibilities include:

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

• Perform 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;

• Support Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.

• Effectively plan activities according to project plans and timelines.

 

Your profile

You are a creative, independent, and solution-oriented professional who thrives in a practical research environment. You possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills and approach challenges with a proactive, problem-solving mindset. You can effectively translate project goals into daily activities and work independently while maintaining a strong focus on quality and results. Furthermore, you communicate clearly, collaborate easily with colleagues and external stakeholders, and are comfortable managing a diverse range of activities in a dynamic and international setting.

Furthermore you have: 

• a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field in plant science or biology (for example phytopathology, entomology or similar).  

• a good command of the Dutch and the English language, both written and verbal.

• a valid chemical spraying license (crop protection license/spuitlicentie) or willingness to obtain one.

You live within an acceptable travel distance of the work location in De Lier.

 

What we offer

Passion for the craft, teamwork and transparency define our ways-of-working. With a flat organizational structure and comprehensive support tools – such as the Dümmen Orange Academy – we offer a rich environment for a purposeful and rewarding job, as well as for your development and growth as an individual, expert, or leader, no matter what stage of your career you’re in.

We value transparency and honesty, also when it comes to our remuneration. 

For this role, we offer:

• A monthly salary of between €2.900,- and €4.000,- with the exact figure depending on the relevance and level of your qualifications and your demonstrable relevant work experience

• A full-time position (38 hours per week) 

• 25.5 days’ holiday based on a full-time contract (38 hours)

• Flexible working hours, to be agreed in consultation

• A personal development plan focused on continuous learning and our core values: commitment, focus, passion and responsibility 

• Terms of employment in accordance with the Greenhouse Horticulture Collective Labour Agreement (CAO Glastuinbouw), with generous leave arrangements and a solid pension scheme (BPL Pension), for which we pay two-thirds of your pension contribution

• An active staff association organizing various activities throughout the year

• An international working environment

 

Who we are and what we do

Dümmen Orange is a leading global breeder and propagator of flowers and plants, offering an extensive portfolio of crops and varieties to growers, wholesalers, and retailers worldwide.

We develop stronger, healthier flowers and plants, enhancing their beauty and performance. Our breeders, backed by cutting-edge research, focus on improving key traits such as color, fragrance, and shape, as well as vital characteristics like disease resistance, yield capacity, and growth habits.

Our Breeding Technology Centre in the Netherlands is the largest horticultural breeding laboratory in the world. It’s a high-tech home for pioneering international scientists, breeders, and specialists to set new standards in flower and plant genetics and breeding excellence.

Across our production locations in Europe, Africa, and the Americas, we have over 260 hectares of production space. We use these facilities to cultivate mother stock plants and produce starting material, e.g. by cuttings or tissue culture.

 

Dare to bloom

Headquartered in De Lier, the Netherlands, we employ 5,300 people globally. 

Joining Dümmen Orange means becoming part of a leading company driven by purpose and ambition. Our international playground is anything but ordinary. If you’re wired for curiosity, challenge, and real impact, you’ll feel right at home.

With a legacy spanning more than a century, leading positions in global floriculture markets, a world-class R&D team, and a diversified network of owned propagation sites supported by a global supply chain, Dümmen Orange is a source of industry expertise and innovation—and the place to be if you want to make a lasting impact in floriculture.

Send your application and resume to jobs.nl@dummenorange.com.

For more information you can contact Sayantani Chatterjee, Senior Team Lead Phytopathology via s.chatterjee@dummenorange.com or +31 174 530 100. 

Please note: We are unable to sponsor a visa or work permit for this position. Candidates must already be residing in the Netherlands and hold a valid work permit.

Acquisition with reference to this advertisement will not be appreciated.