Crop Scientist

About the role...

We are looking for a dynamic, self-motivated and proactive Crop Scientist to join our fast-growing team at Inari Ghent, who is committed and passionate about developing 21st century solutions to address global food challenges. As a Crop Scientist you will play a central role in developing and executing our corn and soy discovery activities. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, hands-on executing, and coordinating tasks and scientific projects with a focus on soy and corn. 

At the interplay between discovery and product design, this diverse role includes both a strategic element of developing corn and soy discovery activities that integrate Inari’s predictive models, and a lab-based role for hands-on work to efficiently and methodically plan, execute and coordinate experimental work. You will ensure experiments are executed efficiently and correctly and milestones are met on time. The right candidate combines extensive crop biology knowledge (molecular genetics, quantitative genetics, genomics and trait physiology) with a willingness to learn and thrives in a fast paced environment in the true “start-up” atmosphere. The crop scientist is well organised, flexible, shows good judgment, takes initiative and is willing to take on a variety of tasks and responsibilities as needed to achieve goals and deliverables. Excellent communication skills are essential for this role as part of an interdisciplinary team. 

Our success is dependent on great minds, collaborating to generate bright ideas and deliver exceptional outcomes.

This position will be located in our growing team in Ghent, Belgium. Our interdisciplinary R&D team brings expertise in biology, agronomy, genetics, data science, and software engineering, and is supported by an exceptional global Scientific Advisory Board.  If you want to be part of a diverse and inclusive team developing unique solutions to feed the world without starving the planet we’d love to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide technical expertise and scientific support to further develop and execute our corn and soy trait discovery activities.
• Support the genetic design of future corn and soy products.
• Design, implement, and coordinate scientific experiments, tasks and activities performed by research assistants and help with the hands-on execution if necessary, some of which may include: vector design and construction for multiple projects on a regular basis, diverse molecular analyses (PCR genotyping, sequencing analysis, qPCR, Western blot), greenhouse activities, and phenotyping.
• Train and instruct lab/greenhouse personnel in specific technical experimental protocols.
• Collaborate with Research Assistants and other Scientists to execute scientific experiments related to one or more projects
• Manage third party collaborations
• Scout for new technologies and partners in collaboration with our external alliances managers
• Maintain detailed, accurate and comprehensible records of all experiments and results
• Interpret and analyze data, draw conclusions and make recommendations 
• (co-)Develop new scientific project proposals
• Communicate results in written and oral presentations

Required Skills/Experience:

• PhD in Plant Biology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Physiology or related field with at least 5 years of experience (including post doc).
• Post-doctoral research, training, and experience or equivalent industry experience
• Knowledge of and experience with crop biology and plant biotechnology is essential.
• Demonstrated scientific leadership to independently design, implement, coordinate and drive to successful outcomes scientific projects
• Knowledge of genome editing technologies
• Strong record of independent research supported by peer-reviewed publications and/or patents
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills adapted to the needs of the target audience
• Ability to thrive and deliver results on goals in a fast-paced, dynamic and highly multi-tasking environment
• Pro-active, highly motivated and strong team player with a high degree of independence
• Demonstrated innovative, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Strong coordination skills, with ability to coordinate among cross-functional teams

Additional Desired Skills/Experience:

• Experience with people management
• Knowledge of plant & cell transformation techniques
• Industry experience is a plus

Our Offer:

We offer you a challenging job in an exciting environment. You will be part of a growing and innovative company, driven by a strong purpose of transforming the plant breeding industry. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team and have the possibility to grow in your role through continuous learning. You will be challenged to take initiative, contributing to the success of the company. We offer you a competitive compensation package commensurate with your skill and experience.