Job Description

The Breeding Technology Team for Maize & Oilseed Crops is seeking a passionate and forward‑thinking Advanced Scientist in Quantitative Genetics and Biostatistics (m/f/d) for Trait Discovery to join us on a full‑time, permanent basis.

In this key role, you will help drive innovation in trait discovery and genetic analysis for some of the world’s most important crops. Working closely with breeders, biostatisticians, trait genetics specialists, marker development teams, and molecular genomics experts, you will develop novel analytical concepts and prototype advanced statistical approaches that support data‑driven breeding decisions.

Based at the KWS headquarters in Einbeck (Lower Saxony, Germany), you will contribute to cutting‑edge work in genome analytics, trait mapping, and quantitative genetics, supporting breeding programs in maize, sunflower, and oilseed rape and helping accelerate gene discovery and innovation across KWS.

Responsibilities:

• Develop concepts and prototype new statistical approaches for trait mapping in collaboration with cross-functional teams
• Run research on qualitative and quantitative genetics in close collaboration with the breeding and research teams of maize, oilseed rape, and sunflower
• Provide consulting and support in quantitative genetic applications to sunflower breeding
• Drive innovation and research in the field of gene discovery via data mining and genome wide association studies (GWAS) for maize, sunflower, and oilseed rape
• Implement sequence-based genotyping data and haplotyping approaches in GWAS workstreams
• Intensive exchange with scientists from multiple KWS departments
• Training and supporting maize and oilseed crop breeding and research teams in applying statistical approaches
• Regular participation and contribution to working group meetings, workshops, and breeders’ meetings

Profile:

• Ph.D. in plant or animal breeding, plant genetics, bioinformatics or related plant science fields
• Broad knowledge in the fields of qualitative and quantitative genetics and high interest in testing and developing new ideas and approaches
• Ability to manage large data analysis based on good knowledge and skills with R software and/or other programming languages e.g. python, Julia, etc
• Experience with mapping approaches, use of sequence data for downstream statistical analysis, haplotype-based mapping, AI algorithms, and simulations are a plus
• Excellent team player, analytical and critical thinking, open minded, and good communication skills
• Excellent communication skills in English
• Willingness to travel

Let's peek at how you can grow your well-being, health, and future at KWS!

• As a Scientist (m/f/d), you will contribute significantly to the success of the breeding department and the development of excellent varieties.
• As a family-owned company, we live a culture based on the values of team spirit, closeness and trust, independence and foresight.
• True to our motto "Make yourself grow", we encourage individual professional and personal development.
• We create the right environment for you: Capital formation benefits, company pension plan, Christmas and holiday bonuses, childcare allowance, company bike.

Advance your career and grow with KWS! We look forward to receiving your digital application via our job portal