Job Description

Our KWS UK Ltd. Barley Breeding Team is currently seeking at the earliest opportunity a Breeding Technician to support our Winter Barley programmes. This is a full-time, permanent position based in Thriplow near Cambridge. We offer a hands-on working environment and the chance to work with highly motivated and qualified colleagues.

What you can expect in this role:

The successful candidate will be responsible for a wide range of seasonal tasks within our Barley Breeding team: You will have the chance to assist with field, barn and glasshouse operations essential for the successful development of new varieties.

• Practical breeding work, including scoring in nurseries and field trials as well as drilling, pest control, maintenance, rogueing and harvesting
• Work in glasshouse including sowing, harvesting, transplanting and crossing
• Work indoors including seed cleaning and processing, seed sampling and testing, seed preparation
• Data Management is an essential part of this position, uploading and dealing with data on Excel and inhouse software
• The successful candidate will be supported in their development within the role, including training opportunities

What you bring in:

• Bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences, Plant Breeding, Genetics or Agronomy or equivalent experience
• You have ideally already gained practical experience of a few years in the field of cereal breeding and agronomy
• Good computer literacy skills and competent in using databases and managing data
• Good English skills (oral and written)
• You are known to be a detailed-oriented and organized person
• This position requires a flexible approach and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Valid full driving license is required; confidence in driving is essential.
• Willingness to work longer hours during harvest, drilling and other peak periods

Our offer:

• Key focus on professional and personal development. “Make yourself grow”.
• 35 working hours weekly – additional working hours will be expected based on seasonal demands (May - Sep)
• 30 days of annual leave plus bank holidays
• Highly competitive Pension Scheme with 16% Company contribution and 1.2% minimum employee contribution
• Life Assurance, of three times annual salary
• Income Protection Plan at 75% of salary for long-term illness and disability for a period of three years
• Private Health Care Plan
• Profit Related Bonus Scheme, targeted at 10% of annual salary
• Membership of Lifestyles discount scheme
• Reduced diesel prices from the company’s fuel pump

Did we spark your interest?
Then apply now via our online portal and send us your documents (cover letter and CV). We look forward to getting to know you! Due to UK visa regulations for this role, applicants must already have long-term eligibility to work in the UK.