Job Description

Lead wheat research with direct impact on KWS' ambition for hybrid wheat globally.

We are looking for a Group Lead Wheat Research & Pre-Breeding to take responsibility for wheat research and pre-breeding activities within KWS.

Reporting to the Head of Breeding Wheat, you will lead research priorities, manage and develop an international team and ensure that research projects address the needs of KWS' hybrid wheat implementation.

This role is suited to a senior profile who combines scientific expertise, people leadership, strategic thinking and international collaboration but who is also ready to participate actively in applied field research and data analysis.

Permanent | Full-time
Location: France, near Lille or Chartres/ Paris

Other KWS wheat breeding locations in the UK, Germany or the USA may be considered for the right candidate, with regular international travel.

Your responsibilities

• Lead hybrid wheat research and pre-breeding activities supporting the development of KWS hybrid wheat programs.
• Define research priorities together with the Head of Breeding Wheat and the Wheat Steering Team of which you will be a member
• Manage and develop an international team of researchers.
• Oversee the project portfolio and related budgets.
• Ensure that research activities deliver useful outcomes for wheat breeding programs.
• Plan, execute and analyse wheat research activities in France together with local teams.
• Collaborate with R&D, trait development, Breeding Technologies and other functions at KWS HQ.
• Represent wheat research with internal stakeholders across KWS.

Your profile

• University degree in plant breeding, genetics, or a related discipline, ideally completed by a PhD.
• Solid experience in applied research for field crops.
• Good understanding of genetics, breeding and pre-breeding topics.
• Proven experience in people management.
• Experience in project management and budget responsibility.
• Ability to work in an international and multicultural environment.
• Collaborative leadership style with strong communication skills.
• Fluent English; French would be an advantage.
• Willingness to travel internationally on a regular basis.

Why join KWS?

• A role with strong impact on hybrid wheat breeding programs and research strategy at KWS.
• International exposure, with close collaboration across research, pre-breeding, breeding and applied technologies.
• Development opportunities in leadership, management and strategy, in an environment where scientific expertise is recognized and valued.

Seeding the future – since 1856.

Interested?

If you would like to bring your scientific expertise and leadership experience to wheat research, we would be pleased to learn more about your background.

Please submit your application directly via the KWS Career Portal. We look forward to receiving your application.