Head of Cell Biology KWS Vegetables

We are looking for a hands‑on Head of Cell Biology (m/f/d), based at the KWS Vegetables research location in Wageningen, the Netherlands. The Head of Cell Biology will co‑develop the research strategy for KWS Vegetables and will lead the Cell Biology team. Areas of expertise include cell biology (e.g., plant regeneration, in vitro propagation and the production of double haploids), speed breeding, plant reproduction, with a focus on development, implementation and routine application of methodologies to support the breeding process. She/He will report to the Global Head of Research Vegetables of KWS. The intended starting date for this position is February 1, 2026.

Contribute to the competitiveness of the KWS vegetable portfolio by continuous scouting for, developing and implementing technologies, methodologies and protocols. Develop a successful strategy for the Cell Biology team that contributes to overall R&D plans of the Business Unit. Establish, maintain and oversee state‑of‑the‑art facilities for routine Double Haploid (DH) production for the vegetable crops in the KWS portfolio. Direct, approve and monitor innovative research programs that are performed in collaboration with the Global Research and Services Department of KWS.

• Establish and maintain state‑of‑the‑art cell biology facilities at the KWS Vegetables location in Wageningen and across breeding stations worldwide.
• Efficiently collaborate with the Global Research & Service Department of KWS for the development of novel DH methodologies in a number of vegetable crops.
• Implementation of protocols to generate cost‑efficient double haploid plants for these vegetable crops.
• Secure strategic external partnerships with academic institutions and service providers.
• Professionalism of the Cell Biology team, alignment with the breeding and research teams within KWS Vegetables.
• Output in supporting the breeding teams.
• Manage the Cell Biology budget within the KWS Vegetables R&D team.

• Formulate, advise and facilitate the execution of the short‑ and long‑term strategy for Cell Biology in line with the overall KWS Vegetables strategy.
• Build and lead a successful Cell Biology team in Wageningen, the Netherlands, including the attraction and training of highly skilled scientists and research technicians.
• Maintain and develop state‑of‑the‑art Cell Biology laboratory facilities, including a routine DH service lab.
• Ensure the development and implementation of DH technologies, methods and protocols.
• Participate in across‑crop strategic platforms and technology development projects within KWS’ Global Research and Service Departments.
• Build alliances with external academic institutions and technology providers.
• Facilitate breeding support towards the KWS vegetable crops using DH and other technologies.
• Prepare and control, in collaboration with the Global Head of Research, the Cell Biology research budgets, including facility needs and routine service costs.
• Lead and direct, in cooperation with HR, the personnel flow within the Cell Biology team, including appraisals, training, development and career planning to ensure individual and team performance.

• PhD/MSc in a relevant scientific discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in cell biology in plants.
• Thorough practical and theoretical knowledge of plant regeneration and plant reproduction traits.
• Hands‑on experience with service‑oriented production of DH plants.
• Proven record of effectively building and leading a team of professionals.
• Intercultural management experience.
• People oriented leadership style.
• Experience in Project Management and Finance & Control.
• International orientation.
• Willingness to travel internationally max. 20% of time.

Join KWS and be part of a team that is dedicated to innovation and excellence in the vegetable seed industry. Apply now to Follow The Fresh Trail!

KWS is one of the world’s leading plant breeding companies. Nearly 5,000 employees in more than 70 countries generated net sales of around €1.68 billion in the fiscal year 2023/2024. A company with a tradition of family ownership, KWS has operated independently for almost 170 years. It focuses on plant breeding and the production and sale of seed for sugarbeet, corn, cereals, vegetables, oilseed rape and sunflower. KWS uses leading‑edge plant breeding methods to continuously improve yield for farmers and plants’ resistance to diseases, pests and abiotic stress. To that end, the company invested more than €300 million last fiscal year in research and development. For more information: www.kws.com/career. Follow us on LinkedIn® at https://linkedin.com/company/kwsgroup/.

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