A strong global breeding pipeline starts with connecting scientific innovation to practical application. In this role as Pre‑Breeder at Enza Zaden, you will accelerate the development and implementation of strategic traits while working at the intersection of research and breeding. This is how you will directly contribute to future-proof vegetable varieties and global crop innovation within an international, collaborative environment.

Make a difference as Pre‑Breeder

As a Pre‑Breeder, you will play an important role in strengthening our global breeding pipelines. You will work on developing and implementing molecular tools and pre‑breeding strategies that accelerate the introgression of complex traits into breeding programs. You will collaborate closely with breeders, molecular scientists, and international stakeholders, working across lab, greenhouse, and field environments. Your work ensures that early-stage research translates into practical breeding decisions with impact on crops worldwide. In this role, your work will include:

• Leading and contributing to pre breeding projects and initiatives;

• Coordinating international activities and aligning with global breeding objectives;

• Validating and implementing innovative methodologies for complex trait development;

• Establishing, optimizing, and managing introgression pipelines from concept to routine use;

• Supporting breeders with the practical implementation of strategic traits;

• Translating molecular and phenotypic data into actionable insights and tools.

What you bring as our future colleague

As a Pre‑Breeder, you bring a strong analytical and proactive mindset. You know how to translate scientific data into practical breeding applications and can use your organizational skills to manage multiple projects effectively. You thrive in a multidisciplinary environment and collaborate easily with colleagues across functions and regions. In addition, you have:

• An MSc degree (e.g., Plant Science, Breeding, or Biotechnology), with preferably 3–5 years of relevant experience;

• Knowledge of genetics, plant breeding, biotechnology, molecular biology, and marker technologies;

• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams (breeders, researchers, and other specialists);

• Strong planning skills and the ability to work with deadlines and time pressure;

• A structured, detail-oriented, and process-driven way of working;

• Willingness to travel internationally (2–3 times per year).

• For our Spain-based positions, candidates must be fluent in both English and Spanish.

Enza Zaden as your employer

Enza Zaden is an international family-owned company that has been developing innovative vegetable varieties since 1938. Together with more than 3,300 colleagues worldwide, we work on vegetable seeds with better flavor, higher yields and strong resistances. We do this from our mission: “Breeding to feed the world.” Every day, more than 480 million people eat vegetables grown from our seeds, and that is something we are very proud of.

We are passionate about our work and care about one another. Good ideas are given room to grow and together we keep moving forward. This is how we continue to grow and innovate, both as a company and as colleagues.

What you can expect from us

We believe it is important that you can grow in your work and feel good about what you do. That is why we invest in your development, well-being, and job satisfaction. Through our Great to Grow development program, our focus on vitality, and activities that bring colleagues together, we create a work environment where you can keep learning and contribute with energy and enjoyment. You can also count on:

• A role for 40 hours per week;

• A gross base salary between  31.000€ and 44,700€ gross salary year. The range is based on a full-time schedule of 40 hours per week and aligned with your knowledge and experience;

• 25 vacation days, healthcare and an attractive pension scheme;

• Flexible working arrangements;

• An attractive bonus plan of 10% of your annual salary;

• A laptop and phone from Enza Zaden;

• Room to develop yourself through our Great to Grow development program, training courses and e-learning platform;

Let’s connect

Looking for a career that grows with you? Apply using the application button. You will receive an automatic confirmation within a few minutes. We will let you know the next step within 10 business days.

This role cannot be filled on an interim basis.

Do you have questions about the role or the application process? Please feel free to contact Maria Vazquez Sanchez, HR Business Partner at [email protected]

Enza Zaden is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on background, identity, or personal characteristics.

Want to learn more about Enza Zaden? Visit our website.