Innovation in plant genomics starts with reliable data. As a Computational & Bioinformatics Intern, you will develop a modular genome annotation pipeline for complex plant genomes and explore how AI can further improve gene annotation quality. In doing so, you will directly contribute to data-driven research and the development of stronger crop varieties.

Make a difference as an Bioinformatics Intern

Within the Computational Biology & Bioinformatics department, you will develop a modular genome annotation pipeline for complex plant genomes. The pipeline is based on BRAKER and integrates transcriptomic, proteomic, and other available data sources to generate accurate and biologically meaningful gene annotations. In addition, you will investigate how emerging deep-learning methods can further enhance BRAKER’s annotation performance.

By strengthening Enza Zaden’s genomics toolbox, you will help accelerate target discovery and provide valuable genomic insights to our researchers, enabling data-driven innovation.

You will be involved in:

• Developing an annotation pipeline: Building a modular pipeline for high-quality annotation of plant genomes.

• Integrating multi-omics data: Combining genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic datasets to generate accurate gene predictions.

• Applying deep-learning methods: Exploring how modern AI models can further improve BRAKER’s performance.

• Evaluating results in tomato and lettuce: Testing the pipeline on key crops to assess robustness and improvements in annotation quality.

What you bring as our future intern

As an intern, you bring a proactive and collaborative mindset. You work analytically and accurately and know how to translate complex biological questions into computational solutions. In addition, you have:

• A Master's degree background in Bioinformatics, Biology, or a related field, with experience using Python/R and Linux environments;

• Experience working with sequencing data (RNA-seq, genomics, proteomics) and an interest in genome annotation or similar analytical workflows;

• Strong communication skills, a collaborative approach, and the ability to contribute to innovative research projects within the Biology & Bioinformatics department;

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

Enza Zaden as your employer

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

We are passionate about what we do and care about one another. Good ideas are given the space to grow, and together we continue to move forward. This is how we keep growing and innovating, 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 enjoy what you do. That is why we invest in your development, well-being, and overall internship experience. Through our Internship Program, we focus on personal development, vitality, and activities that bring colleagues together, while providing an environment where you can continue learning and make a meaningful contribution.

You can also count on:

• A full-time internship (38 hours per week) starting in September for a minimum of 6 months and up to 10 months;

• A monthly internship allowance of €500 gross for a regular internship and €600 gross for a graduation internship, based on a 38-hour workweek;

• 24 vacation days per year based on a full-time internship. For part-time internships or internships shorter than one year, vacation days are calculated on a pro-rata basis;

• Travel expense reimbursement in accordance with Enza Zaden policy if you are not eligible for a student public transportation pass;

• A laptop and, depending on your assignment, a smartphone;

• Participation in our Internship Program, including training sessions, workshops, and events to help you get to know your fellow interns and the organization;

• Support for your well-being, including free fresh fruit and the opportunity to enjoy healthy lunches at the office;

• And, of course, fun annual events such as a summer barbecue, Christmas market, and New Year's celebration.

Let's connect

Looking for an internship that grows with you? Apply through the application button no later than August 17. You will receive an automated confirmation within minutes.

Do you have questions about the position or the application process? Please contact Martine Rook, Recruiter, at [email protected]

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

Would you like to learn more about Enza Zaden? Visit our website.