Research Scientist Phytopathology

As part of our growth strategy and our plans to establish state-of-the-art Research Teams for our **Vegetable Business Unit**, we are looking for a hands-on **Research Scientist Phytopathology (M/F/d)**, based at our **KWS** station in **Murcia, Spain**. The Research Scientist Phytopathology will be part of the global phytopathology research team and is responsible for the local implementation and execution of all plant pathology activities.

**Your Tasks**:

- Facilitate the execution of the short
- and long-term strategy for Phytopathology in line with the overall KWS Vegetables strategy
- Assist in building up the local Phytopathology team in Spain
- Collaborate with the Farm Manager and Head of Phytopathology in the finalization of the plant pathology facilities at the Murcia breeding station
- Participate in strategic crop team discussions to effectively develop and prioritize pathology research projects
- Develop and implement methods and protocols for disease testing (routine and discovery) to support local breeding team
- Facilitate effective support to local breeding team on disease crop monitoring
- Foster an open, honest and efficient communication as well as collaboration with Breeding, Molecular Breeding and Farm teams
- Assist and collaborate in the development and strict implementation, along with Breeding and Farm teams, of the hygiene protocols in the breeding station
- Prepare and control, in support of the Head of Phytopathology, the local Phytopathology research budgets, including facility and routine service costs
- Lead a small local team of Phytopathology Assistants and Technicians, including appraisals, training, development and career planning to foster the appropriate individual and team performance.

**Your profile**:

- PhD/MSc in a relevant scientific discipline
- 3+ years of experience in the field of plant pathology; preferably in an industrial setting
- Practical and theoretical know-how on disease resistance testing and pathogen monitoring
- Proven experience on service-oriented disease testing
- People oriented leadership style;
- Team player person with excellent organizational and analytical skills
- Language skills: English and Spanish (fluent)
- Multicultural/international orientation, ability to work in an international setup
- Willingness to travel internationally ~10% of time.