Group Leader Mode of Action

Jobinhalt

Agriculture plays a fundamental role in fulfilling many of humanity’s basic needs: food, feed, energy. To support growers and those who take care of our environment, BASF develops innovative solutions for farming, pest control and landscape management - so that we can effectively contribute to improving people’s lives and business’ demands. Come join us on our journey to create solutions for sustainable agriculture at the Innovation Center of BASF Belgium Coordination Center CommV in Gent, Belgium.
RESPONSIBILITIES

Within the BASF Seed and Traits R&D organization, Trait Research is responsible for the delivery of novel gene-based solutions for crop improvement. Mode of Action (MoA) capabilities are essential for effective discovery of such gene-based solutions, for example through functional screening of best-performing protein variants and detailed understanding of plant responses at the protein and biochemical level. We are looking for a Group Leader in Plant Discovery to lead the MoA operations located in the Innovation Center in Gent (Belgium).

Key Responsibilities

You will have ~10 direct reports and be responsible for coaching, performance management and people development.
You will lead the MoA competence group that balances between critical scale and dimension, and that delivers on research projects at competitive cost, time and quality.
You will lead the MoA platform and workflow innovation projects with critical milestones and key 3rd party relations.
You will report directly to the Head of Plant Discovery and be a permanent member of the Plant Discovery leadership team.
You have end responsibility for the operationalization of MoA activities and report to the local and global Trait Research leadership teams as needed.
You will cooperate in a matrix structure together with other Group Leaders, Program Leaders and scientists in Gent and other TR sites.
You will maintain close interactions with colleagues in other BASF functions including Crop Analytics, Regulatory Science and breeding and manage contracts with BASF internal and external partners.
You will recommend and manage human, scientific, infrastructure and financial resources for the MoA Group in line with the Seeds and Traits R&D strategy.
You will contribute to the development of a strategic innovation view that enables or accelerates the Trait Research processes or makes these processes more effective/efficient.
You will influence research strategy by providing technical input to the planning and decision-making process, and coordinate execution of agreed research strategy.
You will manage confidentiality and protection of competitive know-how.
You will ensure the compliance with all existing wellbeing, safety, stewardship, quality and other standards in area of responsibility considering laws, regulations and directives and evaluate potential risks of the research activities.
QUALIFICATIONS

You have a PhD with a minimum of 3-5 years relevant experience in the agricultural industry or equivalent through relevant experience.
You have multi-year experience in developing and coaching research teams including Human Resource management.
You possess an up to date knowledge on feasibility, timelines and cost of MoA R&D processes.
Additionally, you bring communication and presentation skills (in English) as well as influencing and lateral leadership skills.
You have experience in project management and bring the necessary skills.
You have a basic understanding of Finance.
BENEFITS

Responsibility from day one in a challenging work environment and "on-the-job" training as part of a committed team.
Competitive compensation including attractive benefits as well as excellent career opportunities in an international company. ABOUT US

We are the world’s leading chemical company because we offer intelligent solutions for our customers and for a sustainable future. We connect and develop people with diverse talents all over the world. For you, this means a variety of ways to advance.
Not only your performance but also your personality matters to us, without regard of gender, age, origin, sexual orientation, disability or belief. At BASF, careers develop from opportunities.

Do you have any questions about the application process or the job?
Iris (Talent acquisition)
Phone: +49 30 2005-59071

At BASF, the chemistry is right. Because we are counting on innovative solutions, on sustainable actions, and on connected thinking. And on you. Become a part of our formula for success and develop the future with us - in a global team that embraces diversity and equal opportunities irrespective of gender, age, origin, sexual orientation, disability or belief.