Taken en verantwoordelijkheden

We are looking for a dynamic and talented R&D expert who is passionate about research and eager to grow into a specialized role in Intellectual Property (IP). Join our team and be a key player in connecting our cutting-edge R&D technology with strategic IP objectives.

This is why you want to join us as Patent Attorney (trainee) at Enza Zaden

• Work in a dynamic environment at the forefront of technology and intellectual property, contributing to the growth and success of Enza Zaden.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement IP strategies that support innovative technological advancements.

• Play a key role in managing Enza Zaden’s patent portfolio and ensuring the freedom-to-operate (FTO) position in an international setting.

Make a difference as Patent Attorney (trainee)

As a Patent Attorney (trainee), you collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement IP strategies that align with our technological advancements and business goals. In this role, you keep up with new technologies and industry trends to spot the IP opportunities and risks.
 

Furthermore, you fulfil a key role in obtaining and maintaining Enza Zaden’s freedom-to-operate (FTO) position. and assist in managing the patent portfolio. This includes identifying patentable inventions, conducting prior art searches, and supporting patent prosecution. Your responsibilities are:

• Discussing technical developments with inventors, and maintaining detailed records of R&D activities and IP-related documentation, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements;

• Evaluating invention disclosure forms and other scientific / technical documents in the context of the company’s policy, to assess whether a technical development is patentable and worth patenting;

• Prosecuting Enza Zaden’s patent applications (worldwide) and managing interactions with outside counsels;

• Preparing FTO analyses for specific projects together with the technical specialists and if necessary, with the assistance of outside counsels.

• Assessing third party patent documents with a view to potential relevance, validity and strategies to maintain FTO;

• Creating awareness and training on matters of IP within the organization.

What you bring as a future colleague

You will work in the exciting field of IP and R&D for an innovative global market leader in the seed industry. You have affinity with IP, in particular with patents. With your biotech knowledge you further strengthen the Legal (IP) department. Your excellent communication and interpersonal skills enable you to further strengthen the bridge between the Legal (IP) department, R&D, other functions and our external patent advisors.

You are curious, enjoy reading up on new material and like to work in an international environment.  You have a strong analytical mind and are able to shift rapidly between different perspectives, from focusing on detail to seeing the big picture and back again. You start initiatives of your own and are a pragmatic problem solver. In addition, you:

• Have a relevant background in biotechnology, preferably plant cell biology or plant molecular genetics;

• Have a university degree in Life Sciences (PhD is preferred);

• Have the ambition to become a fully qualified Dutch and/or European Patent Attorney - or have already qualified as such;

• Have the ability to pro-actively organize a challenging workload;

• Are a team player with a strong sense of responsibility and the capability of working independently;

• Are proficient in English and preferably Dutch.

Enza Zaden as your employer

With more than 2,800 passionate team members across the world, we're on a daily mission to develop the finest vegetable varieties. Our goal? To deliver seeds with that special something: vegetables with better taste, better yields, and better resistance. On our mission to feed the world, we challenge ourselves to gain deeper insights and find the next breakthrough. We grow and innovate together, and everyone’s contribution is valued. Throughout our 85 years, our family values, passion, independence and or focus on innovation have truly set us apart. Over 480 million people are eating our vegetables every day, something we are very proud of! Our passion isn't just a trademark; it's our driving force, propelling our rapid growth. If you're ready to explore your potential and thrive in a supportive environment, we welcome you to develop your talents with us. The combination of entrepreneurship, initiative and a healthy dose of determination has made Enza Zaden great and brought us where we are today. Enza Zaden is and always will be in motion: in the past, present and future.   

What can you expect from us

As a family-owned company, we support you to thrive in all areas of life, so that you can be successful inside and outside of work. We offer:

• Flexible work arrangements;

• Access to a variety of wellbeing programs and healthy food options;

• 25 paid vacation days (employees have the option to buy extra vacation days equivalent to two times their weekly working hours);

• 1 paid vitality day for all, plus extra days as your age increases;

• Laptop + smartphone.

We aspire to be a good employer that cares for our employees, both during and after their careers at Enza Zaden. Our most important benefits include:

• Active partnership in your professional development (personal growth);

• Tailor made development programs and global e-learning platform;

• Employer sponsored retirement benefits.

Join us for a career that grows with you! Are you curious to know more about Enza Zaden click on this link to our website.

Get in touch

Apply now using the application button. You will receive an automatic confirmation of your application within minutes, and we will respond to your application within 10 working days. 

Do you have any questions about our application process or the vacancy? Please feel free to reach out to:

Sijmen Jansen

Corporate Recruiter

si.jansen@enzazaden.nl

Good to know

• A personal assessment is part of the application process; 

• This position cannot be filled on an interim basis;

• Enza Zaden is an equal opportunity employer and don’t discriminate based on background, identity or personal characteristics;

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.