(Junior) Breeder Asparagus

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Do you thrive in the field, working hands-on with plants every day? And are you looking for a role with freedom, responsibility, and international exposure? And are you excited by the challenge of shaping a new green asparagus program from a small, pioneering base in Limburg?

At our Limburg location, you will work close to the crop every day, being member of a small agile team.  With still-developing facilities, you step directly into the field – ideal for someone with a practical mindset, independence, while being a team player and the flexibility to combine onsite fieldwork with working from home. If you enjoy a role with freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to help shape a growing program, this position might be the perfect fit for you.

Alongside hands-on fieldwork, you will use modern scientific tools, biotech and data driven breeding methods, like digital phenotyping, marker assisted selection and advance statistical analysis.

This is why you want to join us as a (Junior) Breeder Asparagus at Enza Zaden

• You will play a key role in building a new green asparagus breeding program within our portfolio — a unique opportunity to leave your mark on an emerging, premium crop.

• You work closely with an experienced asparagus breeder, independently manage your own part of the program, with the goal of backing each other up.

• You are in close contact with our molecular breeding experts and IT data specialists.

• You enjoy an international scope with frequent travel — including weekly visits to our screening trials in Spain during peak season.

Make a difference as (Junior) Breeder Asparagus

As a (Junior) Breeder Asparagus, you contribute to the development of new and competitive asparagus varieties. Since green asparagus is a newly added crop in our breeding portfolio, this role requires creativity, initiative, and a pioneering mindset.

You will:

• Observe, evaluate, and select breeding material in both breeding and screening trials.

• Record, process, and analyze data to support selection decisions and variety development.

• Work primarily in the field — especially at our Limburg location where facilities are currently limited, meaning you step directly into hands-on, openfield work.

• Travel frequently to Spain, particularly weekly between March and May, for screening activities.

• Collaborate closely with the other asparagus breeder, ensuring strong alignment and continuous exchange of insights.

• Interact with a broad network of stakeholders, including growers, technicians, researchers, biotech, and the commercial team.

• Contribute to future international expansion, including trials in South America in the coming years.

You will work from a small breeding station, which requires independence, flexibility, and comfort with changing weather and field conditions. During the season your presence in the field is essential; outside the season you have more freedom to shape your work and planning.

What you bring as a future colleague

• A MSc degree in Applied Biology, Plant Sciences, Plant Breeding, or a related field.

• Preferably a few years of experience in plant breeding, but talented graduates are also welcome to apply.

• Passion for breeding and a hands-on, practical approach — you enjoy being outside in the open field.

• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail when evaluating plants.

• Ability to work independently at a small station with limited facilities.

• Good communication skills in English; Spanish language skills are a strong plus due to frequent travel to Spain.

• Flexibility in planning and willingness to travel regularly, including internationally.

• Affinity with molecular breeding technologies and ICT applications is an advantage.

You are an entrepreneurial and proactive team player who enjoys freedom, can manage responsibilities independently, and is motivated by contributing to a premium crop with high market potential.