PhD Scientist

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 ResearchScientist Phytopathology based at the KWS Vegetables' breeding station in Antalya, Türkiye. The Research Scientist Phytopathology will support the global phytopathology research strategy and is responsible for the local implementation and execution of all plant pathology activities. Areas of expertise include plant pathology (including Virology, Mycology, Bacteriology, Entomology and Nematology), seed pathology, routine testing, diagnostics and disease monitoring, with a focus on development, implementation and routine application of methodologies to support the breeding process. Contribute to the competitiveness of the worldwide KWS Vegetables breeding portfolio.
You will take part in the globally operating Phytopathology team and, together with the local breeding & farm team, you will implement and execute the local phytopathology strategy. Your daily activities include developing, implementing and executing phytopathological methodologies and protocols to effectively perform resistance source discovery, routine disease testing, diagnostics and disease monitoring for the vegetable crops in the KWS portfolio. In addition, you will actively participate in the build-up of the local plant pathology team and facilities, as well as collaborate with the Applied Genomics and Service Departments of KWS. Be a proactive member of the local Phytopathology team at the KWS Vegetables breeding station in Türkiye;


~ Help to establish state-of-the-art plant pathology facilities at the Antalya location;


~ Develop and implement protocols for pathogen monitoring and routine disease testing for the vegetable crops (Cucurbitaceae and Solanaceae);


~ Collaborate with colleagues from the breeding teams and implement disease testing methodologies to support resistance breeding;


~ Support and collaborate with farm and breeding teams in the development and implementation of the proper hygiene measures in the station;


~ Support the Head of Phytopathology in the preparation of annual budgets and reporting of local Phytopathology costs.

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 Türkiye;


~ Co-develop, in collaboration with the breeding station manager and Head of Phytopathology, the plant pathology facilities at the Antalya breeding station;


~ Participate in strategic crop team discussions to effectively prioritize pathology research projects;


~ Facilitate effective support to local breeding team by disease routine testing and pathogen crop monitoring;


~ Assist and collaborate in the development and implementation, along with Breeding and Farm teams, of the proper hygiene protocols in the breeding station;


~ Identify local external academic institutions and technology providers;


~ Prepare and control, in support of the Head of Phytopathology, the Phytopathology research budgets, including facility needs and routine service costs;


~ Lead a small local team of Phytopathology Assistants and Technicians, including appraisals, training, development and career planning in order to ensure individual and team performance.

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 knowledge of disease resistance testing and pathogen monitoring;


~ Residence in Antalya, or willing to relocate to Antalya;


~ Hands-on experience with service-oriented disease testing;


~ Language skills: English and Turkish (fluent) ;


~ Willingness to travel internationally ~10% of your time.

Then we look forward to receiving your online application via our SuccessFactors application system We will process applications only in English.