Program for business-oriented scientists
Start at KWS - Growing with Innovation
Together we address the growing global food demand.
The Growing with Innovation program is an entry door for ambitious scientists who want to be part of KWS and have a vision on how the application of modern technologies could pave the way towards a world with more sustainable agriculture.
Population growth, climate change, and shrinking per-capita acreage.
Join in and solve these challenges with us. KWS spends a large portion of its revenue on research. Cutting-edge technology such as drones, robotics and satellite pictures increases our efficiency. “Smart or Digital farming” enables tailored cultivation of the field. AI improves data analysis and in vitro cultured plants offer opportunities to accelerate breeding programs. The future of agriculture is already here. Come and be a part of it.
What should you expect during the 2-year program?
Stretch Rotations
You will join dynamic teams to tackle 4 exciting and diverse projects throughout the 2 years. You will further your strategic thinking and influencing skills and have the sole responsibility of planning, overseeing and executing a project in a timely fashion. Having the chance to participate in diverse projects will allow you to get to know different aspects of KWS and further your understanding on how the business operates. We would like one of your projects to be an international project, giving you the opportunity to work from one of our offices abroad if conditions allow.
Mentors
You will be matched with a senior KWS employee who will act as your personal mentor and will support your personal and professional growth.
Training & Development
You will join an initial 4-week onboarding training where you will learn about how to think strategically, display leadership qualities, self-brand, and integrate design-thinking into your work. During the initial onboarding you will also visit the KWS headquarters as well as our renowned R&D center, and state-of-the-art breeding stations and have a front-line experience by taking part in field work. To ensure your continuous learning throughout the program, you will have the chance to attend program-sponsored trainings in the first month after your start, as well as every 6 months in your Graduate convergence weeks.
KWS Graduate Community
Every 6 months during project intervals, you will get together with your fellow graduates and spend time sharing trainings, best practices, meeting KWS leaders, engaging in alumni events and social responsibility projects, if the opportunity arises.
Why are you a good fit for our Growing with Innovation program?
1. You hold a Master’s in Agricultural Sciences, Plant Sciences, Biology, Plant Biology, Biochemistry, Informatics, Biotechnology, Molecular Breeding supported by a very strong interest in business/leadership topics.
2. You have a couple of years of experience where you showcase early leadership potential. Experience can be demonstrated within a political or non-profit organization, a student club, university/community/work setting and/or leadership engagement in a project. In general, you are highly engaged in extracurricular activities.
3. You are a highly engaged individual who is driven to make an impact early in your career. You proactively seek opportunities to deepen your knowledge and broaden your perspective. You are comfortable asking thoughtful questions and challenging assumptions constructively.
4. You adapt quickly to changing situations, engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, and confidently step outside your comfort zone to accelerate your development.
5. You are keen on joining a career in the agricultural industry and you are passionate about the future of agriculture.
6. You demonstrate strong project management capabilities, including prioritization, organization, and follow-through.
7. We are a global company present in 70 countries around the globe, so working in multicultural teams and diverse environments is a key to your success. Communicating clearly and confidently in English is mandatory, any additional languages would be an asset. Your time spent overseas doing study abroad, working abroad, internships, or work & travel counts for us.
8. This will be your first full-time job after your studies or you are in early professional steps of your corporative career.
9. You should be available for full-time work by October 2026 and be available for assessments between March - June 2026.
This is what you can look forward to
10. 30 days of paid vacation, a 38-hour working week with flexible working hours and remote work options within Germany; overtime can be compensated with time off
11. Attractive remuneration package, including holiday and Christmas bonuses, relocation and visa support, as well as subsidies for public transport (job ticket)
12. Close proximity to the university city of Göttingen and good train connections, with the train station located right next to KWS
13. Exclusive employee benefits, including discounts from numerous partner companies via Corporate Benefits, Hansefit sports, and access to cultural and sporting events
14. An international environment within a familiar atmosphere of a headquarters to build your network and all connections you need to develop in combination with a lot of international colleagues.
15. As a family-owned company, we are guided by the values of team spirit, trust, independence, and vision. This culture is lived every day and creates a welcoming and supportive working atmosphere from day one
16. Make yourself grow – we offer tailored learning and development opportunities, especially for graduates, with a focus on early leadership skills, project management, and business-related topics
17. Intensive onboarding program – gain deep insights into KWS by learning about our business, strategy, and leadership, through exclusive meetings with senior management, site visits, exposure to different parts of the organization, and networking with former graduates
Please note: Only applications submitted in English and via our career portal will be considered.