As Group Leader (m/f/d) for Quantitative Genetics and Biostatistics in the Breeding Technology Application Team for sugar beet and cereals, you will play a key role in advancing our breeding strategies. Your main responsibility will be to translate KWS objectives into an effective strategy and structure for the Quantitative Genetics and Biostatistics group.
This full-time, permanent position is to be filled by July 1, 2025, in Einbeck (Lower Saxony, Germany).
Your Responsibilities – What You Can Expect:
1. Develop and implement innovative approaches in predictive breeding, selection theory, simulations, and data analysis to support breeding decisions and processes
2. Lead and further develop an interdisciplinary team within a matrix organization – ensuring close alignment with breeding programs while fostering deep expertise
3. Collaborate closely with breeders to optimize breeding schemes, conduct pilot projects, and implement tailored solutions
4. Drive the methodological advancement in quantitative genetics, leveraging synergies across different crops
5. Actively contribute to strategic topics within the Breeding Technology Leadership Team
Your Profile – What You Bring:
6. University degree (Master or PhD) in agricultural sciences, data sciences, or a related field with a focus on plant breeding and quantitative genetics
7. Several years of professional experience in a relevant field, ideally in plant breeding, quantitative genetics, or applied data analysis in agricultural science
8. Solid experience in data management, workflow design, and documentation
9. Strong proficiency in R; other command-line languages (e.g., Python, Bash) are a plus
10. Proven experience in leading teams or projects, preferably in a scientific or technological environment
11. Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop team members, and make clear decisions
12. Visionary mindset with the ambition to fully harness the potential of data-driven breeding and genomic prediction
13. Team-oriented, excellent communication skills (English required; German or other languages are an advantage), and a collaborative leadership style
Start your future with us! What we offer to help you grow:
14. As a family-run company we are guided by the values of closeness, reliability, foresight and independence - this culture is lived in practice creating thus an open and friendly working atmosphere.
15. True to our motto Make yourself grow, we support employees’ professional and personal development.
16. We offer excellent work equipment (e.g. ergonomic workstations, several monitors, air conditioning, high-end technical equipment, the newest laboratory equipment), a fully-fledged, subsidized canteen and sufficient free parking spaces at the KWS location.
17. We create the appropriate framework conditions for you: a company pension scheme, capital formation benefits, Christmas and holiday bonuses, special prices for company shares, childcare allowance and a job bike.