Hybrid Barley Breeder (m / f / d)

KWS is one of the world's leading plant breeding companies. Nearly 5,000 employees in more than 70 countries generated net sales of around €1.68 billion in the fiscal year 2023 / 2024. A company with a tradition of family ownership, KWS has operated independently for almost 170 years. It focuses on plant breeding and the production and sale of seed for sugarbeet, corn, cereals, vegetables, oilseed rape and sunflower. KWS uses leading-edge plant breeding methods to continuously improve yield for farmers and plants' resistance to diseases, pests and abiotic stress. To that end, the company invested more than €300 million last fiscal year in research and development.

Are you ready to help shape the future of plant breeding in a sustainability-focused international company?

At KWS Lochow GmbH , we are seeking a Hybrid Barley Breeder (m / f / d) to strengthen our hybrid barley breeding program at our station in Wetze near Einbeck, close to the KWS headquarters. Alternatively, you may choose to work from our Wohlde location in Germany.

In this role, you will be a key member of our European hybrid breeding team, driving the development of hybrid barley varieties for the European market. This full-time , permanent position is available as soon as possible.

Join one of the world's leading barley breeding companies, where hybrid barley is a strategic priority.

These will be your key areas of responsibility :

• Develop and select competitive parental components and hybrids together with the Lead Breeder
• Strengthen hybrid pools for relevant markets
• Conduct various types of data analysis
• Collaborate closely with our KWS barley breeding team, seed production, and our research and biotechnology teams on data and tool development
• Support commercial launches and variety trials
• MSc or PhD in plant breeding or related field, with a strong focus on hybrid breeding methodology
• Several years of experience in hybrid breeding of an agricultural crop; knowledge of cereals is a plus
• Solid knowledge of quantitative genetics, field testing, and statistics as well as experience using genomic tools in a breeding context
• Well organized with strong affinity for digital tools and handling large datasets
• Entrepreneurial, innovative, and collaborative mindset
• Team player with a hands-on, self-starting attitude
• Fluency in English; German is a plus
• Willingness to travel frequently in Germany during the summer season
• Located just 15 minutes from our headquarters, our KWS site in Wetze combines the values of a family-run company—closeness, reliability, vision, and independence—with a small, collegial team of around 35–40 employees
• As a Hybrid Barley Breeder, you will contribute to one of KWS's top strategic priorities and work alongside a motivated and supportive team
• We create the appropriate framework conditions for you : capital-forming benefits, Christmas and holiday pay, childcare allowance, job bike etc…
• According to the motto : "Make yourself grow!" we promote individual professional and personal development