Your Contribution: 

In this position, based in Metslawier, the Netherlands, you develop varieties for the global Fresh markets in e.g. Europe, North-Africa and Asia. The key is to understand the needs in the market and translate these into genetic solutions. An important part of your job is to lead an effective breeding system and organize and evaluate trials in your target markets. At our breeding station in Metslawier, you will be supported by the following research groups:  

• Molecular Biology 

• Plant Pathology 

• Quality, Bioinformatics and Biometrics

The main responsibilities in this role are: 

To lead and manage an innovative breeding program for the Fresh market segments - in practice this entails: 

• The preparation, management, organization and assessment of various tests with national and international trial fields; 

• Collecting scientific knowledge about the latest developments in breeding, for example on QTL-mapping, GWAS, resistance breeding, physiology, breeding strategies, new breeding technologies and data science; 

• Visiting customers, growers and relations, to convert the product needs together with the product managers into sustainable profiles for the breeding program; 

• Developing varieties based on future-proof and innovative product profiles; 

• Compiling the crossing programs; 

• Prioritizing and coordinating activities with the research groups within R&D: Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Quality, Biometrics and Plant Pathology; 

• International travel is part of your work, this can be intensive in the season. 

Your Profile: 

• For this Senior Breeder position you have a PhD in plant breeding, or Genetics, or an MSc in plant breeding with relevant skills and at least 5 years of work experience. 

• Additionally, you recognize yourself in the following requirements: 

• A creative and innovative attitude, which enables you as a breeder to translate obstacles into outstanding solutions; 

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects at the same time; 

• Good communicative and interpersonal skills; team player, capable of working in groups which combine many different disciplines; 

• Analytical thinking and problem-solving attitude; 

• Strong communication skills in spoken and written English (Dutch is an asset but not essential).

What we offer: 

• A full-time, permanent contract

• An innovative atmosphere 

• An organization which supports your development 

This Senior Breeder position is a challenging job with a lot of freedom to operate and possibilities to develop your creative character. Furthermore, we offer you:  


Our organization: 

HZPC, founded in 1898 from the Netherlands, has grown into a global market leader in innovative breeding, seed potato trading and concept development. Our ambition is sustainable growth. We offer innovative potato varieties that are adapted to local growing conditions. We share knowledge and offer solutions that dynamically anticipate the climatic, cultural and commercial challenges facing the food chain. With 400 employees in 19 countries and exporting to more than 90 countries, we contribute to the availability of responsible food for the well-being of millions of people worldwide. 
 
All our R&D activities are located in Metslawier. In this advanced knowledge center, about 100 colleagues from all over the world work daily on developing new varieties, improving current varieties and expanding our knowledge in all kinds of specialties. 
More information can be found on our website: www.hzpc.com. 
 

Your reaction: 

We are looking forward to receiving your response! You are invited to show your interest by sending your application and CV to HR@hzpc.com by 2 May 2025. For additional information please contact Peter Vos (Head of breeding processing markets, peter.vos@hzpc.com, +31 6 48780982).