Team Leader Trait Testing

At BASF, we believe that great leadership is the foundation of innovation and growth.

In our organization, we value individuals who take ownership of their work and are accountable for their actions. We foster a can-do attitude to achieve success.

BASF is a multinational company dedicated to revolutionizing agricultural science. We are committed to developing innovative solutions that address global challenges in food security and sustainability.

Within BASF Seed and Traits R&D, the Trait Testing team is embedded in Trait Research that focuses on trait discovery, engineering, and evaluation.

Our team combines state-of-the-art plant cultivation and plant evaluation techniques, greenhouse management and seed logistics activities to deliver improved plants with differentiating traits through transgenesis, genome editing and mutagenesis.

We are also highly experienced in workflow-based operational organization aimed at minimizing costs and timelines while ensuring quality.

We are looking for a motivated, results-oriented Team Leader to join our Trait Testing team at the R&D Innovation Center in Gent, Belgium. A people manager, who is passionate about collaboration and developing high-performing teams.

• Leadership of a team of technicians and specialists within the Trait Testing operational department.
• Oversight of team development processes, including performance management, conflict resolution, coaching, and talent growth.
• Assurance of compliance with safety, stewardship, and quality standards across all activities.
• Management of human, scientific, infrastructure, and financial resources in alignment with strategic business goals.
• Contribution to the Trait Research Strategy, with coordination of its implementation through effective planning and prioritization to ensure timely, high-quality, and budget-conscious project delivery.
• Support for technical and digital innovation by translating operational needs into practical projects with clear milestones.
• Active involvement in greenhouse operations, driving initiatives and fostering ownership among team members.
• Embodiment of BASF's Winning Behaviors: Own it – Drive it – Excel in it.

• Proven leadership capabilities and a passion for coaching and developing teams.
• Experience in people management aligned with both individual aspirations and organizational needs.
• Background in Human Resources management and workforce planning.
• Solid understanding of plant biotechnology R&D processes in greenhouse environments, including feasibility, timelines, and cost structures.
• Strong project and stakeholder management skills to effectively coordinate Trait Testing activities.
• Innovative mindset focused on process improvement and operational efficiency, supported by technical and digital expertise. Experience with digital tool implementation is a plus.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with a collaborative approach across multidisciplinary functions.
• Master's degree in Life Sciences or equivalent through experience, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional background.
• Experience in plant cultivation and evaluation under controlled conditions is highly valued. Familiarity with crops such as Oilseed Rape and Soybean is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English (spoken and written) is essential; proficiency in Dutch is advantageous.

• A permanent full-time contract within an attractive working environment in a professional and motivated team.
• Responsibility from day one in a challenging but dynamic work environment and "on-the-job" training.
• Competitive compensation includes attractive benefits as well as excellent career opportunities in an international company.

If you need more information about the process or the vacancy, you can reach our recruiting team here.

Become a part of our winning formula for success and develop the future with us - in a global team that embraces inclusion and equal opportunities irrespective of gender, age, origin, sexual orientation, disability or belief.