Scientist Pre-Breeding Watermelon to join our R&D team (Bologna or Modena area)
Job Purpose
The selected candidate will be part of the Breeding Support Department within our R&D Division.
The jobholder will report directly to the Head of Breeding Support South EMEA and will primarily work on site. The role involves travelling mainly within Italy and Europe, accounting for approximately 10% of the working time.
We are seeking a motivated and skilled:
Scientist Pre-Breeding Watermelon to join our R&D team.
This role is responsible for planning, designing, and coordinating research activities focused on plant breeding and genetics, with a strong emphasis on innovation and digitalization.
The position supports the development of technologies and procedures aligned with business needs and contributes to the strategic advancement of our breeding programs.
This position requires candidates to live in the Bologna or Modena area.
The pre-breeder for watermelon represents a pivotal key figure in the company's research and breeding programs for:
- The continuity in Global Research: This role is essential to maintain momentum in global watermelon research, technical meetings, and the R&D community.
- The Breeding Support: The pre-breeder will lead trait validation and implementation, accelerating the integration of new traits into elite lines and strengthening breeding efficiency.
- The Operational and Team Leadership: The pre-breeder will coordinate closely with local teams and farm operations, ensuring efficient resource use, safety compliance, and alignment with breeding goals.
- External Collaboration: Active scouting and networking with public and private geneticists will enhance innovation and strengthen external partnerships.
Major Tasks & Responsibilities
- Translate research strategy into actionable plans and initiatives.
- Manage project budgets and contribute to operational planning.
- Responsible for managing and coaching the team.
- Lead and coordinate pre-breeding projects including plant management, phenotyping, genotyping, and data analysis.
- Ensure effective knowledge transfer and sustainable implementation of research outputs in breeding programs.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including research institutions, companies and regulatory bodies.
- Identify and implement innovations and technologies to enhance research efficiency.
- Global scope with cross-functional collaboration and multicrop initiatives across local and global teams.
- Direct impact on research outcomes and strategic R&D initiatives.
Required Profile - Job Requirements
- Master's degree or PhD in Plant Genetics, Biotechnology, Agronomy, or related fields.
- Prior experience in applied research within academia, the agricultural or seed industry.
- Candidate must live in Bologna or Modena area.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
- Proficiency in digital tools and data-driven decision-making.
- Willing and available to travel frequently within Italy and Europe.
What's in it for you?
Adding value to our customers begins with adding value to you. At BASF | Nunhems we believe that people are the key to our long-term success and that talent is in everyone. That's why we empower you with the tools, guidance, and opportunities you need to advance and succeed in work and life. We offer you:
From day one, yoùll take on meaningful responsibilities in a dynamic work environment, receive hands-on training, and collaborate with a dedicated team committed to your growth and success. Competitive compensation including attractive benefits as well as excellent career opportunities in an international company.
Giving you the support that you need to be your best and fulfill your personal ambitions is what helps us achieving our ambitions. After all, our success is linked to yours. Whatever path you envision, BASF | Nunhems is a great place to build a rewarding, successful career.
We promote an inclusive culture that accepts the diversity of people, experiences, and capabilities. By embracing talents and abilities of all kinds, we aim to boost creativity and motivation and enhance our teams' performance.
We need you.
Become part of our formula for success and create the future with us, in a global team that values diversity and offers the same opportunities to everyone, regardless of gender, age, origin, sexual orientation, disability or belief.
Interested to join us?
Do you recognize yourself in this job description and do you have the right interpersonal skills, experiences, and competencies to be successful in this challenging international position within BASF| Nunhems? Then we invite you to apply for this job and upload on the Careers Nunhems Page your motivation letter and CV via the "Apply" button. Please apply before 18th February 2026.
If you have any questions about the position, you can contact our Local HR Business Partner: Tatiana Pancaldi ([email protected]).
WELCOME to BASF | Nunhems
It is our ambition to make healthy eating enjoyable and sustainable by offering vegetable solutions in line with consumer demands. Our breeders and researchers are constantly working on the development of improved varieties in our laboratories, greenhouses and fields. We look at the needs of vegetable growers and the value chain and we thoroughly investigate what consumers want. By working together with partners, we actively contribute to improve vegetable consumption with innovations that are healthy, tasty, and sustainable.
Personal Data
When processing your personal data during the applicant's procedure, Nunhems Netherlands BV adheres to the applicable law and regulations, amongst others the General Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR").
For more information about the processing of your data and your rights, we would like to refer you to our privacy notice for applicants on our website www.nunhems.com.