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(Sr) Cabbage Breeder
De Kwakel (Noord-Holland)
Are you an experienced open-field vegetable breeder? Do you enjoy building a future-proof breeding program? Then this position is perfect for you.
About Takii Europe B.V.
Takii Europe is an ambitious and innovative company active in seed breeding. Takii exists to make the world a little happier. Under the motto “creating tomorrow today”, its mission is to enrich people’s lives by breeding unique vegetable and flower varieties.
Takii originated as a Japanese family business with a rich tradition. With independent branches around the world, it feels at home in all cultures. From the headquarters in De Kwakel, the company serves not only the European market but also the markets in the Middle East and Africa. Takii Europe operates breeding stations, seed production sites, and sales offices in various countries. Together, they ensure that customers have access to a wide range of vegetable and ornamental varieties.
Takii Europe is characterized by a flat organizational structure. This means that everyone is accessible to everyone else, because you can only reach the goal together. Employees are true team players for whom quality, respect, and reliability are self-evident. They take responsibility and show initiative—an important trait for a company that aims to be agile and customer-oriented.
The R&D Department is responsible for developing and breeding various vegetable and ornamental varieties for the international market. To strengthen the team, we are seeking a Cabbage Breeder for Takii.
Job description
Contribute to the next generation of cabbage varieties and the future of the breeding program
- As a Cabbage Breeder, you are responsible for setting up breeding programs aimed at developing new varieties with the desired traits.
- You play a key role in the innovation and further professionalization of Takii Europe’s cabbage breeding program.
- Develop and optimize breeding programs focused on innovative and market-oriented cabbage varieties.
- Translate market insights and strategic goals into practical breeding strategies.
- Select plants based on various traits of test hybrids and parent lines, as well as analytical evaluations in the fields of phytopathology and molecular genetics.
- Describe qualitative and quantitative traits, design crossing schemes, and ensure their execution.
- Plan variety trials and test hybrids in target markets. You also plan and evaluate flowering trials in production regions to assess production characteristics, based on which you plan and set up trial productions.
- Initiate improvements in processes, data, and technologies to future-proof the programs.
- Provide input for budgets, including acreage and investments, and source suitable genitors.
- Collaborate with international R&D teams within Takii Europe and Takii Japan.
- Stay up to date with (scientific) developments in the field, the market, and relevant legislation, and provide technical advice and instructions to sales and production teams.
Profile
An experienced, down-to-earth, and driven breeder who enjoys building innovation
Requirements:
- Academic (MSc) working and thinking level, for example through a degree in plant breeding, biology, plant sciences, crop science, physiology, pathology, biotechnology, and demonstrable relevant experience.
- Extensive experience in vegetable breeding, preferably in brassicas or other open-field crops.
- Strong foundation in classical breeding techniques, complemented by insight into modern methods (such as molecular markers).
- Experience in implementing improvements in existing programs and/or structures.
- Strong and clear communication skills in Dutch and English.
- Experience using breeding software.
- Willingness to travel for field trials and production visits—mostly short trips, both nationally and internationally.
Competencies:
- Patient, accurate, and realistic
- Structured and methodical
- Flexible and creative, yet solution-oriented
- Connecting and strong in communication
- Entrepreneurial and improvement-focused
- An inspiring team player with an eye for quality and the long term
Offer
Takii has a special reputation as an employer. The company makes every effort to create a pleasant working environment with the right conditions, because they believe you should enjoy your work. In addition to a good salary that grows with you, you also share in the profits. Of course, you receive the standard 8.33% holiday allowance, but there are also special rewards at special moments. Some employment conditions go beyond the collective labor agreement. A unique example is that your full pension premium is paid for you. A shorter workweek and an active vitality policy contribute to supporting your health. Takii also wants to make the most of your talents. This means there are many opportunities to grow within the company and develop yourself. And as you grow, you can flourish. They are always looking for future leaders and specialists.
Application
Takii Europe B.V. has exclusively outsourced the recruitment and selection for the position of Cabbage Breeder to CeresRecruitment. More detailed information about the company can be found at www.takii.eu. A personality questionnaire is part of the procedure.
