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Breeders' Academy

Your job entry to plant breeding – direct access to living your passion.

You have a clear goal: to become a plant breeder! The Breeders’ Academy offers unique and tailormade training.

New plant varieties are helpful to many issues that farmers face. Theoretical knowledge alone does not sufficiently qualify for the tasks of a plant breeder. To close this gap, we offer the Breeders’ Academy, an on the job training program. You will gain insight into comprehensive breeding progams and you will be able to see all major steps involved in breeding a new plant variety.

Your quick check

What we offer

Taking responsibility in a commercial breeding program.
Two crops in two countries – for a full year each.
You will be supervised by experienced breeders.
A tailormade training program fitting your individual level of training.
Plant breeding classes at internationally renowned universities.
Appropriate remuneration.

Your perspective

Experience in breeding programs of two different crops – for a full year each.
Training your "breeder’s eye" and various other selection methods for many traits.
Deployment of many techniques in the routine of a breeding program – including implementation of recent developments.
International team work across continents.
Comprehensive and state-of-the-art training – the perfect prerequisite for creating innovation for farmers.

Your attributes

A university degree in crop sciences, agronomy, or related subjects with a major in plant breeding (MSc or comparable, PhD welcome but not required).
Practical experience in nurseries and/or trailing is preferred.
Interest in applied genetics and permanent innovation.
Passion and dedication for improving agricultural plant production.
A personality capable of committing to the breeding program and of working independely
Enthusiasm for international teamwork
English, preferably another language as well

„It is great joy to see all the diversity and variation of plants in the field – and to combine them into new varieties.“

Vincenzo Giovannelli, Alumni of the Breeders‘ Academy, now a maize breeder in Italy

FAQ

Deadlines?

There are none. Since there are only approx.. 2 positions per year, the training program is tailormade to the individual and not subordinate to other time frames.

When can I apply?

As soon as there is a job post on our webpage, there is a position available. We recommend to register for our job newsletter.

Alternative programs offered by KWS?

Trainee positions are available at KWS in all disciplines of the seed sector. Vacancies will be published on the homepage. Comparable to the Breeders’ Academy are trainee positions offered in specific breeding programs. Pay will also be comparable.
Assistant breeder positions could also be an alternative as job entry as a plant breeder, if available at the time of your interest.

Certificates?

There are none. Since the Breeders’ Academy is an internal training program for a career start inside KWS, there is no accredited coursework. A reference of the employer can be handed over.

And what follows the Breeders’ Academy?

Our goal is to train breeders for our growing breeding programs worldwide. If there is a breeders’ position open, the Breeders’ Academy training could even be shortened.
But there is no guaranteed uptake in a breeders’ position. This depends not only on the performance during the training period but also on the availability of a position

Requirements on university degree?

Typically an MSc in relevant subjects. But also with a PhD, the Breeders’ Academy may be appropriate, as a PhD is usually a specialisation instead of a broad education.