At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Barley Breeding team and assist with hands-on field and glasshouse operations.
- Company: KWS UK Ltd., a leader in agricultural innovation near Cambridge.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, competitive pension, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Flexible hours during peak seasons and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in plant breeding while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s in Natural Sciences or related field; practical experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Our KWS UK Ltd. Barley Breeding Team is currently seeking at the earliest opportunity a Breeding Technician to support our Winter Barley programmes. This is a full‑time, permanent position based in Thriplow near Cambridge. We offer a hands‑on working environment and the chance to work with highly motivated and qualified colleagues.
What you can expect in this role:
- The successful candidate will be responsible for a wide range of seasonal tasks within our Barley Breeding team: assisting with field, barn and glasshouse operations essential for the successful development of new varieties.
- Practical breeding work, including scoring in nurseries and field trials, drilling, pest control, maintenance, rogueing and harvesting.
- Work in glasshouse: sowing, harvesting, transplanting and crossing.
- Work indoors: seed cleaning and processing, seed sampling and testing, seed preparation.
- Data management: uploading and handling data on Excel and in‑house software.
The successful candidate will be supported in their development within the role, including training opportunities.
What you bring in:
- Bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences, Plant Breeding, Genetics or Agronomy, or equivalent experience.
- Ideally a few years’ practical experience in cereal breeding and agronomy.
- Good computer literacy skills and competence in using databases and managing data.
- Good English skills (oral and written).
- Detail‑oriented and organised.
- Flexible, able to work independently and as part of a team.
- Valid full driving licence; confidence in driving is essential.
- Willingness to work longer hours during harvest, drilling and other peak periods.
Our offer:
- Professional and personal development focus.
- 35 working hours per week – additional hours may be required during the May to September period.
- 30 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Highly competitive pension scheme with 16% company contribution and 1.2% minimum employee contribution.
- Life assurance of 3 times the annual salary.
- Income protection plan paying 75% of salary for up to three years in the event of long‑term illness or disability.
- Private health care plan.
- Profit‑related bonus scheme targeting 10% of annual salary.
- Membership of Lifestyles discount scheme.
- Reduced diesel prices from the company’s fuel pump.
Application:
Did we spark your interest? Then apply now via our online portal and send us your documents (cover letter and CV). Applicants must already have long‑term eligibility to work in the UK.
Breeding Technician Winter Barley employer: KWS SAAT SE
KWS UK Ltd. is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment for those passionate about plant breeding and agronomy. Located in Thriplow near Cambridge, we provide extensive professional development opportunities, a competitive benefits package including a generous pension scheme and private healthcare, and a collaborative culture that values both individual contributions and teamwork. Join us to be part of a dedicated team committed to innovation in agriculture while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Breeding Technician Winter Barley
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research KWS UK Ltd. and their Winter Barley programmes. Understanding their values and goals will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the role and the company culture, plus it might just get your foot in the door!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Since the role involves hands-on tasks, brush up on your skills related to fieldwork and data management. Practising these will boost your confidence and impress the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the KWS team. Don’t forget to highlight your relevant experience in your CV and cover letter!
We think you need these skills to ace Breeding Technician Winter Barley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in cereal breeding and agronomy, and show us why you're the perfect fit for our Winter Barley team. Keep it concise but engaging!
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to reflect the skills and experiences that match the job description. Emphasise your practical breeding work and data management skills to catch our eye.
Show Off Your Passion:We love candidates who are genuinely excited about plant breeding! In your application, let us know what drives your interest in this field and how you see yourself contributing to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our online portal! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your documents and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy, which we appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at KWS SAAT SE
✨Know Your Breeding Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of plant breeding, especially in relation to barley. Be ready to discuss specific techniques you've used in previous roles or during your studies. This shows you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Show Off Your Data Skills
Since data management is a key part of the role, be prepared to talk about your experience with Excel and any databases you've used. Maybe even bring examples of how you've handled data in past projects. This will demonstrate your competence and attention to detail.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This position requires both independent work and teamwork. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others or taken the lead on a project. Highlighting your flexibility and ability to adapt to different working styles will make you stand out.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or training opportunities. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
