Phytopathology Assistant – m/f/d

KWS Group

Phytopathology Assistant at KWS Vegetables in Spain supporting research scientists with disease testing and lab maintenance. Collaborating with breeding teams and managing lab protocols and results.

Posted 7/9/2026full-timeMurcia • 🇪🇸 SpainMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Implement and execute protocols for routine disease testing for the vegetable crops
Active and efficient collaboration with breeding and farm teams to support breeding needs
Precise trial setup and accurate data collection
Phytopathology lab maintenance with the proper quality standards
Implement and execute hygiene measures for the vegetable crops
Assist and support the Research Scientist of Phytopathology in optimizing the efficiency and output of the department tasks
Collaborate in the development of protocols for routine disease testing and responsible for the implementation and execution of these tests
Design, plan and set up the phyto trials in greenhouse and growth chambers
Data collection of resistance screening tests including data analysis and report elaboration
Support Research Scientist of Phytopathology in implementation and execution of hygiene measures in phyto facilities
Responsible of pathogen database, and proper maintenance of pathogen stocks to ensure the availability of inoculum for trials
Responsible for lab maintenance and diagnostics
Support on Phyto administrative processes
Manage Technicians and farm personnel: plan, organize, conduct, provide follow up the daily work including sowings, transplanting, samplings, trial removal

Requirements

What you’ll need

BSc in Biology, Horticulture, Plant Breeding or a closely related discipline
Working experience in the field of plant pathology is a plus
Language skills: Spanish and English (good)
Good communication and analytical skills
Team player and good interpersonal skills
Willingness to travel local and internationally (10-15%)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance
401(k)
Paid time off
Professional development
Flexible working hours

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Data AnalysisTrial SetupPlant PathologyHygiene Measures ImplementationResistance ScreeningProtocol DevelopmentPathogen Stock MaintenanceDiagnosticsResearch SupportField Trials Management

Soft Skills

Good Communication SkillsAnalytical SkillsInterpersonal SkillsTeam PlayerWillingness to Travel

Certifications

BSc in BiologyBSc in HorticultureBSc in Plant Breeding