Breeders’ Academy

Our career opportunities for plant breeders. A job with promise.

You have a clear goal: Become a plant breeder! The Breeders’ Academy offers you the best way to start your career. Our experience shows: University courses alone cannot adequately prepare you for the role of plant breeder. To bridge this gap, the Breeders’ Academy offers a unique combination of on-the-job training and academic education.

Your quick check

What we offer you

Immediate responsibility for your own small breeding programme
Support from two cultures in two countries
Creation of an individual development programme that allows you to grow into the position of plant breeder
Appropriate remuneration

Your perspectives

Broadening and deepening your knowledge in the plant breeding area
Learning all modern breeding methods
First practical work experience with one of the largest plant breeders in the world
Best reference for a long-term career as a plant breeder.

What you bring to the table

Degree in plant breeding, plant sciences or plant production, with a focus on plant breeding
Passion for improving agricultural crops
Interest in applied genetics
Optional: Experience in a theoretical aspect of plant breeding

Theory is important, but practice is more important to me. The Breeders’ Academy was the right mix to get the most out of my dream job.

Hugo Gonzales Dupuy, Former participant in the KWS Breeders’ Academy, now potato breeder at KWS

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 Breeder's 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

Requires 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.