Beneficial insects, such as predators and parasitoids, play a crucial role in the biological control of crops pests, making them essential for sustainable agriculture. The commercial mass-production of these insects is key to Biobest's success story and is closely linked to the success of our customers worldwide. Our Beneficials team within R&D is dedicated to continuously improving and developing new mass-production systems, as well as expanding our range of arthropod biological control agents.
For example, our research projects, have earned international recognition, including the IBMA Bernard Blum Award for the development of the hoverfly Eupeodes corollae and the GreenTech Innovation Award for the most innovative biological control product for our work on the brown lacewing Micromus angulatus.
We're excited to announce that our Beneficials team within R&D in Westerlo is currently looking for a Research Assistant to support our ongoing research projects.
Your responsibilities
As a Research Assistant your core responsibility is setting up and conducting lab, production and semi field trials. Every year you work on a number of projects. Summed up, your job looks like this:
- You support the team in setting up and conducting trials focusing on optimizing/ developing insect mass-rearing methods, as well as integrating arthropod predators and parasitoids into applied biocontrol programs.
- You collect data and store it efficiently (Excel, databases) and you communicate research results through oral presentations (PowerPoint or other) during team meetings.
- You follow up projects and periodically report on progress updates.
- You will work both independently as well as collaboratively within the R&D and interdepartmental teams (Production, Quality Control, Process Improvement, Business Development...).
Who are we looking for?
- A new colleague with a degree in agronomy, biology, agro- or biotechnology, or a related field.
- A communicative, committed and team-oriented individual who takes initiative, pays attention to detail, and likes to roll up her/his sleeves.
- Someone with experience in agricultural production and applied entomology, coupled with a creative and problem-solving mindset.
What do we offer you?
- A unique opportunity to make an important contribution to a more sustainable horticulture.
- The opportunity to grow professionally in line with the evolution of the Biobest Division.
- A great position within a driven R&D team recognized for its innovative biological control solutions.
- A competitive salary, complemented with additional benefits.