Molecular Data Analyst (m/f/d)

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Agriculture plays a fundamental role in fulfilling many of humanity's basic needs: food, feed, energy. To support growers and those who take care of our environment, BASF develops innovative solutions for farming and pest control - so that we can effectively contribute to improving people's lives and business' demands. Come join us on our journey to create solutions for sustainable agriculture.   

We are seeking individuals who thrive in a culture of creativity, openness, responsibility, and entrepreneurial spirit. In our organization, we encourage and celebrate innovative thinking, where ideas flow freely and are nurtured. We value individuals who take ownership of their work and are accountable for their actions. We foster an entrepreneurial mindset where seizing opportunities is encouraged to drive growth and success. Join our team and be part of an environment that values and rewards creative thinking, collaboration, and a can-do mentality.  

Within BASF Seed and Traits R&D, the Molecular Biology (MB) group provides state-of-the-art expertise in DNA-, RNA- and protein-based molecular characterization of plant materials. The group identifies, develops, and implements novel technologies and is highly experienced in workflow-based operational organization aimed at minimal cost and timelines while ensuring required quality. MB is embedded in the Trait Research department that focuses on the design, creation, and testing of novel plant traits, and supports the transgenesis-, genome editing- and mutagenesis-based workflows.  

For the Molecular Biology group in our R&D Innovation Center in Ghent (Belgium) we are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Molecular Data Analyst to support us with the automation and digitalization of our molecular data analysis workflows. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• As a Molecular Data Analyst you will be responsible for designing and analyzing molecular experiments run within our department.
• As a member of the MB team, you will develop data analysis tools/workflows/applications (python, R-packages, apps, ...) enabling team members with different skill sets to efficiently analyze their data and report on their experiments.
• You work closely together with other digital specialists in Trait Research and beyond and will build a strong network with and be a point of contact for Digital Teams within the BASF R&D department to follow up on running projects. In the context of our path to digital maturity, you will take up a role as Solution Designer when required.
• As a data analysis-expert you will provide support in the design and analysis of complex experiments. 
• You have freedom to shape and optimize existing and future data workflows and are expected to further develop your expertise and to stay on top of state-of-the-art methodologies in the public domain. 
• You become part of a multidisciplinary team in a stimulating work environment where creativity and innovation are part of the key drivers and where you get the opportunity to closely interact with and learn from multiple R&D research programs and the scientific community within Trait Research. 
• Coaching and supporting the team on our path to digital maturity and overall data savviness will be part of your role.  

QUALIFICATIONS

• You have a master's degree in data science, bioinformatics, computational biology or similar (or equivalent by experience) and have minimum 4 years of working experience as a molecular data analyst or in a similar role. 
• You are an expert in Phyton scripting and code development. You have excellent knowledge of and hands-on experience with statistical programming languages (R) and a track record in developing R-packages. Representing data visually in a way that facilitates their understanding and interpretation is a skill you master. Having experience with workflow management systems (like SnakeMake, Nextflow) is considered a plus.
• You have specific plant biotech and molecular biology domain knowledge and are familiar with the most common molecular characterization techniques. 
• You are an expert in data management, data mining and integration of large datasets from various sources, ensuring data quality and consistency.  You have a good understanding of FAIR data management principles, database structures, use of APIs and reproducible data analysis.
• You have a strong problem-solving aptitude and are skilled in identifying data interdependencies and correlations
• You are a good networker and can effectively communicate complex findings and insights to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.  
• You are able to understand the business context and the objectives behind the data analysis. You use this to provide insights that drive decision-making and strategy.  
• You thrive in an environment where the team is more important than the individual, where trust is built through giving and receiving open feedback, and where we take responsibility for our actions.
• Last but not least, you look forward to working in an international environment where a good communication in English (speaking and writing) is key.  

BENEFITS

• Responsibility from day one in a challenging work environment and "on-the-job" training as part of a committed team. 
• Competitive compensation, including attractive benefits as well as excellent career opportunities in an international company. 
• A good work-life balance where occasional working from home is possible.

ABOUT US

BASF is a multinational company dedicated to revolutionizing agricultural science. We are committed to developing innovative solutions that address global challenges in food security and sustainability.

If you need more information about the process or the vacancy, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition Team, via: talent-acquisition-belgium@basf.com.

At BASF, the chemistry is right.

Because we are counting on innovative solutions, on sustainable actions, and on connected thinking. And on you. Become a part of our formula for success and develop the future with us - in a global team that embraces diversity and equal opportunities irrespective of gender, age, origin, sexual orientation, disability or belief.