Internship Functional Genomics - BASF | Nunhems - Haelen/Nunhem

We are mainly looking for someone who is eager to learn and excited about applying scientific knowledge in practice. You bring:

• An ongoing Bachelor's or Master's degree in molecular biology, genetics, plant sciences, biotechnology, bioinformatics or a related field.
• A strong interest in plant genetics, molecular biology and genomics.
• Basic knowledge of molecular biology techniques such as PCR and/or DNA analysis.
• Interest in working with genomic data and learning more about bioinformatic analyses.
• An affinity with both laboratory work and research involving plants.
• The ability to work accurately and document your work and results clearly.
• Good English communication skills, as you will work in an international environment.

Previous hands-on experience with all the techniques mentioned is not expected. Most importantly, you are motivated to learn and curious about applying your knowledge to real research questions.

You will join the Functional Genomics team within our Research Technology organization. Our team investigates the genetic mechanisms behind important characteristics in vegetable crops and works closely with colleagues in breeding, genetics and other research disciplines.

As an intern, you will become part of this collaborative research environment rather than working on your project in isolation. You will receive guidance from experienced colleagues, while also having the opportunity to take ownership of your own research activities.

It is an international environment where people openly exchange ideas, learn from each other and combine different areas of expertise. This gives you the opportunity to develop both your scientific knowledge and your experience of working within an international R&D organization.

Are you interested in plant genetics and curious to discover how genes influence important traits in vegetable crops? During this internship within Functional Genomics, you will gain hands-on research experience and contribute to projects that help us better understand the genetic mechanisms behind traits such as disease resistance, fruit quality, plant architecture, flowering time and shelf life.

You will work on a research project that combines molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics and plant phenotyping. With guidance from experienced colleagues, you will learn how genetic discoveries can be translated into practical insights that support plant breeding and the development of improved vegetable varieties.

During your internship, you will:

• Work on a defined research project within Functional Genomics, with clear objectives and guidance from experienced researchers.
• Contribute to the identification and validation of genes related to agriculturally important traits.
• Gain practical experience with molecular biology techniques such as PCR, RT-qPCR, marker development and sequencing, depending on your project.
• Learn how genomic and bioinformatic analyses can be used to identify genetic variants and promising candidate genes.
• Contribute to research using TILLING and genetically diverse plant populations to better understand gene function and identify interesting genetic variants.
• Participate in greenhouse experiments and plant phenotyping to explore the relationship between genetic variation and plant characteristics.
• Analyze and interpret your experimental results together with your supervisor and other colleagues.
• Present and discuss your findings within the team and contribute to the knowledge generated through ongoing research projects.

• You take responsibility for your own learning and the activities within your internship project.
• You work carefully and communicate openly when you need support or guidance.
• You are reliable in documenting your experiments, observations and results.

• You are curious and ask questions to better understand both your research project and its wider purpose.
• You actively contribute ideas and are willing to explore different approaches when results are unexpected.
• You seek collaboration and make use of the knowledge and experience available within the team.

• You are eager to develop your scientific and practical skills throughout your internship.
• You take feedback as an opportunity to learn and improve.
• You enjoy connecting theory with practice and want to understand how your research can contribute to better vegetable varieties.