Biobest is a global leader in biological crop protection and pollination. For more than 35 years, we have been providing innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture with beneficial insects and other biological control methods. Our mission is to help growers protect their crops in an efficient and environmentally friendly way, making a significant contribution to more sustainable food production.
Within our R&D department, predatory mites play a crucial role in the development of innovative control strategies. Biobest offers a wide range of beneficial insects and mites. These natural enemies are used to control pests such as spider mites, whitefly and thrips in various crops, including vegetables, soft fruit and floriculture.
Our products are used worldwide in both greenhouse and open field applications, helping to reduce the use of chemical pesticides and support integrated pest management strategies. Our team of scientists and specialists is constantly working on the optimization of these biological control methods and the development of new applications.
To strengthen our team, we are looking for a Researcher Biocontrol with a focus on predatory mites.
Your mission
Predatory mites are at the heart of Biobest's biological control solutions. As Researcher Biocontrol, you contribute hands on to the development and improvement of our products, from laboratory experiments to greenhouse and field validation.
You report to the R&D Team Leader Beneficial Arthropods. You design and carry out research projects within a multidisciplinary R&D team, working closely with colleagues in production, quality and product management. Your work helps ensure that new insights in rearing and application of natural enemies translate into reliable, high quality solutions for growers worldwide.
Your responsibilities
- Design, execute and analyse laboratory, greenhouse and field experiments with mites.
- Contribute to research on the efficacy of natural enemies against key pests such as spider mites, thrips and whitefly.
- Support the optimization of mass rearing systems, including diets, rearing substrates, climate conditions and colony quality.
- Evaluate new beneficial species and innovative biological control solutions.
- Collect, process and statistically analyse data, and report results clearly to internal stakeholders.
- Work closely with Production, Quality, Product Management and other R&D teams to implement research outcomes.
- Present results internally and, where relevant, contribute to scientific publications and conferences.
- Follow scientific literature and developments in biological control and share relevant insights with the team.
Your profile
You are a curious, rigorous scientist who enjoys translating research questions into practical solutions, and who feels at home both in the lab and in the greenhouse.
You bring:
- A Master's degree in Biology, Bioscience Engineering, Agricultural Sciences or another relevant life sciences discipline.
- Experience in applied research in biological control, entomology, acarology or integrated pest management.
- Knowledge of mites: Hands on experience with predatory mites (for example phytoseiids such as Amblyseius, Neoseiulus or Phytoseiulus), their prey or their mass rearing is a strong differentiator.
- Solid skills in experimental design and statistical data analysis (for example R or Python).
- A structured and accurate way of working, with good planning and organisational skills.
- Good communication skills and the ability to work with both scientific and operational colleagues.
- A collaborative, hands on mindset and a willingness to learn.
- Fluency in English. Additional languages such as Dutch, French or Spanish are an advantage.
What do we offer you?
- The opportunity to contribute directly to more sustainable agriculture worldwide.
- A varied research role in an international, innovation driven company, with room to grow your scientific expertise.
- We emphasize employee strengths, diversity and personal development, and create a positive and inclusive work environment.
- Sustainability and social responsibility are at the heart of our activities, with initiatives aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- A clear remuneration strategy ensures a competitive salary with extra benefits.
- We invest in professional growth through tailored training and cutting edge technology so you can thrive in your role.