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Senior Director R&D- Crop Design

Ghent, Belgium

About Inari...

Inari is the SEEDesign™ company, using new breeding technology to push the boundaries of what is possible by designing nature-positive seeds for a more sustainable food system. A combination of AI-enabled predictive design and a cutting-edge multiplex gene editing toolbox enables Inari to unlock the full potential of seed and advance critical solutions with broad applications for growing more food with fewer resources – providing real benefits to farmers, our planet and the global population.

Our success is dependent on great minds, collaborating to generate bright ideas and deliver exceptional outcomes.

We have over 300 employees, with research sites in Cambridge, MA (USA) and Ghent (Belgium), as well as a product development site in West Lafayette, IN (USA). We’ve deliberately built a team that brings diversity of thought to all aspects of our business, to generate new ideas, approaches, and ways of operating. And we've intentionally combined experience with potential, bringing agriculture industry experts with the desire to innovate together with bright minds from academia, human therapeutics, software, and consulting. If you want to be part of a diverse and inclusive team developing unique solutions to feed the world while protecting our planet’s natural resources, we’d love to hear from you!

We are seeking an experienced and talented Senior leader to join the Science Leadership Team of Inari and lead the science organization in Gent, Belgium. As a key member of our team, you will lead the product designs  strategy, contribute to the overall scientific strategy, thereby enabling the development of cutting-edge technologies and products aimed at revolutionizing agriculture and addressing global food security challenges.

The position is located in Ghent and reports to the Chief Scientific Officer.

AS A SENIOR DIRECTOR CROP DESIGN, YOU WILL…

  • Contribute with the Science Leadership team to develop and articulate the strategy of the Science portfolio in alignment with the company's mission and business objectives. 
  • Develop the strategy and lead all product design activities leveraging our predictive design and multiplex editing technology platform.
  • Provide leadership and guidance to the multidisciplinary and multifunctional teams involved in soybean, corn and wheat designs. Ensure close collaboration and alignment with the product development teams
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with IP, regulatory affairs, project management and commercial teams to drive the efficient progression of designs through the product pipeline
  • Lead the Science organization in Gent and ensure employee development, cross site collaborations, and engagement.
  • Monitor industry trends, competitive landscape, and scientific advancements to inform strategic decision-making.
  • Collaborate with external innovation to establish and maintain strategic collaborations with academic institutions, research organizations, and industry partners to enhance R&D capabilities

 

 

  • Foster a culture of innovation encouraging scientists to explore new ideas, approaches, and technologies. Support initiatives that push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and expand the company's intellectual property portfolio. Drive risk management.
  • Contribute to and role model INARI’s customer focused culture
  • Support the Science leadership in planning, prioritizing and managing all resources in the Science organization
  • Communicate to various stakeholders the vision, strategy and achievements of the Science organization
  • Attract, engage and retain talent- bringing diversity of thoughts and backgrounds

 

AS A SENIOR DIRECOR CROP DESIGN, YOU BRING…

 

  • PhD in plant biology, genetics, or equivalent experience
  • At least 10 years of demonstrated academic and/or industry experience in leading complex research projects and developing people
  • Experience in plant biotechnology and the ability to transfer fundamental research into applications
  • Demonstrated track record of complex problem solving, critical thinking and leading others to achieve novel insights, as well as driving a culture of innovation
  • Capacity to drive and clearly articulate vision and purpose
  • Ability to step up to address difficult issues, capacity to receive and provide constructive and actionable feedback to foster continuous self and organizational improvement
  • A team player mindset with demonstrated ability to build/lead functional teams and instill trust
  • Proven record of developing people and creating an environment where people can learn and thrive
  • Ability to work well with a very diverse group of people and multidisciplinary teams, and to embrace and nurture diversity
  • Capacity to manage ambiguity and uncertainty, remain calm and operate effectively in fast growing and risk-taking environments
  • Excellent and effective communication skills at different levels of the organization
  • Strong commitment to our team’s values: learn from every decision, no heroes/heroines, thoughtful inclusion, and fail fast

 

 

 

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