Greenhouse Management Assistant

The VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology (PSB) is a world-leading plant science institute located at the heart of a renowned plant biotechnology campus in Ghent, Belgium. Its mission is to unravel plant biological processes and translate this knowledge into value for society.

To facilitate high-quality plant growth experiments, PSB is equipped with state-of-the-art growth facilities. There are three modern greenhouses of more than 700 m², with several compartments fitted with automatic watering systems. More than 20 additional plant growth chambers of 10 to 18 m² provide a wide range of reproducible and uniform growth conditions. Our researchers study a variety of crops such as corn, wheat, tomato, poplar and model plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana.

The institute is located at the Technologiepark in Zwijnaarde.

We are looking for a greenhouse management assistant which can support the greenhouse manager in developing, optimizing, and monitoring the plant growth conditions for our expanding range of plant species next to performing routine tasks in greenhouse management. You are also a point of contact for our scientists.

• Monitor and optimize plant growth conditions
• Identify plant pests and take appropriate action
• Ensure an optimal organization of greenhouse space
• Communicate with researchers the status of their plants and planning of experiments
• Together with the staff, manage the greenhouses (watering, spraying, ..)

Essential

• Professional Bachelor’s degree (e.g. agro-and biotechnology)
• Experience with greenhouse management
• Experience with biocontrol and chemical control of plant pests
• Phytolicense P2 or P3
• Technical interest in greenhouse automation, environmental control
• Good command of English (oral and written)
• Proficient in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Driving license B

Optional knowledge

• Working with genetically modified organisms
• Knowledge of greenhouse automation

 Key personal characteristics 

• Passionate about plants
• Pro-active, problem-solver
• Strong sense of responsibility, maintaining a clean working environment
• Eager to learn, implement and suggest new techniques  
• Flexible in working hours.
• Team player with strong interpersonal and communication skills

The permanent position is available from April 1st 2,023 with an internationally competitive salary and benefits.

Submit your application through the VIB application tool. Be sure it includes:

• A detailed CV
• A 1-page letter of intent describing your motivation for this position, your work experiences, and future goals.
• The names and contact details of two references

Emailed applications will not be considered