Aardaia is developing entirely new crops for a resilient, low-input protein future. Our flagship crop, the Aardaker (Lathyrus tuberosus), is a nitrogen-fixing, protein-rich tuberous legume currently being domesticated from wild germplasm into a scalable agricultural crop. No existing major crop combines these traits.
This work depends on excellent execution. Healthy plants, correct labeling, careful phenotyping, and reliable data are what make or break the entire program.
The Role
We are hiring two Greenhouse & Field Technicians to support the day-to-day execution of our crop domestication program.
These are hands-on technical roles focused on plant care, phenotyping, and field work. One position will focus primarily on greenhouse operations and plant maintenance. The other will focus primarily on phenotyping across greenhouse and field trials. Both roles work closely with breeders and researchers and sit at the operational core of the program.
This is a technical role for people who enjoy working directly with plants and want to be excellent at careful, precise, practical work.
What You Will Do
Greenhouse Operations & Plant Handling
- Maintain breeding and experimental plant populations in greenhouse and growth chambers
- Planting, transplanting, labeling, and tracking of germplasm
- Assist with controlled crosses as instructed (emasculation, pollination, tagging, record-keeping)
- Seed, tuber, and pollen handling, storage, and inventory management
- Support rapid generation and speed-breeding workflows
Plant Care & Experimental Support
- Monitor plant health, development, and stress symptoms
- Assist with irrigation, fertilization, and routine plant care
- Maintain cleanliness, organization, and biosecurity of greenhouse spaces
Phenotyping & Data Collection
- Phenotype germplasm in greenhouse and field trials
- Measure and record traits related to growth, development, yield, and morphology
- Take standardized photographs and structured observations following protocols
- Ensure accurate sample labeling and traceability
Field & Trial Support
- Support setup, maintenance, and harvest of field trials
- Assist with planting, thinning, weed control, and harvesting
- Support agronomic experiments such as density and management trials
Data & Traceability
- Record breeding, phenotyping, and trial data accurately in digital systems
- Follow defined protocols for data entry and material tracking
- Maintain high standards of labeling accuracy and data quality
Working Environment
Aardaia is a small, fast-moving team. Work intensity is seasonal, with peak periods during planting, phenotyping, and harvest. The work can be physically demanding and sometimes repetitive. Everyone contributes where needed.
Precision matters, but so does pace. You will be expected to follow protocols carefully, notice problems early, and communicate clearly with the team.
Who This Role Is For
- People who enjoy hands-on work with plants and experiments
- Careful, observant, and methodical workers who take pride in doing things properly
- Comfortable working in greenhouses and in the field, in varying weather conditions
- Reliable, detail-oriented, and consistent
- Able to follow protocols precisely while adapting to seasonal priorities
- Physically able to perform active work (standing, lifting, outdoor work)
Background or training in horticulture, agriculture, agronomy, cultivation techniques and management, or related fields is welcome (MBO, MBO+, BSc, or vocational training). Previous experience with greenhouse work, phenotyping, or field trials is a plus, but not required. Motivation, care, and reliability matter more.
Requirements:
- EU driver’s licence (B)
- Fluent English (working language)
What We Offer
- Direct involvement in the creation of entirely new crops
- Hands-on work across greenhouse and field environments
- A small, focused team where careful technical work has visible impact
- A role that can be shaped over time based on strengths and interests, with deeper technical responsibility as experience grows
- Salary in line with experience and Dutch startup standards
Contract & Location
- Full-time position, fixed-term with intent to extend
- Based primarily in Wageningen, with field work at trial sites as needed
