Jan van den Berg studied Agronomy at Wageningen University, after which he obtained his PhD at Cornell University, USA. His dissertation was about the genetics and biochemistry of tuber formation in potatoes. He then did post-doctoral research on the ripening of raspberries in Scotland

Van den Berg currently works for BASF vegetable seeds, where he was responsible for R&D in seed technology, molecular breeding and global R&D team lead for the washed watermelon, cucumber, lettuce and spinach. In his current role as manager strategic alliances & partnerships, he makes the connection with knowledge institutions and other companies active in genetics, cultivation and post-harvest physiology of vegetables
 
At the UM Brightlands campus in Venlo, Dr. ir. Jan van den Berg will be conducting research into the relationship between greenetics and environmental factors with regard to nutrients and taste. These environmental factors include growing conditions, but also post-harvest conditions such as: storage, packaging and processing. Van den Berg uses the facilities and knowledge in this area on the Brightlands campus Greenport Venlo and on the campus of BASF Vegetable Seeds in Nunhem, Limburg. Van den Berg will also assist UM in the development of an educational curriculum in botany.