R&D Specialist II - 1st Shift (Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm)

Bayer•Ankeny, IA

5d•$60,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

At Bayer, we are driven to solve the world's toughest challenges and strive for a world where 'Health for all Hunger for none' is a reality. We are looking for an R&D Specialist II to join our team. In this Production Genotyping role, you will execute high-throughput genotyping activities in close collaboration with lab team members to ensure timely delivery of high-quality data. You will consistently achieve daily and weekly KPI targets, drive process and system improvements, and maintain strict adherence to safety, quality, and compliance requirements. You will also operate, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory automation systems as part of a dynamic, innovation-driven R&D environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in biology, Chemistry, Engineering, or another life science field.
Valid driver’s license (driving record will be reviewed and must meet guidelines based on the company’s Risk Screening for Hiring Drivers).
Proficiency in digital technologies, including data analysis and visualization tools, and experience with computerized workflow tracking systems (e.g., automated laboratory systems, warehouse inventory, shipping/receiving, pharmaceutical tracking, hospital/healthcare, food service).
Experience in experimental design and execution, with familiarity in high-throughput laboratory automation and mechanical aptitude for operating and troubleshooting automated systems.
Demonstrated ability to overcome challenges, take initiative, and deliver high-quality results while adhering to established processes and safety protocols.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with proven problem-solving skills in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and timelines while maintaining urgency and efficiency to support business objectives.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of experience in a high-throughput TaqMan genotyping or production environment (including post-undergraduate work in academia or industry).
Expertise in leveraging data for decision-making (e.g., analyzing production KPIs, guiding investigations, conducting risk assessments, and performing cost/benefit analyses) and in organizing and developing specialized reports to meet dynamic business needs.
Experience in troubleshooting and maintaining laboratory instrumentation, with a background in workflow optimization using root cause analysis, Lean, 5S, or Six Sigma methodologies.
Proven ability to balance and prioritize business deliverables, personal development, and project assignments, and to independently design, execute, interpret, and validate scientific experiments or methods.
Successful track record of communicating scientific data and laboratory matters to teams, partners, and stakeholders, and of building networks and collaborating to drive innovation, continuous improvement, and solutions to complex business or scientific challenges.

Responsibilities

Meet daily and weekly genotyping objectives while consistently delivering high-quality data.
Manage and operate specialized high-throughput laboratory and automation technologies, including troubleshooting and routine maintenance.
Participate in cross-functional work across multiple platforms and process areas to support end-to-end genotyping workflows.
Solve technical and operational challenges, enhance workflow efficiency and driving continuous improvement in lab processes.
Design and conduct experiments, applying specialized scientific techniques and multiple data sources to validate methods and improve processes.
Adhere to established protocols while operating complex instrumentation, using deductive reasoning to resolve issues within sophisticated laboratory technologies.
Prioritize and coordinate tasks within a large team, provide training and guidance to colleagues, and maintain comprehensive records and documentation in digital and paper systems.
Champion a strong safety culture by following and reinforcing best practices, protocols, and compliance requirements in all lab activities.