R&D Specialist III

Bayer•Jerseyville, IL

22h•$68,240 - $102,360•Onsite

About The Position

Bayer Crop Science is currently seeking a highly motivated Research and Development Specialist with the ability to work as a member of the Field-Testing Team within Plant Biotechnology. A successful applicant will contribute to the planning, coordination and execution of physiology experiments sponsored by both early and advanced phase projects. This is a field-oriented position with responsibilities that include execution of high-quality field trials, accurate data collection, sample collection, training and supervision of temporary employees, and adherence to safety and compliance standards. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the successful development of next generation traits that will significantly improve agricultural productivity. The primary responsibilities of this role, R&D Specialist III (Jerseyville, IL), are to: Manage a broad range of operations including seeding, staging plant development, data collection, and harvest operations; Supervision and training of temporary employees; Coordination and communication with Project Teams and other research sites to ensure efficient and high quality execution of crop physiology experiments; Contribute as a key member of project teams to rationalize and plan experiments; Work closely with Data Team to ensure accurate and timely delivery of data; Contribute to quality control of data; Utilization of specialized research equipment related to Crop Physiology experimentation; Ensure that activities comply with Safety and Compliance standards; Position entails driving a company vehicle (pooled or assigned to the individual). This may include being required to drive greater than 5,000 business miles annually in a personal, pooled, or rented vehicle OR being expected to frequently drive a pooled car as part of your job duties – regardless of mileage.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree OR knowledge of bachelor’s degree completed by December 2026 in Crop Physiology, Agronomy, Plant Science, Biology or related fields
Field based research experience
Valid Driver’s License
Ability to carry out field-based research during the peak periods such as planting, flowering and harvest seasons
Familiarity with of row-crop production and farm equipment operation
Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work effectively in a team-based environment
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both written and oral
High level of agility in balancing and prioritize activities and resources
Strong computer skills related to data acquisition, organization, and data analysis
Proficiency in MS Excel, database systems, MS Word
Limited overnight travel, evening and weekend availability during peak periods
UAV pilot license or willingness to obtain
Illinois pesticide license or willingness to obtain
Ability to safely lift 50lbs
Work in conditions that require sitting, standing, walking for extended periods
Ability to work in high and low temperatures in a field setting
Capable of working long hours, primarily during the peak busy field season

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Crop Physiology, Agronomy, Plant Science, Biology or related fields with 4+ years’ experience or MS degree in Crop Physiology, Agronomy, Plant Science, Biology or related fields with 1+ years’ experience
Research experience with crop physiology or breeding experimentation
Experience with remote sensing/imaging and automated phenotyping
Expertise with technical instrumentation and/or engineering
Good working knowledge of statistics and experimental design

Responsibilities

Manage a broad range of operations including seeding, staging plant development, data collection, and harvest operations
Supervision and training of temporary employees
Coordination and communication with Project Teams and other research sites to ensure efficient and high quality execution of crop physiology experiments
Contribute as a key member of project teams to rationalize and plan experiments
Work closely with Data Team to ensure accurate and timely delivery of data
Contribute to quality control of data
Utilization of specialized research equipment related to Crop Physiology experimentation
Ensure that activities comply with Safety and Compliance standards
Driving a company vehicle (pooled or assigned to the individual). This may include being required to drive greater than 5,000 business miles annually in a personal, pooled, or rented vehicle OR being expected to frequently drive a pooled car as part of your job duties – regardless of mileage.