Research and Development Specialist II 3rd Shift (Monday - Friday 1am to 10am)

Bayer•Ankeny, IA

18h•$60,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

At Bayer, we are visionaries driven to solve the world's toughest challenges, striving for a world where 'Health for all Hunger for none' is a real possibility. This Research and Development Specialist II position, specifically a 3rd Shift role (Monday – Friday 1am to 10am) in Ankeny, Iowa, focuses on Production Genotyping. The specialist will identify and validate molecular targets crucial for plant pathology, yield, and nutrition, and analyze biological, chemical, and genetic properties of plants. The role involves studying molecular biology, cell biology, plant genetics, plant physiology, biochemistry, and/or microbiology to aid in the discovery of new plant cultivars or agricultural methods. Key responsibilities include executing high-throughput genotyping activities in collaboration with the lab team to ensure timely delivery of high-quality data, consistently achieving daily and weekly KPI targets, and driving process and system improvements. The specialist must maintain strict adherence to safety, quality, and compliance requirements, and will operate, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory automation systems within 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