Agronomic Research Specialist II

Merck & Co.; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 62,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

Vision

Dental

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Sick leave

Job summary

Bayer is seeking a Field Associate in Wisconsin to contribute to an R&D field trial program for corn and soybeans. You will coordinate with growers, supervise seasonal staff, and conduct data analytics, phenotyping, and equipment operation to support the R&D pipeline.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and strong data management and communication skills, with travel up to 15% and extended hours during peak seasons. Equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required by start date.
• Strong technical aptitude and ability to work with connected systems and data management.
• Demonstrated experience in collaborative, team-based environments.
• Ability to learn and operate agriculture equipment and precision agriculture tech.
• Knowledge of crop production practices and basic statistical analysis.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safe and efficient operation of the research program per HSE, quality, compliance and ethics standards.
• Collaborate with project teams to deliver detailed experimental protocols for advancement decisions.
• Operate research equipment, take notes, and manage data with internal IT systems.
• Collect, analyze, and report agronomic data using digital and mechanical platforms throughout the season.
• Supervise third‑party labor or seasonal staff to achieve trial goals.
• Travel up to 15% and work extended hours during peak seasons.

Skills

Technical aptitude

Team collaboration

Data management

Verbal & written communication

Driver's license

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Precision agriculture hardware

Precision agriculture software

IT aptitude

Job description

At Bayer we’re visionaries, driven to solve the world’s toughest challenges and striving for a world where 'Health for all Hunger for none’ is no longer a dream, but a real possibility. We’re doing it with energy, curiosity and sheer dedication, always learning from unique perspectives of those around us, expanding our thinking, growing our capabilities and redefining ‘impossible’. There are so many reasons to join us. If you’re hungry to build a varied and meaningful career in a community of brilliant and diverse minds to make a real difference, there’s only one choice.

Field Associate

As a Field Associate, you are responsible for contributing to an R&D Field Trial program in corn and soybeans. You coordinate with growers on leased land space, assist with acquiring and supervising local staffing during in-season activities, and conduct in-season research activities such as phenotyping, equipment operation and maintenance, study management, and data analytics review. Your role is crucial in overseeing and executing research trials that feed the R&D pipeline. Additionally, you partner with other functions on site and other organizations to improve data quality, standard operating procedures, and quality/compliance actions.

YOUR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary responsibilities of this role, Field Associate, are to:

• Ensure safe and efficient operation of the research program in alignment with Bayer’s HSE (Health Safety & Environment), Quality, Compliance, and Stewardship requirements, and Business Code of Conduct and Ethics Standards;
• Collaborate with project team members to deliver detailed experimental protocols that enable advancement decisions by our scientists and placement decisions for our customers;
• Work on the operation of research equipment, note taking, and data management with internal IT (Information Technology) systems;
• Leverage various digital and mechanical platforms to collect, analyze, and deliver data on various agronomic traits in a timely manner throughout the growing season; opportunities to work with cutting-edge innovation and proof of concept projects;
• Self-motivate, problem solve, and make decisions with respect to time, prioritization, and project management;
• Build and leverage networks across diverse teams and functions, as well as establish and maintain partnerships in the local community, including local leaders, influencers, and growers;
• Supervise and direct third-party labor or seasonal staff to achieve trial and business objectives;
• Communicate across teams and leaders, with the ability to be agile, open to change, and engaged in continuous learning;
• Partner with the manager on a targeted business and personal development goal plan that aligns with Bayer’s LIFE values, leveraging opportunities to grow in your career and impact the Crop Science business;
• Travel up to 15% of the time, particularly during peak seasons;
• Work extended hours during peak seasons, including nontraditional daytime hours with the potential for overnight travel; Position entails driving a company vehicle, which may include driving greater than 5,000 business miles annually or frequently driving a pooled car as part of your job duties;
• Drive for the company under region-specific jurisdictions (US DOT/FMCSA or Transport Canada) and may require a specialized license for hauling trailers, product, supplies, or equipment safely.

WHO YOU ARE

Bayer seeks an incumbent who possesses the following:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required by start date;
• Strong technical aptitude and ability to work with connected systems and data management;
• Demonstrated experience working in a collaborative team-based environment;
• Ability to learn and operate research agriculture equipment, including precision agriculture technology;
• Knowledge or ability to learn region-specific crop production and farming practices;
• Knowledge of basic statistical analysis and experimental design principles;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills;
• Ability to obtain an appropriate driver’s license for medium to heavy vehicle operation (>10,000 lbs. GCWR) without air brake designation;
• Ability to obtain Pesticide Applicators License and RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) drone pilot’s license (FAA part 107 Certification for Unmanned Aerial Systems);
• Physical ability to safely lift up to 50 lbs and work in conditions requiring sitting, standing, and walking for extended periods;
• Ability to work in high and low temperatures in a field or greenhouse setting;
• Capable of working long hours, primarily during the peak busy field season.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in agronomy, life sciences, or related field;
• Experience in agricultural research, seed technology industry, or plant breeding;
• Mechanical and IT aptitude;
• Experience with precision agriculture hardware and software;
• History of implementing continuous improvements and innovation.

Employees can expect to be paid a salary between $61,680.00 - $80,000 Additional compensation may include a bonus or incentive compensation (if relevant). Additional benefits include health care, vision, dental, retirement, PTO, sick leave, etc.. This salary range is merely an estimate and may vary based on an applicant’s location, market data/ranges, an applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications, and other relevant factors.

This posting will be available for application until at least September 24, 2026.

To all recruitment agencies: Bayer does not accept unsolicited third party resumes.

Bayer is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

Bayer is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its application process for individuals with disabilities and encourages applicants with disabilities to request any needed accommodation(s) using the contact information below.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: Notice for U.S. Visitors: All information on this site is subject to compliance with local rule and regulations as they may vary from time to time and across different geographies, including, without limitation, U.S. Executive Orders. Bayer is an E-Verify Employer.

Location: United States : Wisconsin : Residence Based Division: Crop Science Reference Code: 882599 Contact Us Email: [e-mail]