Lead Research Scientist-Crop Protection

Croda; New Castle (DE); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

Generous PTO

401K Match

Wellness Reimbursement

Parental Leave

Career Development

Company-paid Life and AD&D Insurance

Short- and long-term disability

Paid Holidays

Job summary

Croda, located in New Castle, Delaware, is seeking a Lead Research Scientist to drive scientific discovery and innovations in crop protection. The successful candidate will lead research programs and enhance Croda’s agriculture portfolio through breakthrough technological advancements and strategic partnerships.

Applicants should possess a Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Chemistry or Materials Science, alongside strong project leadership in agriculture innovations. The position features excellent benefits including medical coverage, generous PTO, and career development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Strong experience in agriculture innovation and crop protection.
• Proven ability to lead projects with business impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute research programs aligned with sustainability priorities.
• Design high-quality experiments for crop protection solutions.
• Mentor scientists and foster a collaborative culture.
• Analyze data and communicate insights to drive decisions.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen innovation pipeline.

Skills

Agriculture innovation

Data analysis

Project leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Ph.D. or Master’s in Chemistry or Materials Science

Job description

Lead Research Scientist – Crop Protection

Croda is a FTSE100 organization driven around our purpose of Smart Science to Improve Lives™. With over 6,000 employees across 39 countries, we are focused on the research and development of novel and highly sustainable raw materials for the Life Sciences and Consumer Care sectors. We are passionate and excited about how we can develop and utilize new technologies to shape and inspire changes within an ever-growing marketplace. As our business looks to deliver its ambitious strategy of growth, we are looking for a Lead Research Scientist to join our agriculture R&D team.

You Will Be Responsible For

In this role, you will drive scientific discoveries and lead innovation programs, transforming ideas into breakthrough technologies that deliver value for customers and support Croda’s long‑term agriculture strategy. You will be responsible for leading research programs, driving scientific innovation, and delivering new technologies that support business growth of our agriculture portfolio.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead and execute research programs aligned with Croda’s innovation and sustainability priorities.
• Design and deliver high-quality experiments to develop new technologies and solutions for our crop protection program.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor scientists, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
• Partner cross-functionally to translate research into scalable, market‑ready innovations.
• Analyze complex data and communicate insights to drive decision‑making.
• Identify emerging opportunities to strengthen Croda’s innovation pipeline.

Who We’re Looking For

• Strong experience in agriculture innovation, crop protection or applied research.
• Proven ability to lead projects and deliver scientific outcomes with business impact.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Passion for sustainability and translating science into real‑world impact.

Education And Certifications

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. or Master’s) in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related discipline.

What We Offer

• Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage, available immediately.
• Generous PTO
• 401K Match
• Wellness Reimbursement
• Parental Leave
• Career Development
• Company‑paid and voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
• Short- and long‑term disability
• Paid Holidays

Additional Information

This is a full‑time position at our New Castle, Delaware location. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the hiring process or experience any issues with our online application process, please email [e-mail].

We are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate based on any protected attribute, including age, race, colour, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants’ and employees’ religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs. Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veterans. This Organization Participates in E‑Verify.