Principal Crop Physiology Scientist

Bayer AG; Chesterfield (MO); On-site; USD 124,000 - 186,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

Vision

Dental

Retirement

PTO

Job summary

Bayer is seeking a Principal Crop Physiology Scientist in the United States to lead cross-disciplinary work using genomic, phenomic, and environmental data to design improved germplasm and seed products. You will drive product development by applying advanced plant physiology, genetics, and data science within a global R&D pipeline.

You will mentor teams, manage multiple projects, and collaborate with functions across NA, LATAM, EMEA, and APAC to deliver innovative breeding solutions while

Qualifications

• PhD with 6+ years in breeding programs, genetics, or data science.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and influencing without direct reports.
• Strong data analysis, quantitative genetics, biostatistics, and functional genomics experience.
• Proficient coding in R or Python to support modeling and analysis.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the technical strategy for using crop physiology to define seed product concepts.
• Lead analytics to improve quantitative traits and drive breeding decisions.
• Foster collaboration with field testing, data science, engineering, and product development.
• Ensure knowledge transfer at crop cycle transitions and document decisions.
• Mentor peers and develop talent across regions (NA, LATAM, EMEA, APAC).
• Support Health, Safety & Environment, compliance, and human rights policies.

Skills

Quantitative genetics

Plant breeding

Data science

Biostatistics

R/Python coding

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership

Ambiguity management

Education

PhD in Quantitative Genetics / Plant Breeding

MS in Breeding / Genetics / Data Science

Tools

R

Python

Job description

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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.

Principal Crop Physiology Scientist

As a Principal Crop Physiology Scientist, you are a key influencer within a multi-disciplinary team responsible for leveraging genomic, phenomic, and environmental data to design improved germplasm; You lead the delivery of enhanced seed products, data insights, and prescriptions into the Product Development pipeline by utilizing accelerated breeding schemes and innovations in plant and crop physiology, genomics, quantitative genetics, computational biology, and functional genomics; In this role, you help shape future-ready seed products that support growers worldwide and strengthen our Crop Science R&D organization.

YOUR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary responsibilities of this role, Principal Crop Physiology Scientist, are to:

• Provide leadership to coordinate the technical strategy for using crop physiology to define novel crop seed product concepts and to translate crop and plant physiology insights into breeding goals that deliver these products;
• Leverage model outputs and advanced analytics to achieve measurable improvement of quantitative traits under selection, enabling more predictive and efficient breeding decisions;
• Act as a key stakeholder driving strong collaborative relationships with field testing, data science, engineering, molecular breeding, logistics, trait integration, Product Development, Market Development, and Commercial organizations to deliver a robust product pipeline;
• Ensure meaningful knowledge and data transfer at critical transition points along crop cycle timelines so that insights, data, and decisions are clearly documented and shared;
• Proactively identify key opportunities for new technology implementation and process improvement, contributing positively to a collaborative, innovative, and design-centric culture;
• Integrate and lead projects and initiatives with partner teams across world regions (NA, LATAM, EMEA, APAC) to guide the development and implementation of Precision Breeding approaches;
• Attract and develop talent, serving as a mentor for peers and colleagues in key areas of expertise and supporting their technical and leadership growth;
• Support Health, Safety & Environment, Compliance, Business Conduct, and Human Rights policies and culture by embedding these principles into daily work and decision-making.

WHO YOU ARE

Bayer seeks an incumbent who possesses the following:

Required Qualifications:

• PhD degree in Quantitative Genetics, Plant Breeding, Crop Physiology, Data Science, or another relevant scientific field with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience, or a MS degree with 10+ years of experience in breeding programs, genetics, or applied data science projects;
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively in cross-functional and cross-cultural teams to achieve common goals;
• Demonstrated experience leading and influencing activities of cross-functional teams without direct reporting relationships;
• Ability to lead and influence key stakeholders through challenges and opportunities and to facilitate solutions that align with strategic objectives;
• Results orientation with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously;
• Experience in the analysis of large biological data sets, including quantitative genetics, biostatistics, and functional genomics;
• Experience with coding in R, Python, or similar software environments to support data analysis and modeling;
• Strong collaboration skills demonstrated through building cross-functional partnerships and influencing others to drive results and solve complex business problems;
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex problems and navigate ambiguity while maintaining a focus on scientific rigor and business impact.

Employees can expect to be paid a salary between $123,920.00 - $185,880.00. 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 23, 2026.

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