Principal Crop Physiology Scientist

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

Job summary

Bayer CropScience in the United States (Missouri, Chesterfield) seeks a Principal Crop Physiology Scientist to lead strategy on crop physiology to shape seed concepts and breeding goals. You will guide analytics, collaborate across functions, and mentor teams to deliver improved germplasm.

The role emphasizes coordinating with global teams, leveraging genomic and phenomic data, and driving precision breeding initiatives within a strong R&D culture.

Qualifications

• PhD in Quantitative Genetics, Plant Breeding, Crop Physiology, Data Science or related field with 6+ years in breeding or data science.
• Experience collaborating in cross-functional, cross-cultural teams.
• Ability to lead cross-functional activities without direct reports.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and manage multiple projects.
• Experience analyzing large biological datasets, biostatistics, and functional genomics.
• Coding experience in R, Python, or similar environments.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the technical strategy for using crop physiology to define novel seed concepts and translate insights into breeding goals.
• Leverage model outputs and analytics to improve quantitative traits under selection.
• Lead collaboration with field testing, data science, engineering, molecular breeding, and other orgs to deliver the pipeline.
• Ensure knowledge transfer at critical crop-cycle milestones and document insights.
• Identify opportunities for new tech and process improvements, fostering a collaborative culture.
• Lead projects with partners across NA, LATAM, EMEA, APAC for precision breeding initiatives.

Skills

R

Python

Project leadership

Cross-functional collab

Biostatistics

Data analysis

Education

PhD or MS in a relevant field

Tools

R

Python

Job description

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

• 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

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.

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.

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

Bayer is an E-Verify Employer.

Location: United States : Missouri : Chesterfield

Division: Crop Science

Reference Code: 885771

Email: [e-mail]