R&D Specialist III

Bayer AG; Jerseyville (IL); On-site; USD 68,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Bayer Crop Science in Jerseyville, IL is seeking an R&D Specialist III to lead field physiology experiments, collect data and manage seeding, staging, and harvest operations. The role involves supervising temporary staff and coordinating with project teams across sites for high-quality execution.

The incumbent will work with the Data Team to ensure timely data delivery and participate in safety/compliance activities, with occasional travel and driving responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent by Dec 2026 in Crop Physiology, Agronomy, Plant Science, Biology or related fields.
• Field-based research experience.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Ability to conduct field-based research during peak planting, flowering and harvest seasons.
• Familiarity with row-crop production and farm equipment operation.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Strong written and oral communication.
• High agility in balancing and prioritizing activities and resources.
• Proficiency in data acquisition, organization, and data analysis.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, databases, and MS Word.
• Limited overnight travel, evening and weekend availability during peak periods.
• UAV pilot license or willingness to obtain.
• Illinois pesticide license or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Manage seeding, staging plant development, data collection, and harvest operations.
• Supervision and training of temporary employees.
• Coordinate with Project Teams and other research sites to ensure efficient and high quality execution of crop physiology experiments.
• Contribute as a key member of project teams to rationalize and plan experiments.
• Work closely with Data Team to ensure accurate and timely delivery of data.
• Contribute to quality control of data.
• Utilization of specialized research equipment related to Crop Physiology experimentation.
• Ensure that activities comply with Safety and Compliance standards.
• Position entails driving a company vehicle (pooled or assigned to the individual). This may include driving greater than 5,000 business miles annually.

Skills

Field-based research

Communication

Team collaboration

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Crop Physiology / Agronomy / Plant Science / Biology

MS degree in Crop Physiology / Agronomy / Plant Science / Biology

Tools

MS Excel

Database systems

MS Word

UAV license

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.

R&D Specialist III

YOUR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Bayer Crop Science is currently seeking a highly motivated Research and Development Specialist with the ability to work as a member of the Field-Testing Team within Plant Biotechnology. A successful applicant will contribute to the planning, coordination and execution of physiology experiments sponsored by both early and advanced phase projects. This is a field-oriented position with responsibilities that include execution of high-quality field trials, accurate data collection, sample collection, training and supervision of temporary employees, and adherence to safety and compliance standards. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the successful development of next generation traits that will significantly improve agricultural productivity.

The primary responsibilities of this role, R&D Specialist III (Jerseyville, IL), are to:

• Manage a broad range of operations including seeding, staging plant development, data collection, and harvest operations;
• Supervision and training of temporary employees;
• Coordination and communication with Project Teams and other research sites to ensure efficient and high quality execution of crop physiology experiments;
• Contribute as a key member of project teams to rationalize and plan experiments;
• Work closely with Data Team to ensure accurate and timely delivery of data;
• Contribute to quality control of data;
• Utilization of specialized research equipment related to Crop Physiology experimentation;
• Ensure that activities comply with Safety and Compliance standards;
• Position entails driving a company vehicle (pooled or assigned to the individual). This may include being required to drive greater than 5,000 business miles annually in a personal, pooled, or rented vehicleORbeing expected to frequently drive a pooled car as part of your job duties – regardless of mileage.

WHO YOU ARE

Bayer seeks an incumbent who possesses the following:

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree OR knowledge of bachelor’s degree completed by December 2026 in Crop Physiology, Agronomy, Plant Science, Biology or related fields;
• Field based research experience;
• Valid Driver’s License;
• Ability to carry out field-based research during the peak periods such as planting, flowering and harvest seasons;
• Familiarity with of row-crop production and farm equipment operation;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work effectively in a team-based environment;
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both written and oral;
• High level of agility in balancing and prioritize activities and resources;
• Strong computer skills related to data acquisition, organization, and data analysis;
• Proficiency in MS Excel, database systems, MS Word;
• Limited overnight travel, evening and weekend availability during peak periods;
• UAV pilot license or willingness to obtain;
• Illinois pesticide license or willingness to obtain.

Physical Demands of required tasks:

• Ability to safely lift 50lbs;
• Work in conditions that require sitting, standing, walking for extended periods;
• Ability to work in high and low temperatures in a field setting;
• Capable of working long hours, primarily during the peak busy field season.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Crop Physiology, Agronomy, Plant Science, Biology or related fields with 4+ years’ experience or MS degree in Crop Physiology, Agronomy, Plant Science, Biology or related fields with 1+ years’ experience;
• Research experience with crop physiology or breeding experimentation;
• Experience with remote sensing/imaging and automated phenotyping;
• Expertise with technical instrumentation and/or engineering;
• Good working knowledge of statistics and experimental design.

Employees can expect to be paid a salary between $68,240.00 and $102,360.00 . Additional compensation may include a bonus or commission (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 10/5/26.

Domestic relocation may be provided.

#LI-AMSUS

YOUR APPLICATION

Bayer offers a wide variety of competitive compensation and benefits programs.

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.

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