R&D Specialist III

Bayer; United States; On-site; USD 68,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

Vision care

Dental insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Bayer Crop Science is seeking a Research and Development Specialist to join the Field-Testing Team in Jerseyville, IL. You will execute physiology field trials, collect data, and supervise temporary staff while ensuring safety and compliance.

You’ll collaborate with project teams, support data delivery, and contribute to developing next-generation traits to improve agricultural productivity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Crop Physiology, Agronomy, Plant Science, Biology or related field.
• Field-based research experience required.
• Valid Driver’s License must be held.
• Ability to perform field research during planting, flowering and harvest seasons.
• Familiarity with row-crop production and farm equipment operation.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• 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.
• Supervise and train temporary employees.
• Coordinate with Project Teams and other sites for quality execution of crop physiology experiments.
• Contribute to planning and rationalization of experiments.
• Work with Data Team to ensure timely data delivery and quality control.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Data acquisition

MS Excel

MS Word

Teamwork

Effective communication

Agility in prioritization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Crop Physiology or related field

Field-based research experience

Valid Driver’s License

4+ years experience in crop physiology (preferred)

MS/ MSc in related field (preferred)

Tools

MS Excel

Database systems

MS Word

Remote sensing/imaging (preferred)

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.
• 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:

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.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree OR k nowledge 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 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.

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.

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 : Illinois : Jerseyville Division: Crop Science Reference Code: 886130 Contact Us Email: [e-mail]