Research and Development Specialist II 2nd Shift

ISU Research Park; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Bayer is seeking a Research and Development Specialist II for the 2nd shift in Ankeny, Iowa. You will execute high-throughput genotyping with a lab team, delivering timely, high-quality data to support plant biology discovery and process improvement.

The role emphasizes designing and conducting experiments, operating automated systems, and ensuring safety and compliance while meeting daily KPIs and continuous improvement objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in biology, chemistry, engineering or life sciences.
• Experience with high-throughput genotyping or lab automation is preferred.
• Proficiency with data analysis and workflow-tracking systems.
• Ability to design and execute experiments and troubleshoot lab instrumentation.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Adaptable to changing priorities and timelines.

Responsibilities

• Meet daily and weekly genotyping objectives delivering high-quality data.
• Operate and maintain high-throughput lab automation technologies.
• Collaborate across platforms to support end-to-end workflows.
• Troubleshoot and improve lab processes and efficiency.
• Design experiments and apply data sources to validate methods.
• Follow protocols and maintain detailed documentation.
• Promote safety culture and compliance in all activities.

Skills

Genotyping

High-throughput data analysis

Laboratory automation

Mechanical aptitude

Data quality and KPI focus

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, or life sciences

Job description

Research and Development Specialist II 2nd Shift

Employer

Bayer

Posted On

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Identifies and validates molecular targets that play a key role in plant pathology, yield, and nutrition; analyzes and identifies the biological, chemical, and genetic properties of plants; and studies molecular biology, cell biology, plant genetics, plant physiology, biochemistry, and/or microbiology as input to the discovery of new plant cultivars or agricultural methods; in this Production Genotyping role (Research and Development Specialist II – 2 nd Shift (Monday through Thursday, 3pm to 2am in Ankeny, Iowa), you execute high‑throughput genotyping activities in close collaboration with lab team members to ensure timely delivery of high‑quality data, consistently achieve daily and weekly KPI targets, and drive process and system improvements while maintaining strict adherence to safety, quality, and compliance requirements; you also operate, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory automation systems as part of a dynamic, innovation‑driven R&D environment.

YOUR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary responsibilities of this role, Research and Development Specialist II – 2 nd Shift (Monday through Thursday, 3pm to 2am) are to:

• Meet daily and weekly genotyping objectives while consistently delivering high‑quality data;
• Manage and operate specialized high‑throughput laboratory and automation technologies, including troubleshooting and routine maintenance;
• Participate in cross‑functional work across multiple platforms and process areas to support end‑to‑end genotyping workflows;
• Solve technical and operational challenges, enhance workflow efficiency and driving continuous improvement in lab processes;
• Design and conduct experiments, applying specialized scientific techniques and multiple data sources to validate methods and improve processes;
• Adhere to established protocols while operating complex instrumentation, using deductive reasoning to resolve issues within sophisticated laboratory technologies;
• Prioritize and coordinate tasks within a large team, provide training and guidance to colleagues, and maintain comprehensive records and documentation in digital and paper systems;
• Champion a strong safety culture by following and reinforcing best practices, protocols, and compliance requirements in all lab activities.

WHO YOU ARE

Bayer seeks an incumbent who possesses the following:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in biology, Chemistry, Engineering, or another life science field;
• Valid driver’s license (driving record will be reviewed and must meet guidelines based on the company’s Risk Screening for Hiring Drivers);
• Proficiency in digital technologies, including data analysis and visualization tools, and experience with computerized workflow tracking systems (e.g., automated laboratory systems, warehouse inventory, shipping/receiving, pharmaceutical tracking, hospital/healthcare, food service);
• Experience in experimental design and execution, with familiarity in high‑throughput laboratory automation and mechanical aptitude for operating and troubleshooting automated systems;
• Demonstrated ability to overcome challenges, take initiative, and deliver high‑quality results while adhering to established processes and safety protocols;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with proven problem‑solving skills in a collaborative, team‑oriented environment;
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and timelines while maintaining urgency and efficiency to support business objectives.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least one year of experience in a high‑throughput TaqMan genotyping or production environment (including post‑undergraduate work in academia or industry);
• Expertise in leveraging data for decision‑making (e.g., analyzing production KPIs, guiding investigations, conducting risk assessments, and performing cost/benefit analyses) and in organizing and developing specialized reports to meet dynamic business needs;
• Experience in troubleshooting and maintaining laboratory instrumentation, with a background in workflow optimization using root cause analysis, Lean, 5S, or Six Sigma methodologies;
• Proven ability to balance and prioritize business deliverables, personal development, and project assignments, and to independently design, execute, interpret, and validate scientific experiments or methods;
• Successful track record of communicating scientific data and laboratory matters to teams, partners, and stakeholders, and of building networks and collaborating to drive innovation, continuous improvement, and solutions to complex business or scientific challenges.