Vegetable Testing Research Associate — Field & Lab Innovator

Bayer; Washington Court House (OH); On-site; USD 79,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

Bayer is seeking a Testing Research Associate to advance our vegetable pipelines through field and greenhouse trials, data-driven decisions, and cross-functional collaboration. Located near Othello, WA, you will work with breeders, horticultural scientists, data scientists, and engineers to design and execute testing plans and capture high-quality data.

The role requires a BSc in Horticulture/Agronomy with 5+ years in crop management; MSc or PhD preferred.

Qualifications

• BSc in Horticulture, Agronomy, or related field with a minimum of 5 years of crop management experience.
• Knowledge and experience with agricultural equipment and vegetable crops production practices.
• History of leveraging technology for crop management and data collection.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute experimental protocols and performance trials in protected culture and open field environments.
• Operate research equipment, take notes, enter data management with internal IT systems, and comply with seed stewardship standards.
• Develop, execute, and continuously improve strategic testing plans in alignment with business objectives to deliver results within the crops.
• Execute protocols and trials to generate quality data enabling breeding partners to advance new products based on performance and market needs.
• Capture data in Windows and iOS operating systems (desktop computing, iPhones, iPads) and conduct data quality checks and assurance.
• Leverage metrics applications and quality control processes to realize accuracy, efficiency, and expanded improvements to protocols.
• Manage relationships with growers and third-party cooperators to ensure timely completion and integrity of data collected.
• Create and use tools from collected and analyzed data to develop the performance story and support the transfer of product and agronomic knowledge.
• Use overall understanding of market potential, competition, key trends, research, and emerging market forces to become an industry expert.
• Explore new technologies to increase capacity, speed up current processes, and deploy novel technologies in data collection and crop management.
• Perform tasks to ensure compliance with Bayer policies and quality standards, including safeguarding of equipment daily use logs, calibration, and maintenance.
• Work extended hours during peak seasons, including non-traditional day-time hours with potential overnight travel.
• For site-based individuals, focus on managing and executing agronomic and crop husbandry practices, as well as other site management activities.

Skills

Crop management

Data collection

Technology adoption

Education

BSc in Horticulture/Agronomy

MSc in related field

PhD in related field

Job description

Bayer is seeking a Testing Research Associate to advance our vegetable pipelines through field and greenhouse trials, data-driven decisions, and cross-functional collaboration. Located near Othello, WA, you will work with breeders, horticultural scientists, data scientists, and engineers to design and execute testing plans and capture high-quality data.

The role requires a BSc in Horticulture/Agronomy with 5+ years in crop management; MSc or PhD preferred.