Senior Data Scientist

Bayer; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 2 295 000 - 2 952 000; Full time

Job summary

A global life sciences company in Pretoria is seeking a Senior Data Scientist to innovate solutions utilizing large agronomic datasets. You will collaboratively develop statistical and machine learning models to enhance agricultural practices for farmers. The ideal candidate has substantial experience applying analytical methods in real-world applications and communicates effectively within diverse teams. This role offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, along with a dynamic work environment focused on sustainability and innovation.

Benefits

Health care

Vision insurance

Dental benefits

Retirement plan

Qualifications

• 2+ years post-PhD or 5+ years post-MS experience in relevant field.
• 3-5 years in applying statistical/machine learning solutions.
• Fluency in Python and understanding of SQL.

Responsibilities

• Analyze large agronomic datasets.
• Develop models using statistical and machine learning techniques.
• Collaborate with scientists and stakeholders on solutions.

Skills

Statistical/machine learning solutions

Programming in Python

Communication skills

Domain expertise in Agronomy

Education

PhD in Statistics, Mathematics or related field

MS in Statistics, Mathematics or related field

Tools

SQL

Machine Learning frameworks

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.

Sr Data Scientist, AI

Here at Bayer Digital Farming, we are seeking a highly motivated Senior Data Scientist who shares our passion for innovation to join our team within the Science organization. You will have the opportunity to be on the forefront of developing novel & complex integrated agronomic models for recommendations on seeds, agronomic traits, and crop protection that farmers need today. Our team has access to rich, industry-leading data sources to drive creation of predictive and prescriptive models that will shape the future of the agriculture industry.

As part of our diverse, highly dynamic group, you will work side-by-side with a team of exceptional scientists, data engineers, analysts, and others with diverse backgrounds to deliver next-generation scientific breakthroughs, while fostering your career growth and development. If you are passionate about addressing feeding a growing planet sustainably, with a direct impact on farmers, Bayer would love to talk to you. We work on hard problems because we love the challenge!

As a Senior Data Scientist, you’ll play a key role in delivering innovative scientific breakthroughs by applying predictive analytics, risk optimization, and statistics to integrated recommendations. You will work closely with interdisciplinary scientists, domain experts, and stakeholders to predict the product performance and provide personalized insights for growers while developing novel analytical models and best practices for complex data analyses.

YOUR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary responsibilities of this role are to:

• Explore, analyze, and model large and diverse agronomic datasets
• Design and develop models using statistical modeling, process modeling, and machine learning
• Apply sound statistical principles, selecting the most appropriate modeling techniques and data visualization, applying innovative methods where they add value
• Articulate project plans and architecture, independently design technical approaches, and model limitations and advantages, defending and communicating conclusions for technical and non-technical audiences
• Follow software development best practices and produce code that anticipates scaling and production, assisting with code review and providing expert consultation
• Use your domain knowledge to anticipate and proactively address concerns and solutions, identifying opportunities for value creation
• Work in close collaboration with teams of world-class scientists, engineers, analysts, and business stakeholders, understanding customer pain points, identifying alternative solutions and strategies, and influencing others to drive impact

WHO YOU ARE

Bayer seeks an incumbent who possesses the following:

Required:

• PhD +2 years or MS +5 years of experience in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science or related field
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in applying statistical/machine learning solutions on a scalable platform to real-world applications
• Fluency in a programming language commonly used for data manipulation and computational statistics, such as Python (required) and SQL (preferred)
• Mastery of multiple regression techniques, multivariate analysis, and mixed models
• Proven experience with software development best practices such as modularity, version control, documentation, code review, and automated test design
• Proven experience building generative AI agents tuned to custom datasets that deliver actionable insights, and deploying them in scalable solutions that ensure trustworthy, high-quality results
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work with diverse cross-functional teams, including examples of providing quality feedback and helping others to develop
• Domain expertise in Agronomy, Plant Genetics, Plant Pathology, Crop Physiology, Remote Sensing or related discipline

Preferred:

• Experience in developing agronomic models, including the effects of environment, management, and genetics on crop outcomes
• Theoretical knowledge and practical experience with advanced statistical and machine learning analysis techniques
• Proficiency in programming computational and statistical algorithms for complex data sets
• Track record demonstrating excellent command of research questions and critical thinking skills
• Proven experience using multiple forms of AI such as machine learning, deep learning, tensor flow, neural networks or predictive analytics to drive decisions using new algorithms efficiently and rigorously

Employees can expect to be paid a salary of approximately $140k-$180k. Additional compensation may include a bonus or incentive program (if relevant). Additional benefits include health care, vision, dental, retirement, PTO, sick leave, etc.. This salary (or 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 2/6/26.

YOUR APPLICATION

Bayer offers a wide variety of competitive compensation and benefits programs. If you meet the requirements of this unique opportunity, and want to impact our mission Health for all, Hunger for none, we encourage you to apply now. Be part of something bigger. Be you. Be Bayer.

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.

Bayer is an E-Verify Employer.

Location: United States : Washington : Seattle || United States : Illinois : Chicago || United States : Missouri : Creve Coeur

Division: Crop Science Reference Code: 860379

Contact Us

Email: [e-mail]