Testing Research Associate

Do you speak both crop and data?

At Bayer Vegetable Seeds in Wageningen, we're developing the vegetables of tomorrow. Our multidisciplinary team of breeders, scientists, data scientists and engineers pushes boundaries every day, building crops that are better, stronger and more sustainable.

As Testing Research Associate, you are the link between the field and the decision. You design and run trials, manage growing locations, collect data and translate it into the insights that determine which new varieties make it to market. Your work shows up in every plant that moves forward because of you.

What will you do?

This is a field-based role, and we mean that literally. You'll spend a significant part of your time outdoors: on trial fields, visiting growers across the Netherlands and regularly travelling internationally. If a desk job doesn't appeal to you, you're in the right place.

Your primary focus is brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage) and spinach, in both open field and protected environments, with the flexibility to take on other crops and growing conditions as needed. Day-to-day, this means:

• Planning and executing field and greenhouse trials, from protocol to final results
• Collecting, checking and processing data using Windows and iOS systems and internal IT tools
• Turning data into clear, actionable insights for breeders and commercial partners
• Managing relationships with growers and external trial locations, including contracts and seasonal staff
• Exploring and deploying new technologies for smarter data collection and crop monitoring
• Collaborating with internal teams including Breeding, Data Science, Market Development and Sales
• Working in compliance with Bayer policies, local regulations and quality standards
• Travelling nationally and internationally for trial visits, team meetings and partner engagements

Peak seasons require extra flexibility, longer days, irregular hours and multi-day travel are part of the job.

What we're looking for

• BSc in Horticulture, Agronomy or a related field with at least 2 years of crop management experience (or MSc with 1 year of experience)
• Hands-on experience with vegetable crop production, brassicas or spinach preferred; knowledge of cucumber greenhouse production is a plus
• Strong analytical mindset: you extract insights from data and communicate them clearly across all levels
• Comfortable working with digital tools and systems in a data-driven environment
• Experience managing grower relationships, preferably including contract negotiations
• Full professional proficiency in both Dutch and English — written and spoken — is a must
• Valid driver's licence (Category B) and residing in the Netherlands

What we offer

As a modern employer, we prioritize the well-being of our employees, helping you achieve a balance between career development and personal life. You will enjoy excellent employment conditions, including:

• Competitive salary between €3925 - €4780 gross per month depending on your experience and qualification
• Performance-based bonus 8.33% holiday allowance
• 25 days of paid leave, with the option to purchase up to 10 additional days
• If you work from home, Bayer provides the necessary tools and a monthly internet allowance
• Pension scheme
• Variety every day, from field trials to grower meetings to data deep-dives
• Room to grow, both in expertise and career development within Bayer.