Testing Research Associate

This role is for a Testing Research Associate supporting advancements in vegetable pre-commercial pipelines by executing experimental protocols, applying proper agronomic practices and crop management techniques, and delivering high-throughput data collection and insights generation.

Key deliverables

• High-quality data and insights to support advancement and placement of pre-commercial products
• Technical innovations that improve phenotyping operational efficiency and effectiveness
• Farming solutions to address market needs

This is an opportunity to join a multidisciplinary team of vegetable breeders, horticultural scientists, data scientists, and engineers working on creative solutions to complex business problems using advanced field and greenhouse operations, equipment, analytics, and cutting-edge automation techniques. The role is field-based and focused on glass cucumbers, with flexibility to adapt to different crops and growing environments as needed.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Plan and execute experimental protocols and performance trials in protected culture and open field environments, ensuring resources are allocated to deliver pipeline needs and generate quality data and insights aligned to product performance and market needs
• Develop, execute, and continuously improve strategic testing plans aligned with business objectives, meeting quality, operational efficiency, and budget expectations
• Operate research equipment; collect data using Windows and iOS systems (desktop computing, iPhones, iPads); manage data with internal IT systems; conduct data quality checks; comply with seed stewardship standards
• Leverage metrics, IT applications, and quality control processes to improve accuracy, efficiency, and protocols
• Use data analysis and visualization tools to transform data into insights and communicate performance to support transfer of agronomic knowledge and positioning of selected products to commercial partners and growers
• Manage relationships with growers and third-party cooperators, including identifying and maintaining external trial locations, managing grower contracts, and coordinating part-time labor to ensure timely completion and data integrity
• Use understanding of market potential, competition, trends, research, and emerging market forces to partner with breeding, market development, and sales to develop strategies and plans to grow market share
• Explore and deploy new technologies to increase capacity, speed up processes, and improve data collection and crop management
• Perform tasks in compliance with local regulations, Bayer policies, and quality standards, including safeguarding equipment, daily use logs, calibration, and maintenance
• Work extended hours during peak seasons (including non-traditional daytime hours and potential overnight travel)

Key working relations

• Regional Breeding R&D partners including Phenotyping, Nursery, and Seed Generation Hub members
• Country and regional Vegetable Seeds partners in the commercial units
• Vegetable Seeds R&D Global Data Science and Engineering team, Integrated Pipeline Planning, and IT teams
• External customers, industry partners, and outside vendors

Who you are

• BSc in Horticulture, Agronomy, or related field with a minimum of 2 years of crop management experience (open field or greenhouse), or MSc with 1 year of crop management experience (cucumber experience is a plus)
• Knowledge and experience with agricultural equipment and vegetable crop production practices, applied in a research environment
• Knowledge of cucumber glass production is a plus
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams; develop project plans; analyze, interpret, and communicate scientific data to achieve business results
• Data-driven with strong analytical skills and ability to transform and translate insights
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced, dynamic, team-based environment and manage multiple projects and priorities
• Ability to manage grower relationships (including contract negotiations)
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with all management levels in a multi-cultural organization
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Dutch and English
• Valid driver license to visit growers throughout the country

There is no relocation budget; preference is for candidates already living in the Netherlands.

What Bayer offers you

As a modern employer, Bayer supports employees in balancing career development opportunities and personal life planning, offering a modern working environment, competitive compensation, and employment conditions such as:

• An additional 8.33% holiday allowance and a bonus (based on company results)
• 25 days of leave, with the option of buying up to 10 additional days
• Option to work from home, with an expectation of at least 2 days per week at the office
• Tools for working from home and a monthly internet allowance
• A solid retirement plan and bicycle lease plan
• An inspiring working environment with professional and committed colleagues
• International career possibilities
• Challenges and opportunities to learn and develop
• Support via an employee assistance program and tools and initiatives to enhance well-being