Research Associate Petit at Bayer

Job Purpose:

• The Agronomic Seed Production Specialist is accountable for executing field seed production operations with a strong emphasis on corn agronomy.
• This role involves overseeing the daily operations within the Seed Production workflows, focusing on efficient resource planning, farm management, safety protocols, and quality assurance initiatives.
• Key responsibilities include managing nursery activities such as field preparation, planting, pollination, and harvesting to ensure optimal seed quality and operational excellence. 
• The Specialist will leverage their agronomic expertise to implement best practices in corn production and utilize advanced operational and technological proficiency to enhance production efficiency.
• Contributions are also expected in seed processing and packaging activities as needed as well as for DUS and registration trials.
• Active collaboration with both local, regional and global stakeholders is essential to maintain consistent seed production quality and to integrate innovative technologies into production processes

Key Tasks and Responsibilities: 

• Execute field seed production operations with a focus on corn agronomy.
• Support farm operational planning and execution of strategies to enhance field activities, including field selection, measurements and Velocity mapping.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and participate in various ongoing projects aimed at optimizing processes.
• Collaborate with EMEA SP&PD Hub as well as with the SA Corn Units to ensure high-quality seed production and timely delivery to all stakeholders.
• Engage with EMEA and Global Breeding teams to execute initiatives and align with global strategies.
• Ensure accurate and timely data collection for farm operations, maintaining proper records for compliance and reporting purposes.
• Support DUS trials, data collection and related activities.
• Drives innovation on seed production methods to enhance nursery quality and data collection practices.
• Utilize software and IT tools to manage field operations and integrate new systems into the nursery program.
• Supervise and train field technicians, including onboarding new seasonal employees.
• Lead continuous improvement and strategic initiatives that transform row crop plant breeding research through new technologies, data analytics, and program management.
• Manage supplies, stock, and supplier communications to ensure timely availability of consumable resources.
• Ensure compliance with HSE rules, monitoring and executing daily operational tasks.
• Understand the objectives of the area and drive consistent improvement to achieve the Prod. Units outcomes and support breeding goals.
• Identify and report potential risks and opportunities observed during daily operations.
• Maintain timely, complete, and accurate records of all processes and outcomes, ensuring alignment with established objectives.
• Contributions to operations across Prod. Units is expected, with a cross-crop landscape scope across EMEA Seed Production and Product Units.
• Contribute with evaluating operational performance and milestones within 90-day cycles to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with the Product Units and Capability Hub outcomes and needs.
• Ensure compliance with fumigation and quarantine process.

Experience , Skills & Qualifications:

• BSC or MSC in Agriculture or related field with at least 3 years of relevant experience.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Strong understanding of crop production and farm practices, with experience in nursery and hybrid seed production.
• Knowledge of data analysis tools (R, Python, Tableau) is a plus .
• Proficiency in MS Office and interest in software, data management, with the ability to quickly learn new programs (approximately 25% of the role will involve computer-based tasks).
• Highly self-motivated, innovative, and a proven track record in project management.
• Exceptional organizational and record-keeping skills, with a strong attention to detail to ensure accurate and efficient operations.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and balance multiple tasks while meeting deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Capable of working independently as well as part of a team, demonstrating flexibility and initiative.
• Is desirable to have some knowledge/understanding around pollen preservation techniques.
• A strong desire for personal and professional growth at Bayer.
• B category driving license.
• UAV pilot license with relevant experience in field data collection using LiDAR sensors and data processing & analysis is a plus.