R&D Specialist

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.

R&D Specialist II - 1st Shift (Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm)

Research and Development Specialist II – 1st Shift (Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.)

Identifies and validates molecular targets that play a key role in plant pathology, yield, and nutrition; analyzes and identifies the biological, chemical, and genetic properties of plants; and studies molecular biology, cell biology, plant genetics, plant physiology, biochemistry, and/or microbiology as input to the discovery of new plant cultivars or agricultural methods; in this Production Genotyping role (Research and Development Specialist II – 1st Shift, Monday–Friday, 8am to 5pm, Ankeny, Iowa), you execute high‑throughput genotyping activities in close collaboration with lab team members to ensure timely delivery of high‑quality data, consistently achieve daily and weekly KPI targets, and drive process and system improvements while maintaining strict adherence to safety, quality, and compliance requirements; you also operate, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory automation systems as part of a dynamic, innovation‑driven R&D environment.

Your Tasks And Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of this role, Research and Development Specialist II – 1st Shift, are to:

• Meet daily and weekly genotyping objectives while consistently delivering high‑quality data;
• Manage and operate specialized high‑throughput laboratory and automation technologies, including troubleshooting and routine maintenance;
• Participate in cross‑functional work across multiple platforms and process areas to support end‑to‑end genotyping workflows;
• Solve technical and operational challenges, enhance workflow efficiency and driving continuous improvement in lab processes;
• Design and conduct experiments, applying specialized scientific techniques and multiple data sources to validate methods and improve processes;
• Adhere to established protocols while operating complex instrumentation, using deductive reasoning to resolve issues within sophisticated laboratory technologies;
• Prioritize and coordinate tasks within a large team, provide training and guidance to colleagues, and maintain comprehensive records and documentation in digital and paper systems;
• Champion a strong safety culture by following and reinforcing best practices, protocols, and compliance requirements in all lab activities.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in biology, Chemistry, Engineering, or another life science field;
• Valid driver’s license (driving record will be reviewed and must meet guidelines based on the company’s Risk Screening for Hiring Drivers);
• Proficiency in digital technologies, including data analysis and visualization tools, and experience with computerized workflow tracking systems (e.g., automated laboratory systems, warehouse inventory, shipping/receiving, pharmaceutical tracking, hospital/healthcare, food service);
• Experience in experimental design and execution, with familiarity in high‑throughput laboratory automation and mechanical aptitude for operating and troubleshooting automated systems;
• Demonstrated ability to overcome challenges, take initiative, and deliver high‑quality results while adhering to established processes and safety protocols;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with proven problem‑solving skills in a collaborative, team‑oriented environment;
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and timelines while maintaining urgency and efficiency to support business objectives.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least one year of experience in a high‑throughput TaqMan genotyping or production environment (including post‑undergraduate work in academia or industry);
• Expertise in leveraging data for decision‑making (e.g., analyzing production KPIs, guiding investigations, conducting risk assessments, and performing cost/benefit analyses) and in organizing and developing specialized reports to meet dynamic business needs;
• Experience in troubleshooting and maintaining laboratory instrumentation, with a background in workflow optimization using root cause analysis, Lean, 5S, or Six Sigma methodologies;
• Proven ability to balance and prioritize business deliverables, personal development, and project assignments, and to independently design, execute, interpret, and validate scientific experiments or methods;
• Successful track record of communicating scientific data and laboratory matters to teams, partners, and stakeholders, and of building networks and collaborating to drive innovation, continuous improvement, and solutions to complex business or scientific challenges.

Posting available until July 6, 2026.

Employees can expect to be paid a salary between $60,000.00 to $90,000.00. Additional compensation may include a bonus or commission (if relevant). Other benefits include health care, vision, dental, retirement, PTO, sick leave, etc. If selected for this role, the offer may vary based on market data/ranges, an applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications, and other relevant factors.

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.

To all recruitment agencies: Bayer does not accept unsolicited third party resumes.

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.

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Location: United States : Iowa : Ankeny

Division: Crop Science

Reference Code: 874050

Email: ***email_hidden***