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.

Research and Development Specialist II - 3rd Shift (Monday through Friday 1am to 10am.) 

YOUR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This production genotyping role (Research and Development Specialist II) is accountable for working collaboratively with lab team members to ensure on-time delivery of quality data, meet and exceed daily and weekly production Key Performance Indicator targets, ensure adherence to safety and compliance policies, identify and conduct experimentation to drive implementation of process and system improvements, and operate and maintain automation.

The primary responsibilities of this role, Research and Development Specialist II – 3rd Shift Monday through Friday 1am – 10am (Ankeny, Iowa) are: 

• Delivers daily/weekly plant genotyping targets;
• Responsibility for specialized laboratory technology;
• Accountable for cross-functional work in multiple platforms/process areas;
• Solves challenges and optimizes workflows;
• Validates methods using multiple data sources;
• Uses specialized scientific techniques to conduct experiments and achieve process improvements;
• Adheres to established protocols and techniques while operating and troubleshooting instrumentation;
• Resolves challenges utilizing deductive reasoning of diverse procedures within specialized laboratory technology;
• Prioritizes and coordinates work within a large team and provides training to team members while maintaining detailed record keeping and required documentation;
• Achieves commitment to safety and adherence to safety protocols and best practices;
• Performs a variety of experiments with accuracy;
• Takes initiative in keeping current with developments in specialized area; or as part of a group;
• Takes initiative in keeping current with developments in specialized area.

WHO YOU ARE                                         

Bayer seeks an incumbent who possesses the following:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree;
• Valid driver's license (Driving record (MVR) will be reviewed and must meet guidelines based on the company's Risk Screening for Hiring Drivers.)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in biology, Chemistry, Engineering or other life science field;
• At least one year of experience in a high throughput TaqMan genotyping or production environment (includes post undergraduate work in academia or industry;)
• Strong digital acumen including proficiency with data analysis and visualization software;
• Prior experience utilizing computerized workflow tracking system (such as automated laboratory system, warehouse inventory, shipping/receiving, pharmaceutical tracking, hospital/healthcare, food service or similar);
• Experience with experimental set-up and execution;
• High throughput laboratory automation experience;
• Mechanical aptitude for operating and troubleshooting automation;
• Prior experience meeting challenges, demonstrating initiative, and insisting on high quality deliverables;
• Ability to follow established process and safety protocols;
• Clear and effective communication skills;
• Track record of working effectively problem-solving in a team environment;
• Agility to re-prioritize and adapt to changing tasks and timelines while working with urgency and efficiency to meet business needs;
• Experience leveraging data to drive decision making (e.g., analyzing production key performance indicators to prioritize action, guide investigations, etc.) and conducting risk assessment & cost/benefit analyses;
• Skilled in organizing and developing specialized reports to meet evolving business needs.
• Experience troubleshooting instrumentation and maintaining equipment;
• Experience optimizing workflows through root cause analysis and/or Lean, 5S or Six Sigma methodology;
• Demonstrated ability to effectively balance and prioritize business deliverables, personal development, and project work;
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, interpret data, and validate scientific experiments/methods;
• Track record of success communicating scientific data and lab related issues to team members, partners, and key stakeholders;
• Demonstrated ability to develop networks and collaborate effectively to drive continuous improvements & innovation that solve relevant and novel business or scientific challenges.

Posting will be available until January 7, 2026

Employees can expect to be paid a salary between $64,247.20 - $96,370.80. 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.