Testing Research Associate

Role Overview

Join Bayer as a Testing Research Associate and contribute directly to advancing vegetable crop development through detailed field and greenhouse trials. Collaborate with a diverse team including breeders, horticulture experts, data scientists, and growers to plan, execute, and analyze research trials to support breeding and commercial insights.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement field and protected culture experiments, focusing primarily on onion and spinach crops, with potential involvement in additional vegetables.
• Collect, oversee, verify, and analyze trial datasets utilizing digital platforms and mobile technology to ensure data quality.
• Apply agronomic techniques alongside trial results to aid breeding decisions and progression of product pipelines.
• Participate in developing and refining testing strategies and trial protocols aligned with organizational objectives.
• Engage with cross-functional teams—including breeding, R&D, commercial, and market development—to meet trial and product development goals.
• Operate and maintain research tools and equipment, ensuring calibration and compliance with quality and stewardship standards.
• Establish and nurture strong partnerships with growers, external collaborators, and stakeholders to guarantee trial accuracy and success.
• Convert trial findings into actionable recommendations supporting breeding and business choices.
• Work collaboratively with local and international teams across regions including New Zealand, Australia, Europe, and North America.
• Innovate by adopting emerging technologies and methodologies to enhance research efficiency, data integrity, and safety compliance.

Experience and Qualifications

• Degree in Plant Science, Horticulture, Agronomy, Biology, or a related discipline.
• Hands-on experience in crop management, agricultural research, or commercial vegetable production environments.
• Proficient in planning trials, managing data, and analyzing complex datasets to produce practical insights.
• Familiar with utilizing digital tools and mobile systems for research data collection and management.
• Excellent communication skills with proven ability to build relationships with various stakeholders including growers and international partners.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities, capable of working independently and managing multiple priorities.
• Comfortable working outdoors and thriving in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
• Willingness to travel regularly (30-40%) across New Zealand and Australia; valid driver’s license required.
• Must have unrestricted work rights in Australia, open to New Zealand citizens only.

Additional Information

Bayer is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where all individuals feel valued. We encourage applications from First Nations people and individuals of varied backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. Accommodations can be made upon request. This position is handled directly by Bayer's internal recruitment; unsolicited agency resumes will not be considered.

Application deadline is 11 August 2026. This role is based at Pukekohe, Auckland, New Zealand, within Bayer's Crop Science division.

About Bayer

Bayer drives innovation to solve global challenges with a commitment to health and nourishment for all. Join a community dedicated to impactful work that spans the globe, supporting professional growth in a supportive and flexible environment.