Seed Production Research Associate

Overview

In this role you will plan and execute seed production breeding strategies for corn to feed diverse pipelines across EME, collaborating with P Design and P Development. You will manage nursery field experiments, ensure efficient field operations, data collection, and analysis to support decision-making. You will drive process improvements, uphold safety and quality, and coordinate with regional and global teams to deliver high-quality seed production. This is an opportunity to contribute to scalable, data-driven seed production in a mission-driven Crop Science environment.

Retribuzione / Benefits

• permanent contract
• competitive annual gross salary (not below 39,975.18 EUR)
• variable remuneration based on performance
• full-time role
• location Olmeneta
• gender-neutral compensation criteria

Responsabilità

• Design and manage nursery field experiments and evaluate experimental fields
• Oversee field activities: preparation, irrigation, planting, harvesting, maintenance
• Conduct corn (inbred) experimental plantings and agronomy-focused evaluations
• Manage data collection equipment and train team for evaluations
• Process and analyze data using company software; create visualizations for decisions
• Support planning: planting/harvest data, site capacity, inputs procurement, workforce needs
• Analyze season deliverables; identify root causes of productivity deviations
• Manage supplies, stock, and supplier communications to ensure timely resources
• Supervise temporary workers; ensure equipment, packaging and maintenance
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and participate in process optimization projects
• Support implementation of seed production innovations to improve nursery quality and data collection
• Ensure HSE compliance and daily operational task execution
• Identify/report risks and opportunities observed in daily operations
• Maintain accurate records aligned with objectives
• Collaborate with EMEA SP&PD Hub, EU Corn Units, and Global Breeding teams to align strategies
• Coordinate with seed processing/packaging after harvest to support end-to-end workflows

Requisiti fondamentali

• Degree in agriculture, genetics, biology, chemistry, or related field
• At least 3 years of experience in an agricultural R&D role
• Strong understanding of crop production and farm practices; nursery and hybrid seed production experience
• B driving license required
• Highly self-motivated with an innovative mindset and proven field experience
• Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills; high attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration
• Ability to work independently and in a team; proactive and flexible
• Knowledge of seed production techniques
• Tractor license desired
• UAV pilot license and herbicide/insecticide licenses with field data collection using LiDAR and data processing experience desired
• Proficiency in MS Office; ability to learn Velocity/Bayer programs quickly
• Fluent in English; Italian as mother tongue
• Residence near Olmeneta
• self-motivation and initiative
• clear communication
• team collaboration
• seed production techniques
• data collection and analysis
• LiDAR data processing