At Bayer Crop Science, we’re harnessing the spirit of innovation to shape what’s possible for farmers, consumers, and the planet. Using the creative spark that comes from human ingenuity, we seek to deliver world-class innovation, set new standards in sustainability, and drive digital transformation. Within this fast-moving environment, we are looking for you as our Plant Disease Surveillance and Prediction Lead.

YOUR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Your primary focus is to champion new technologies in plant disease monitoring and prediction for commercially important pathogens in vegetable crops. You will collaborate closely and lead cross-functional initiatives and teams with experts in data science, plant pathology, digital ag, as well as other technology fields. These teams will work together to support our vegetable product pipeline through the development of novel vegetable products that bring value to growers, processors, retailers and consumers

Responsibilities and goals you’ll own in this challenging position:

• Identifying opportunities for technical innovation in plant disease surveillance and leading multiple complex scientific projects;

• Developing data analysis platform to support large-scale epidemiological predictions;

• Leading integration of data across the disease triangle (pathogen, host, environment) and epidemiological modeling to achieve robust disease prediction;

• Developing effective methods for surveillance and risk assessment of emerging pathogens;

• Working with technical project leads and other leaders to drive R&D and commercial strategy based on disease prediction insights;

• Aligning research activities with team goals and broad business objectives;

• Mentoring peers, coaching direct reports and extended team members in areas of technical expertise, developing employees on a day to day basis.

YOUR TEAM

A dynamic and inclusive work environment with “can do” attitude no matter which functional area. You will be part of a dedicated team of professionals all striving for turning our vision & mission into action. Our shared purpose is grounded on delivering better life through advancing health and nutrition by enabling access to safe, nutritious and delicious fruits and vegetables around the world. We do “science for a better life”.

In this role, you will work closely together with your colleagues in Vegetable R&D teams across the globe and you will be a member of the Vegetable Pathology leadership team. As building even stronger cross-functional and divisional collaborations is our priority, you will also closely interact with many stakeholders on a regular basis, including colleagues across Crop Science R&D teams such as Global Breeding, Small Molecules and Field Solutions, colleagues at Climate Corporation as well as external industry and academic partners.

ABOUT YOU

You are passionate about data and modeling, excited to develop predictive analytics capabilities and ready to lead strategic initiatives in disease surveillance and risk assessment through data-driven decisions. You have experience in project management and the ability to foster strong relationships and collaborations as well as effectively lead interdisciplinary and cross-cultural teams. Furthermore, your analytical and creative mindset allows you to simplify complexity, come up with novel solutions and innovate!

You bring:

• PhD in plant pathology, or related field

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in disease epidemiology

• Broad expertise in disease epidemiology using traditional disease modeling and novel disease prediction methods

• Background on statistics and data science

• Experience with open-source programming languages

• Demonstrated creativity in problem solving and ability to lead change

• Outstanding analytical and communication skills

• Strong initiative and results orientation

WHAT BAYER OFFERS YOU

As a modern employer, we take care of our employees and help them find a balance between career development opportunities and personal life planning. We offer our employees a wide range of excellent career prospects around the world, a modern working environment and competitive compensation. We strive to hire the best, most talented people from around the world, and work to keep our employees as long as possible.

What to expect:

• An excellent salary between € 5700,- and  7100,- gross per month based on 38 hours, depending on your experience

• The salary range for this job offer plenty of opportunities for future growth

• 8,33% holiday pay

• A yearly incentive bonus based on company results

• 25 days of annual leave (with the option of buying 10 additional days)

• A solid retirement plan

• Plenty of challenges and opportunities to learn and to further develop yourself

• An inspiring and demanding setting 

• (International) career opportunities

• An informal and friendly atmosphere

• If you are located elsewhere in the EU, we can offer you a relocation package covering the costs of your move to the Netherlands and supporting you throughout the process

• You start with a contract for one year. If there’s a match, it’s a permanent position

YOUR APPLICATION

For this position, filling out an online personality questionnaire and test will be part of the recruitment process.

Interested in this vacancy?

Reach out to us by sending us your cv and motivation letter by clicking the ‘Apply’ button! In case of any questions regarding the recruitment process you can contact Sandra van Mulken at sandra.vanmulken.ext@bayer.com or +31 (0) 6 506 14 992.

Do you want to know more about what our people do at Bayer? Check our social wall via www.teambayerbenelux.com and follow us via #TeamBayerBenelux!

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