Research Scientist- Early Field Testing

**Position Description**:
**Business Division**:

Biological R&D**Department**:

Early Field Testing**Location**:

Hyderabad**Position Title**:

Research Scientist Early Field Testing**Level**:

E4-J3**Reporting to (Title)**:

Team Leader Early Field Testing**Position Purpose**:

- The role holder shall support in developing testing protocols for Biological Products with clear technical objectives. Responsible for timely and accurate compilation of early development field trials for shortlisted leads from biologicals R&D, including analysis, interpretations, and summary preparation, draw right conclusion and secured documentation. The role holder shall also be responsible for plant phenotyping measuring plant response in the field, Image analysis for lead microbes/ Biomolecules/ products and seed treatment related activities. This position will also be responsible for keeping himself/ herself abreast on all new technological developments/ trends in crop solutions discovery & development.

**Strategic Responsibilities**:

- Support the Team Leader in contributing efficiently to the overall success of Biologicals R&D by driving innovation according to objectives and targets being set by the management team.

**Operational Responsibilities**:

- Plan & execute field trials in MFT stations & in hotspots for relevant targets (pest and disease control, plant growth promotion, abiotic stress tolerance, NUE, soil health, yield and quality)
- Prepare and timely share protocols for bio-efficacy, crop safety, yield, quality & integrated crop management if indicated with Team Leader Early Field Testing for validation.
- Collaborate closely with PII’s MFT team and Product development teams for knowledge sharing as well as optimal coordination of the trial implementation.
- Track observations throughout crop growth during regular field trial visits and share precise tour reports timely.
- Take appropriate corrective measures to adjust plans or ongoing activities (_eg_. prioritization of trial activities, adaptation of protocol, feedback to institutional partners, budget allocation).
- Develop and implement innovative phenomics technologies in the field to assess plant response to treatments.
- Create protocols, manage trials, analyze and report field results using ARM (Agricultural Research manager) or an equivalent IT tool, ensuring that results are processed promptly.
- Adhere to all safety / information security / quality norms related to research procedures.
- Ensure seamless coordination with the team leader & project manager to achieve project goals effectively.
- Participate in all department meetings and present data results clearly using relevant visuals and concise summaries.
- Engage in internal and external forums and professional networks to stay updated and enhance expertise.

**Financial Responsibilities**:

- Participate in department budget development and support Team Leader Early Field Testing to prepare budget.
- Estimate costs, draft rationales and propose to Team Leader Early Field-Testing investments of new equipment, e.g. for field phenotyping
- Ensure operation within the allocated financial resources.

**People Responsibilities**:
**Education Qualification**:

- Ph.D. in Agri. (Plant Pathology/ Entomology/ Agronomy) from a reputed University / Institute with excellent academic credentials.
- Research publications and/or patents appreciated
- Deep knowledge of Agronomy, Plant physiology, Plant Pathology, Entomology, crop Protection, crop Knowledge, Statistic & Field experiments

**Work Experience**:

- At least 5 years of post-academic industry research experience
- Persons from Product development desirable

**Industry to be Hired from**:

- Agro Chemical / Biological industry

**Functional Competencies**:

- Strong expertise in agriculture, understanding challenges in agricultural sustainability and productivity.
- Skilled in plant phenotyping
- Good knowledge of the market, especially competitor products
- Demonstrated abilities in project management, overseeing complex tasks from initiation to completion.
- Compliance, documentation and regulatory requirements
- Advanced Skills in MS Office

**Interaction Complexity and Team Work**: