Senior Research Scientist - Crop Protection

About the Role

Join Corteva Agriscience in New Plymouth, New Zealand, as a Senior Research Scientist dedicated to advancing crop protection solutions. You will lead the design, implementation, and management of field trial programs to evaluate the efficacy of new and current crop protection products throughout New Zealand. Working alongside regional and international R&D teams, you will produce rigorous data, convert this into actionable insights, and impact product development and regulatory strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage field trial programs from beginning to end, ensuring protocol design, regulatory compliance, implementation, and thorough data analysis.
• Design and carry out internal small-plot trials with precise technical standards and data quality assurance.
• Coordinate with Contract Research Organizations and supervise externally controlled trials.
• Analyze trial results and provide well-substantiated insights and recommendations regarding product performance.
• Support the creation of regional and global summary reports and the preparation of product registration dossiers.
• Offer technical guidance for product positioning, new market development, and launch preparedness.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to determine regional biological challenges, product concepts, and business justifications.
• Lead training efforts for internal teams and external customers to enhance understanding and adoption.
• Keep abreast of industry trends, resistance developments, and competitor actions to guide strategic decisions.
• Represent the company at New Zealand agricultural research forums and industry events.

Requirements

• A degree in agricultural, biological, or plant sciences (Bachelor’s required; Master’s or PhD preferred).
• A minimum of five years' experience in crop protection, plant health, or similar field research roles.
• Demonstrated expertise in field trial methodology, statistical approaches, and data evaluation.
• Strong ability to transform complex technical data into coherent, actionable reports, including biological dossiers.
• Proactive, solution-focused with excellent project management skills.
• Exceptional stakeholder management, adept at relationship-building across the agricultural sector.
• Commitment to safety standards, environmental stewardship, and compliance regulations.

Travel Requirements

This position requires frequent travel throughout New Zealand to oversee trial locations, collaborate with research partners, and support hands-on field activities. Occasional travel is also needed for commercial team support and participation in field events or key meetings.

Why Work with Corteva?

• Join a global leader driving innovation in agriculture.
• Engage with advanced crop protection technologies.
• Work alongside top-tier scientists and industry professionals.
• Contribute to sustainable farming practices in New Zealand.
• Experience a safety-oriented, supportive work environment with strong opportunities for growth.