Principal Specialist Product Development

About the position

BASF Agricultural Solutions US LLC is seeking a Principal Specialist Product Development at our Acampo, CA location. BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division connects innovation, customers, partners and agricultural experts and integrates sustainability criteria into all business decisions. We help farmers deliver the best possible outcomes, working to achieve the balance between economic, environmental, and social value creation for sustainable and efficient agriculture. As a Principal Specialist, Product Development you will be responsible for coordinating BASF’s regional salads trial plans, in alignment with the defined scenario for each market. For this position up to 40% domestic travel is required to various client sites nationwide and local telecommuting is permitted.As a Principal Specialist Product Development, you create chemistry by... Aligning requirements for the format and quality of trial data related to salad varieties and seed enhancements, in addition to the coordination of registration and intellectual property protection processes. Being responsible for the development of new lettuce and spinach varieties for inclusion in the regional portfolios, which involves seed varieties, seed forms, and new technologies. Supporting our salad breeding program in the Americas, which delivers salads for most of the main markets worldwide. Designing, coordinating, and executing regional salad trial programs; analyzing and processing the trial program data; presenting and discussing conclusions and new seed technology products to the Crop Team. Providing technical support to Sales Specialists, Account Managers and customers by means of technical advice and training regarding salads. Informing breeding team on the needs of the market, in order to give priorities to the assortment per market segment and type; preparing, coordinating, and executing all procedures in the Elevation of varieties (Elevation Process) from screenings (breeder’s varieties) to trial; advising Crop Sales Manager and Global Product Specialist regarding seed production plan; preparing and requesting seed production (trial varieties: TR1 and TR2 status), and coordinating their distribution; and initiating and proposing variety registration and application for plant breeder rights and naming of promising trial varieties in order to protect the BASF crops’ interest. At BASF, you will have the chance to do meaningful work towards building a more sustainable future. In addition to competitive compensation and benefits, BASF provides you with access to a wide range of elements to help you be your best. It’s what we call you@BASF. We are committed to providing benefits, programs, and opportunities that support our employees’ overall well-being, personal growth, and a safe, collaborative, and inclusive work environment. As one of the largest chemical companies in North America we have been finding solutions for your everyday needs and addressing the most complex economic, environmental, and sustainability challenges for more than 150 years! At BASF we empower our employees with the tools, guidance and opportunities they need to advance and succeed in work and life. Giving you the support you need to be your best and fulfill your personal ambitions is what helps us create chemistry. After all, our success is linked to yours. Whatever path you envision, BASF is a great place to build a rewarding, successful career.

Responsibilities

  • Coordinating BASF’s regional salads trial plans, in alignment with the defined scenario for each market.
  • Aligning requirements for the format and quality of trial data related to salad varieties and seed enhancements, in addition to the coordination of registration and intellectual property protection processes.
  • Being responsible for the development of new lettuce and spinach varieties for inclusion in the regional portfolios, which involves seed varieties, seed forms, and new technologies.
  • Supporting our salad breeding program in the Americas, which delivers salads for most of the main markets worldwide.
  • Designing, coordinating, and executing regional salad trial programs; analyzing and processing the trial program data; presenting and discussing conclusions and new seed technology products to the Crop Team.
  • Providing technical support to Sales Specialists, Account Managers and customers by means of technical advice and training regarding salads.
  • Informing breeding team on the needs of the market, in order to give priorities to the assortment per market segment and type; preparing, coordinating, and executing all procedures in the Elevation of varieties (Elevation Process) from screenings (breeder’s varieties) to trial; advising Crop Sales Manager and Global Product Specialist regarding seed production plan; preparing and requesting seed production (trial varieties: TR1 and TR2 status), and coordinating their distribution; and initiating and proposing variety registration and application for plant breeder rights and naming of promising trial varieties in order to protect the BASF crops’ interest.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field of study (or foreign equivalent) and 8 years of related experience or Master's degree and five (5) years of related experience.
  • Years of experience must include: development of lettuce and spinach breeding programs; design and execution of salads’ trial plans (lettuce and spinach varieties); develop and identify viable and commercially successful salad products; identification of potential salad products;
  • Intellectual property management.
  • Data gathering tools and systems knowledge; data analytical skills.
  • Experience in customer relations with key players in Open Field Salads (Lettuce/Spinach) market.
  • Availability for 40% domestic travel to various client sites nationwide (required).

Benefits

  • Flexible work arrangements whenever possible
  • Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options
  • Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members
  • Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more)
  • Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages
  • Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive
  • Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.
  • Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens
  • Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more!
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