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Basf Crop Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Specialist

Davis, CA · On-site

$110K - $168K/yr

Evidence of contribution to scientific knowledge in form of publications and patents, and the development of commercial products such as crop varieties. Create your own chemistry with you@BASF At ...

Basf Crop Science information

See salary details

$37K

$89.4K

$138K

How much do basf crop science jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for basf crop science in the United States is $89,403.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is BASF Crop Science and what do they do?

BASF Crop Science is a division of BASF SE, focused on providing solutions for agriculture. They develop and supply products such as crop protection chemicals, seeds, and digital farming tools to help farmers improve yield, manage pests, and use resources more efficiently. BASF Crop Science works globally with the goal of sustainable agriculture and food security, supporting farmers with innovative technologies and research-driven products.

What is the difference between Basf Crop Science vs Agronomist?

AspectBasf Crop ScienceAgronomist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in agriculture, biology, or related field; industry-specific certificationsBachelor's or master's in agronomy, agriculture, or related field; certifications vary
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, field trials, corporate officesFieldwork, research stations, consulting
Employer & Industry UsageGlobal agrochemical and seed company, agriculture industryFarming operations, research institutions, consulting firms

Basf Crop Science professionals focus on developing and marketing crop protection products and seeds within a corporate setting, while agronomists primarily work in the field providing expert advice on crop management. Both roles require agricultural knowledge and certifications, but their work environments and employer types differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a BASF Crop Science role, and why are they important?

To excel in a BASF Crop Science role, you typically need a background in agriculture, biology, or chemistry along with strong analytical skills and relevant industry experience. Familiarity with digital agriculture tools, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and certifications such as Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) are often beneficial. Effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities distinguish high performers in this field. These skills ensure innovative solutions, regulatory compliance, and successful collaboration to advance sustainable crop production.

What are some typical projects or initiatives that a professional in BASF Crop Science might work on?

Professionals at BASF Crop Science often work on multidisciplinary projects such as developing new crop protection solutions, optimizing sustainable agricultural practices, or collaborating with growers to implement digital farming technologies. Team members regularly collaborate with R&D, marketing, and regulatory affairs teams to bring innovative products to market and ensure compliance with industry standards. These roles provide opportunities to stay at the forefront of agricultural science while contributing to global food security and environmental stewardship.
More about Basf Crop Science jobs
What cities are hiring for Basf Crop Science jobs? Cities with the most Basf Crop Science job openings:
Infographic showing various Basf Crop Science job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 2% Physical, and 98% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $89,403 per year, or $43 per hour.
Principal Specialist

Principal Specialist

BASF

Davis, CA • On-site

$110K - $168K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


BASF rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 89 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

Now hiring! Principal Specialist
Davis, CA.
Pay Range: $110,261 - $168,000
We are looking for a Principal Specialist to join our Agricultural Solutions team in at our Davis, CA.
Come create chemistry with us!
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.
BASF Agricultural Solutions US LLC is seeking a Principal Specialist at our Davis, CA location to support the development and implementation of molecular marker technologies for the improvement of breeding efficiency.
5-10% including both domestic and international travel. Local telecommuting permitted.
As a Principal Specialist, you create chemistry by...
  • Initiating and executing internal molecular assisted breeding (MAB) project proposals addressing global R&D strategies of assigned crops.
  • Designing, formulating, and recommending best practice of methods and ways of working, in cooperation with R&D, QA, Production, and M&S and implementing and monitoring the research policy.
  • Formulating, controlling, and securing the realization of research goals as a strategic partner with R&D, QA, Production, and M&S.
  • Implement, oversee, steer, and direct the goals within the team in line with the long and short term research strategy.
  • Designing the operational plan for the research team. Direct, coordinate, support, train, monitor, and advise the members of the research team.
  • Identifying and proposing research projects in cooperation with R&D, QA, Production, Legal and M&S to solve highly complex problems.
  • Being responsible for development of tools and technologies that enable the implementation of genetic information in variety development in an efficient manner.
  • Executing of research project activities in close collaboration with counterparts in Breeding and Breeding support functions (Phytopathology, Prebreeding and Molecular Breeding) along with statistics, Quality & Nutritional Analytics, Cell biology, and Bioinformatics teams.
  • Preparing RGC dashboards, development of diagnostic markers, support with MABCs, perform quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, running Genome wide association (GWAS) analysis. Data analysis and interpretation for the development of new molecular markers and genetic linkage maps.
  • Maintaining integrated Genetic maps, marker improvements and development of genome wide markers, Infinium XT add-ons, maintenance of marker sets.
  • Participating in Technology Development portfolio, including Phoenix, RGC pipeline, Dashboard development, new pipeline development and add-ons. Responsible for validation of new genotyping technology.
  • Ensuring project activities are executed in multiple assigned research projects with pressing deadlines. Interact with a global team at separate locations globally.

If you have...
  • Master's degree in Agricultural Sciences, Genetics, Biology, or a related field of study (or foreign equivalent) and 5 years of related experience required.
  • 5 years of experience in: genomics, bioinformatics, statistics, and plant breeding; statistical genetics (e.g., mixed linear models and population genetics); QTL analysis software programs, such as JoinMap and MapQTL; large sequencing data analyses using programming language, such as R;
  • Ability to generate and implement trait markers in plant breeding programs; molecular genetics techniques, such as DNA extraction, primer design, PCR, qPCR, electrophoresis, and genotyping platforms;
  • Ability to initiate, execute, and complete research projects independently in a fast pace environment.
  • Evidence of contribution to scientific knowledge in form of publications and patents, and the development of commercial products such as crop varieties.

Create your own chemistry with you@BASF
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.
Just some of the many benefits we offer include:
  • 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!

About us
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.
Belong to Something Bigger. #belongatBASF
Privacy statement
BASF takes security & data privacy very seriously. We will never request financial information of any kind via email, private text message or direct message on any social medial platform or job board. Furthermore, we will never send a candidate a check for equipment or request any type of payment during the job application process. If you have experienced any of the above, please contact Careers.NorthAmerica@basf.com to report fraud.
Pay transparency
BASF is committed to pay transparency practices. The competitive Pay Range for this role is $110,261 - $168,000. Actual pay will be determined based on education, certifications, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
Equal employment opportunities
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
A unique total offer: you@BASF
At BASF you get more than just compensation. Our total offer includes a wide range of elements you need to be your best in every stage of your life. That's what we call you@BASF. Click here to learn more.
A unique total offer: you@BASF
At BASF you get more than just compensation. Our total offer includes a wide range of elements you need to be your best in every stage of your life. That's what we call you@BASF. Click here to learn more.
At BASF, we believe that people are the key to our long-term success and that talent is in everyone.
We thrive on giving you the support you need to be your best and fulfil personal ambitions...that's how we create chemistry. #belongatBASF
About BASF
Find out what BASF has to offer as an employer and why you should join our team.
Your application
Here you find anything you need to know about your application and the application process.
Contact us
You have questions about your application or on how to apply in Europe? The BASF Talent Acquisition Europe team is glad to assist you.
Please note that we do not return paper applications including folders. Please submit copies only and no original documents.
Please note that we do not return paper applications including folders. Please submit copies only and no original documents.

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About BASF

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has approximately 16,000 employees in North America and had sales of $25.7 billion in 2022. At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 111,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €87.3 billion in 2022. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S.

Industry

Chemical manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Florham Park, NJ, US

Year founded

1865