Technical Development Representative at Monsanto Company

This role will gain firsthand knowledge of Monsanto's products and associated agronomic systems research to provide technical leadership and conduct applied field research within Kenya, and on collaborative research with key partners in SSA. The successful candidates will work closely with research institutes/ organizations that share our common mission of addressing challenges that farmers face, to help increase yields in a sustainable way, while conserving natural resources. The TDR must have strong communication, interpersonal and leadership skills to enable cross-functional interactions with R&D, commercial teams and key research partners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and execute systems field testing program that supports maize and/or cotton germplasm and trait evaluations across different agroecological zones.
• Responsible for all aspects of coordination and execution of field trials for biotech traits expressing drought tolerance and/ or insect protection traits; test planning, seed preparation, insect plot infestations, plant evaluations, data collection and summarization.
• Maintain and build relationship with researchers from academic and research institutions across the region on biotech crops for drought and insect protection traits.
• Active contribution and advancement team’s work, proposals for variety advancements.
• Maintain within country regulatory compliance, CFTs, ensure trials are conducted within regulatory and stewardship policy.
• Develop and maintain relationships with Technology Development colleagues to help steward current products and introduce new products.
• Regularly integrate emerging technology tools to improve work efficiency and execution of assigned responsibilities.
• Provide technical leadership for local sales organization through agronomic trainings, product and technology scientific knowledge transfer and stewardship initiatives.
• Technical contribution in demand generating activities like customer visits, demonstration plots, farmer field days and events, marketing tools, etc.
• Investigation of product performance inquiries that require specific agronomic and product knowledge.
• Actively participate in the site safety program.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Ag/Life Sciences or related discipline, with 5 years’ experience performing field efficacy studies for drought tolerance/ insect management.
• Experience in applied field research focused in row crop experimental design, field test plot management, statistics and data interpretation.
• Strong experience in statistics, experimental design, data analysis and interpretation.
• Ability to obtain a driver’s license and willingness to travel extensively within country and occasionally regional.

Desired Qualifications:

• Masters of Science and/or higher degree in Agronomy, Weed Science, Entomology, Crop Protection, Soil Science, Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology or a closely related discipline.
• Working experience on field efficacy trials for biotech traits in maize/ cotton is preferred.
• Knowledge of integrated pest management and insect biology, behavior and ecology.
• Proficient at reading field protocols and field reports, translating data/statistics into market related information.
• Experience operating and maintaining research and field data capturing tools.
• Strong computer skills (i.e. mobile technology (tablets/smart phones), scientific/ statistical software, basic knowledge of databases and information reporting tools, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a team, maintain and build networks, strong time management skills, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
• Strong oral, written and presentation skills.
• Self-motivated and assertive with a results orientation
• Willingness to travel extensively across the region

Join our global team where your contribution will make a real difference

We are looking for enthusiastic and committed candidates. Placements will be made in line with Monsanto’s Employment Equity Policy