Principal Specialist

BASF
Davis, CA

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!

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 ***email_hidden*** 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.

Posted 2026-05-15

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