Now hiring! Soybean Seed Purification - Sr. Agronomist

Seymour, IL

We are looking for a Soybean Seed Purification - Sr. Agronomist to join our Agricultural Solutions team in Seymour, IL.

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.

The Sr. Agronomist will support and optimize the soybean seed purification process across North America, working alongside the breeding team and Foundation Seed operations. You will help ensure efficient production of stewarded and non‑stewarded seed, support the Seed Increase program for the trait development pipeline, and coordinate contra‑season purification activities. Responsibilities include optimizing production workflows, developing and maintaining SOPs, managing logistics and distribution to ensure timely delivery, and ensuring traceability and compliance with company policies and local and international regulations. You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams and external partners, provide leadership to the seed purification team, and drive continuous improvements to deliver high‑quality seed to the supply chain and yield trial network.

As a Soybean Seed Purification - Sr. Agronomist, you create chemistry by...

• Collaborating with the soybean purification manager and owning complex deliverables across multiple sites and seasons, from planting through harvest.
• Preparing seed, planting plots, scouting fields, and executing in‑crop pesticide applications (U.S. only).
• Identifying and monitoring pests (insects and diseases) and maintaining detailed records.
• Collecting phenotype data, analyzing results, and presenting findings to stakeholders.
• Inspecting, monitoring, and reporting on each phenotype throughout the growing season to ensure seed purity.
• Ensuring compliance with industry regulations, safety standards, and quality‑control methods.
• Delivering high‑quality purified seed batches for handoff to the foundation team for commercial release.
• Adhering to stewardship, regulatory, and QMS programs, including documentation, record keeping, data management, trial management, trainings, and audits.
• Packaging, labeling, shipping, and tracing biological materials in accordance with internal and external requirements.
• Making independent decisions and setting priorities across teams and sites to meet purification, production, QA, supply chain, and lab handoff needs.
• Coaching and mentoring stakeholders and professionals across sites to ensure consistent, high‑quality purification work.
• Managing facility operations, equipment maintenance, inventory, and seasonal staff hiring and supervision.
• Participating in local EHS programs by training employees and promoting a strong safety culture.

If you...

• Hold an M.S. in Agronomy, Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Weed Science, or a related field plus at least 4 years of relevant experience, OR hold a B.S. in an agronomy‑related field (Crop Science, Weed Science, Agronomy, Crop Systems) plus at least 6 years of relevant experience.
• Have hands‑on experience in seed purification, seed processing, soybean breeding, or similar agricultural roles.
• Demonstrate proven expertise in soybean field production operations.
• Possess knowledge of the soybean seed production process, including equipment, protocols, and quality‑control measures.
• Have experience managing regulated and stewarded crop trials.
• Are proficient with trialing and data‑collection tools and databases (e.g., Prism or similar systems).
• Show strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and guide the purification team and collaborate effectively across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Maintain current knowledge of production metrics (e.g., gain per cycle) and agronomic best practices.
• Are comfortable operating or working around farm equipment such as planters, sprayers, and harvesters.
• Are able to lift up to 35 lbs as required
• Are able to travel up to 25%, domestically and potentially internationally.

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 $96,800 - $133,100. 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.