Scientist - Microbials R&D (f/m/d)

We at Yara are part of a global network, collaborating to profitably and responsibly solve some of the world's key challenges - resource scarcity, food insecurity and environmental change.

About the Unit

Within Yara, Crop Nutrition and Biologicals Products R&D leads the development and innovation of our crop nutrition solutions. We generate scientific and agronomic insights through laboratory, greenhouse, and field trials; translate these into product concepts and development projects, and support the wider organization with robust, evidence‑based knowledge.

We are looking for a scientist to advance microbial solutions for crop nutrition and biological products, with a strong focus on plant–microbe interactions.

The role will investigate how microbial strains and consortia interact with plants, influence plant performance, and function under different growing conditions. A second key focus is microbial cultivation, characterization and quality control, with validation from laboratory to greenhouse scale.

The position is based in Dülmen, Germany and reports to the R&D Lead Microbials.

Responsibilities

Investigate plant–microbe interactions and microbial functions, and their effects on plant growth, nutrient use efficiency and stress responses.
Design, develop, and perform laboratory and greenhouse assays to assess microbial colonization, persistence, and activity, and quantify resulting plant responses.
Interpret results and translate scientific findings into product development decisions.
Cultivate, maintain, characterize and quality-control microbial strains and consortia.
Coordinate microbiology laboratory activities and experimental planning.
Collaborate with formulation, agronomy and external research partners.
Prepare scientific protocols, reports and presentations.

Profile

Master’s degree plus relevant applied research or industry experience in plant-microbe interactions, soil microbiology, or related field. PhD in plant–microbe interactions, microbiology, microbial biotechnology or a related discipline is a plus.
Strong scientific and practical experience in plant–microbe interactions and crop-related microbiology.
Experience with greenhouse trials, plant-response studies and experimental design.
Strong understanding of microbial physiology and mechanisms of action, particularly in relation to biological product performance.
Experience with biological assay development, colonization and persistence studies.
Preferably hands-on experience with laboratory-scale fermentation and bioprocessing, including microbial cultivation and process optimization.
Collaborative mindset with strong coordination, communication and scientific interpretation skills.
Fluent in written and spoken English. German language skills are considered an advantage.

Additional Information

The position is fulltime, limited to two years, and based in Duelmen, Germany

As a global organization we actively strive to reflect diversity in society. We therefore encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to creating a work environment that fits gender equality.

We Offer:

Two-years employment contract with industry-standard remuneration
Flexible working options
30 days' vacation entitlement
37.5 hours of basic working time with time recording (flexitime)
Occupational pension scheme (BAV), occupational disability insurance for the chemical industry, accident insurance, supplementary nursing care insurance, future allowance
Bonus system
Occupational health management, job bike, Hanse-Fit
Coffee/tea and water as well as fresh fruits and on-site canteen

Apply no later than

7th August 2026

Knowledge grows through differences
Yara is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe that creating a diverse and inclusive work environment is not only the right thing, but also the smart thing to do. To deliver on this, Yara has firmly anchored Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) in our business strategy and has more than 400 employees worldwide involved in D&I ambassadors networks.

As part of our recruitment process, where permitted by local law, we may conduct reference and background checks. These checks will only be performed when deemed necessary for the nature of the job. Candidates will be informed by HR before any background checks are initiated.