Plant Scientist - Field Research Lead

Job Overview

You were made to create Better Care for a Better World: exploring uncharted questions, engineering innovative solutions, advancing scientific understanding, and constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. In this role, you’ll help shape the future and improve lives for billions of people around the world.

Position location is within a commuting distance of West Central / Southwest Arizona. K-C Relocation Benefits available.

In one of our professional roles, you’ll focus on winning with consumers and the market, while putting safety, mutual respect, and human dignity at the center. Job responsibilities include:

• Lead local agronomic development towards commercialization of a new crop, collaborating with Project Management to design learning goals and execute field trials.
• Manage multiple research collaborations, collect and analyze field data, and develop commercial‑scale protocols across the agronomic spectrum.
• Lead and perform extensive in‑field trial work, field management, data collection, and organization.
• Lead 1‑2 junior scientists to accurately collect, analyze, and document data to drive key genetic, plant architecture, phenotyping, and growth and development information.
• Conceive, design, conduct, and report research in the field and greenhouse to increase production, drive yield and nutrient uptake, and provide better understanding of a new crop and design of commercial protocols.
• Support the agricultural team in completion of various research projects using biology, agriculture, greenhouse, industrial technology, and laboratory skills.
• Build and sustain positive relationships with research partners and manage technical aspects of partnerships across the agronomic spectrum.
• Prepare documentation of study results and procedures, maintaining security to ensure retrieval of data and protection of proprietary information.
• Mentor and build talent of team members, creating an inspiring and collegial work environment.
• Maintain a strong focus on workplace safety.
• Collaborate well across functions, valuing transparency and respect.

• Master’s degree or higher in Horticultural Science, agronomy, botany, genetics, or related field with 5+ years experience, or a BS in a related field with 10+ years of experience.
• Familiar with agricultural practices of the Southwest US.
• Knowledge of field trial methodology and data analysis.
• Live within commuting distance of West Central / Southwest Arizona or willing to relocate.
• Capable of performing in‑field tasks and physically demanding field activities in an outdoor environment in high Arizona temperatures.
• Demonstrated ability to accomplish tasks independently and complete projects within required timeframe.
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written, and the ability to interact with cross‑functional team members and external partners.

Total Benefits
: A comprehensive benefits suite including health, dental, vision, 401(k), profit sharing, and eligibility for a target bonus.

Flexibility
: A flexible work model that blends remote work with intentional in‑person collaboration.

Salary Range: 105,740 – 130,620 USD (US only). Base pay: above range, plus bonus potential. Actual pay depends on location, role, skills, performance, and experience.

Kimberly-Clark is a committed equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by law.