Associate Scientist - Fungicide Biology

Overview

As one of the most innovative companies in the world, FMC is looking for an Associate Scientist in the Fungicide Biology group at our Stine Haskell research facility in Newark, Delaware. The mission of the Fungicide group is to discover and develop new fungicidal active ingredients qualified for commercial development. The successful candidate will work independently and under the supervision of a Global R&D Scientist on projects related to the discovery, optimization and characterization of safe and sustainable plant disease control technologies.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for

• Developing, optimizing, and implementing greenhouse and controlled-environment bioassays to evaluate the effects of experimental compounds on plant pathogens and crops.
• Preparing, formulating, and applying test compounds and experimental treatments.
• Designing, executing, and analyzing scientific experiments to address key research objectives.
• Coordinating all aspects of biological testing, including plant cultivation, pathogen propagation, culture maintenance, and assay execution.
• Collecting, organizing, analyzing, and interpreting biological data using a variety of software and analytical tools.
• Preparing technical reports and effectively communicating scientific findings to diverse audiences through written reports, presentations, and team discussions.
• Identifying technical challenges, troubleshooting experimental issues, and implementing improvements to increase assay quality, efficiency, and reliability.
• Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary research teams to support fungicide discovery and development programs.
• Maintaining high standards of laboratory, greenhouse, and environmental safety while working with experimental compounds and biological materials.

Required Education

• M.S. degree in Plant Pathology, Crop Science, Agronomy, Botany, Microbiology, or a closely related scientific discipline with knowledge of major crop diseases and disease-management strategies; or
• B.S. degree in a related field with five or more years of relevant research experience.
• Experience with crop protection products, fungicides, or agricultural research is beneficial but not required.

The ideal candidate will possess

• Strong laboratory and greenhouse research skills, including sample preparation, analytical weighing, formulation preparation, treatment application, pathogen culture, and disease assessment.
• Knowledge of plant-pathogen interactions and disease evaluation methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to design experiments and apply statistical methods for data analysis using software such as JMP, R, SAS, or similar platforms.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience conducting greenhouse, growth chamber, and/or field research with agricultural technologies.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present technical information clearly.
• Strong computer proficiency and the ability to learn new proprietary software systems quickly.
• A collaborative mindset with a proven ability to work effectively in team-based research environments.
• A commitment to knowledge sharing, continuous improvement, and supporting team success.
• Ability to work safely with experimental compounds while adhering to established safety protocols and regulatory requirements

Additional information

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Employment decisions at FMC are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. We value diversity and strive to ensure that our hiring and employment practices support a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.