Job Description

Ref. 125236 – PhD Engineer – Precision Crop Protection (m/w/d) 

NOTHING RUNS LIKE A DEERE!

At our Kaiserslautern site, our European Technology Center plays a key role within the global John Deere research network. Around 250 employees explore future trends and develop technologies for mobile agricultural and construction machinery, working closely with a wide range of research institutes. Together, we develop and deliver innovative products and services in the field of precision agriculture. #wearekaiserslautern

Our department Region 2 Production Systems is looking for a temporary

PhD Engineer – Precision Crop Protection (m/w/d) 

The Region 2 Production System team is responsible for in depth analysis of customer needs, key challenges & trends and discovery and definition of innovation opportunities across all production system steps from tillage to harvest in both small grains and dairy & livestock production systems and value chains in Europe and CIS. In collaboration with our R2 Agronomy team, agronomic field research is conducted to identify and prioritize opportunities and validate new solution concepts to optimize economic and sustainable customer outcomes. The R2 Production System team delivers key regional input to define, prioritize and deliver our future product- and solution roadmaps including tractors, crop care, harvesting and Precision Tech solutions

What You’ll Get:

• Opportunity to work on future developments and innovation in world’s largest Ag equipment company
• An attractive compensation package including variable pay program
• Competitive pension, holidays, life cover/income protection benefits
• Flexible working solutions to balance family and career
• Development and learning opportunities to support current needs and future aspirations

The salary for this position (full-time) is based on the ERA group EG 9 of the collective agreement of the metal and electrical industry Rheinland-Pfalz and consists, in addition to the gross monthly salary of 4932€, of various special payments (holiday pay, T-Zug, Christmas pay, etc.). You can expect an annual salary of approx. 68000 EUR in this position.

Your Responsibilities:

• Execution of a PhD thesis in the area of precision crop protection
• Agronomic field trial planning, setup, execution, analysis and reporting
• Evaluating agronomic, sustainability and economic impact of Production System innovations
• Investigating megatrends, market drivers, customer challenges and future needs in Ag production systems and value chains
• Supporting R2 Production System team projects in precision crop protection and other subject areas
• Internal and external knowledge sharing

What Skills You Need:

• Finalized Master studies in agriculture, plant production, Ag engineering or similar fields of study
• Profound understanding and practical experience with small grain production systems (arable farming) and solid background in crop protection
• Good understanding of modern precision agriculture technologies and digital solutions in agriculture
• Knowledge of statistical methods (evaluation of field tests & market data analyses)
• Strong interest in and experience with geospatial data analytics, remote crop scouting and Artificial Intelligence tools
• Advanced experiences with MS Office software applications and statistical tools (RStudio, SPSS)
• Fluent English and German language capabilities other language skills are beneficial

Please make sure to add the following documents/information:

• Cover letter/letter of motivation and Curriculum Vitae
• Desired period/duration of internship and earliest possible start date
• Certificates
• University enrollment certificate qualified for a PhD program
• Overview of marks/grades, academic regulations/ examination regulations or internship guidelines

This tariff position is limited to 36 months. It is based in Kaiserslautern and available for immediate start.

End of Posting: 11.11.2026

We welcome applicants for who they are and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and strengths each person brings. We are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive workplace where everyone can feel welcome, supported, and able to contribute. We look forward to receiving your online application in English language!

Not everyone can claim that their work contributes to the fundamental needs of the world's growing population. At John Deere, you can!

As a leading global machinery manufacturer, we produce technologically advanced agricultural, forestry, construction, lawn and grounds care equipment. In recent years, we have developed the company into a more technology focused business. Share with us, our vision of a farm of the future, based on artificial intelligence, automation and connectivity to sustainably feed and shelter our growing world. #leapforward

John Deere Kaiserslautern

Talent Acquisition

Marianna Kupis

Additional Information:

To process applications, we use our online platform at our John Deere career page. We are not able to process applications through e-mail or post and ask for your understanding. Please complete the online application form, if you want to apply for a position at John Deere.

If you have any questions about your application, please contact: RecruitingGermany@JohnDeere.com.