Group Leader- Biology

Position Description

Position Purpose

The role holder shall report to the Director of Biology and shall lead a team of highly qualified research scientists in fungicide/ insecticide/ nematicide research in R&D, direct and supervise multiple  In-Vitro / In-Vivo testing projects in compound screening, Mode of action, Toxicology and Bioavailibility, thereby advancing small molecule lead optimization projects.

Strategic Responsibilities

• Active support of the philosophy, values and strategy of PI Industries.


• Efficient contribution to the overall success of PI R&D by driving innovation according to objectives and targets being set by the PI R&D management team.


• Fulfilling requirements from business (reflected in research targets), biology (reflected in biological efficacy profile).


• Support of Development functions within the frame of given expertise and resources, for instance reflected in requirement for human and environmental safety and for regulatory affairs.


• Identifying proprietary research results and taking appropriate measures to maximize the value of intellectual property for PI R&D (patent applications).


• Provides inputs to Director-Biology on the research road-map & annual strategic plan for Biology-Chemical Research.

Operational Responsibilities

• Provide inputs for annual budgets and strategic research plans.


• Provide inputs on annual operational plans to meet the overall research goals for the department.


• Continuous documentation and reporting of all research results obtained within the area of responsibility.


• Review  work plans  and work allocation for assigned research projects


• Provide direction  on project deliverables, time lines and resources to be used for executing work.


• Define Interfaces: implement 1. Governance sheet for the selection process of field candidates,
  2. The interface to Formulation (process, ressources, timelines) 3. The interface between Biology and  early development as well as AgriBusiness and CROs.


• Further increase the MFT testing capacities and competencies in India and ROW complement with trials in farmers field, support early development  with product concept benchmarking,
  mixture and formulation  trials. Further optimize the testing concepts (lab.,GH, field) for sensitive & resitance pathogen/ insects / nematodes with different CROs.


• Enhance digital competency: Implement the ARM system for field tials, extend ELN for GH & MFT.


• Introduce customize and support Project Management in all relevant areas epspcially Research Projects,  Investment projects (liquid testing etc), Managerial Projects with respect to targets, responsibilities,costs, timelines and accountabilities and educate people by participating in respective training programs.

Financial Responsibilities

• Track and maintain adherance to budgets for all assigned projects.

People Responsibilities

• Ensure adequate team staffing and provide support in screening and shortlisting candidates for hiring into the team.

• Lead professional development through continuous learning and development initiatives within and outside the organization.


• Foster a learning culture in team and ensure constant updation of knowledge using online and print literature, webinars, and national and international conferences on topics related to Biological testing / research.


• Collaborate with team members and cross functional teams to ensure meeting research objectives.


• Set performance goals,  review performance of team members and provide ongoing feedback on development areas.


• Recognise and propose high performers in the team for consideration for special reward.

Education Qualification

• Ph.D. in Agriculture (Entomology/Nematology/ Plant Pathology/ Molecular biology/ Biotechnology/ Biochemistry/ Microbiology/ Zoology) from a reputed University / Institute with excellent academic credentials.


• Candidates who have been leading team involved in entomological research in Public/private institutions 


• Research publications and/or patents appreciated


• Deep knowledge of Crop Protection, crop Knowledge, Understanding of Laboratory/Green house & Field experiments & crop physiology

Work Experience

At least 15 years of post-academic industry research experience with at least 3-5 years of team management experience.

Industry to be Hired from

Agro Chemical/ Crop protection Industry

Functional Competencies

Interaction Complexity and Team Work