Associate Specialist - Regenerative Agriculture (Coffee & Cocoa)

Location: Vers-chez-les-Blanc, Switzerland
Work model: Office-based
Contract type / duration: Permanent
Shape the future through scientific breakthroughs and innovation
As an Associate Specialist - Regenerative Agriculture (Coffee & Cocoa) at Nestlé Research, your mission is to contribute to the design and delivery of coffee and cocoa regenerative agriculture research aligned with corporate Creating Shared Value commitments and the business-endorsed Nestlé Institute of Agricultural Sciences research strategy. You’ll make a difference by collaborating closely with agricultural systems teams, project leaders, researchers, agronomists, operations teams, farmers, research institutes, universities and external partners. This is your opportunity to turn ideas into sustainable and innovative solutions for people, pets, and the planet.
How you’ll make an impact as an Associate Specialist - Regenerative Agriculture (Coffee & Cocoa)
• Implementing regenerative agriculture research that advance the creation of shared value in coffee and cocoa production systems.
• Coordinate state-of-the-art field trials, data collection, and analysis with internal teams and external partners.
• Use scientific rigour to turn high-quality data collection into robust research outputs.
• Convert research findings into practical guidance and recommendations for on-farm deployment.
• Deliver novel research insights within agreed timelines, milestones, standards, and budgets.
• Build regenerative agriculture expertise to strengthen team performance and scientific collaboration.
What will make you successful
• Bringing a PhD in agronomy, agriculture, plant science or a related discipline along with practical experience in agricultural research, field trials or applied agronomy, ideally with exposure to coffee or cocoa.
• Applying regenerative agriculture, crop management and soil health knowledge to deliver robust research outcomes.
• Using data analysis, documentation and reporting tools to create clear, traceable and actionable technical outputs.
• Collaborating across scientific, technical and operational audiences with practical problem solving, attention to detail and timely communication.
• Communicating fluently in English.
• Bringing collaboration, fresh thinking, bold questions, respect, and a positive, wellbeing-oriented mindset, to create shared value.
What to expect from our hiring process
We are committed to an inclusive and respectful hiring experience and are happy to provide reasonable accommodations if needed. Our workplaces are fully accessible and supported by a strong safety culture, with modern installations and procedures to ensure a safe environment for everyone.
The hiring process typically includes an interview with Talent Acquisition, an interview with the hiring team, and a final discussion and offer. Depending on the role, a video assessment may be included. We review applications as they are received and close the role once a strong list of relevant candidates is identified, so we encourage you to apply early. All information is treated confidentially.
Stay vigilant: Nestlé will only contact candidates via official company email addresses and will never ask for payments or sensitive personal information at any stage of the hiring process.
Ready to #BreakthroughTogether?
Apply now and shape the future through scientific breakthroughs and innovation.