Automation Associate

Vylor; Johnston (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

PTO

Well-being pay

Holidays

Parental leave

Retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Vylor is recruiting a Research Associate to support greenhouse and headhouse operations with automated workflows and plant production activities. You’ll help ensure automation, robotics, and care tasks are completed safely, accurately, and on schedule while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

The role emphasizes troubleshooting, data tracking, and process improvements within controlled environments, with weekend on-call rotation and on-site duties in Johnston, IA.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Willingness to learn new software, automation systems, and research technologies.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and execute daily automated activity plans to meet objectives.
• Monitor automation systems and equipment for on-time plant movements and sampling.
• Communicate updates and delays to stakeholders and partners.
• Collaborate with Controlled Environment teams on automation requests.
• Perform routine greenhouse activities including transplanting and sampling.
• Operate facility equipment and support safety procedures.
• Troubleshoot issues and document findings for corrective actions.
• Track system performance and support continuous improvement.
• Follow procedures and maintain a clean, safe workspace.
• Participate in on-call rotation and occasional weekend coverage.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Independent work

Detail-oriented

Safety awareness

MS Office

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Join Vylor-Powering the Future of Agriculture

At Vylor, we are advancing agriculture through breakthrough science—combining elite germplasm, cutting-edge biotech, and next-generation expertise in gene editing and molecular breeding. Our portfolio includes trusted industry brands like Pioneer®, Brevant®, and Hoegemeyer®, delivering performance farmers rely on.

Join us to help scale innovation globally and shape what’s next in crop science.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Associate. The Research Associate supports greenhouse and headhouse operations through the execution of automated workflows, plant production activities, and equipment operation. This role is responsible for ensuring automation systems, robotics, and plant care activities are completed safely, accurately, and on schedule. The Research Associate collaborates with cross-functional teams, troubleshoots operational issues, and contributes to efficient research and production activities within Controlled Environments.

Responsibilities - What You'll Do

• Coordinate and execute daily automated activity plans to ensure operational and research objectives are met.
• Monitor automated systems, robotics, and equipment to ensure scheduled plant movements, viewings, and sampling activities occur on time.
• Communicate schedule updates, task completion status, and potential delays to stakeholders and partner teams.
• Collaborate with other Controlled Environment teams to plan and support automation-related requests and activities.
• Perform routine plant care activities, including transplanting, sampling, crop maintenance, and other greenhouse operations tasks.
• Operate and support facility equipment, including automated washers, industrial processing equipment, forklifts, pallet jacks, and company vehicles as required.
• Troubleshoot automation, robotics, and equipment issues; document findings, submit work orders, and assist with corrective actions.
• Track and monitor operational issues and system performance trends to support continuous improvement efforts.
• Follow all safety, ergonomic, and standard operating procedures while maintaining a clean and organized work environment.
• Participate in an on-call rotation and weekend coverage schedule (approximately one weekend every six weeks), with compensatory time provided.

Required Qualifications

Qualifications - What You'll Bring:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety and quality.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Ability and willingness to learn new software, automation systems, and research technologies.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to operate or learn to operate forklifts, pallet jacks, trucks, trailers, and other facility equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in greenhouse, controlled environment, agricultural, or plant production operations.
• Experience with automated systems, robotics, equipment troubleshooting, or mechanical systems.
• Experience supporting research, production, or operational workflows.
• Familiarity with data tracking, documentation, and process improvement activities.
• Please note there is no relocation or visa sponsorship available for this role.

Benefits - How We'll Support You

• Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skills
• Be part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better place
• Health benefits for you and your family on your first day of employment
• Four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidays
• Excellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and father
• Future planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program
• Learn more about our total rewards package here - Corteva Benefits
• Check out life at Vylor! https://www.linkedin.com/company/vylorgenetics/

Are you a good match? We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team.

Vylor announced to separate our current advanced seed and genetics business to establish a standalone company, operating as Vylor, Inc. The process of the planned separation is anticipated to be completed the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to legal requirements and board approval. Should you accept this position, it is anticipated that, following conclusion of the separation, you would be an employee of Vylor, Inc. and your employment would be governed by Vylor, Inc. employment processes, programs, policies, and benefit plans. In that case, details of any planned changes would be provided to you by Vylor, Inc. at an appropriate time and subject to any necessary consultation processes.

Vylor is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing our differences to enrich lives, advance innovation, and boost company performance. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, military or veteran status, pregnancy related conditions (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), disability or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local laws.