Biotech Intern 3-Month

Vylor Inc.; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Vylor Inc. invites you to join the Biotechnology Department in Johnston, IA for a 3-month internship focusing on Trait Discovery and Optimization (TDO), Trait Characterization and Development (TCD), and Genome Center of Excellence (GCOE).

You will collaborate with scientists in lab and field settings to advance crop science. Accepted interns will contribute to experiments, data analysis, and reporting while adhering to safety policies.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate program with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Must be enrolled for Fall 2027.
• Must have completed at least one year of studies before the internship.
• Must relocate to Johnston, IA for the duration and work full-time (40 hours/week).

Responsibilities

• Assist researchers in the 3 program areas: TDO, TCD, GCOE.
• Follow safety policies and laboratory protocols.
• Prepare and maintain accurate experimental records.
• Present results in meetings when required.

Skills

Creative thinking

Independent work

Project management

Record keeping

Problem solving

Lab operations

Microsoft Office

LIMS experience

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD candidate with 3.0 GPA

Tools

LIMS

Job description

Join Vylor—Powering the Future of Agriculture

At Vylor, we’re 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.

Join us at Vylor for exciting and impactful 3-month internship opportunity in our Biotechnology Department in Johnston, IA. Accepted candidates will work closely with scientists in laboratory and/or field settings spanning 3 major areas:

Trait Discovery and Optimization (TDO): Projects in this area include identification and validation of insect control and herbicide tolerance genes, gene expression and vector engineering, protein expression and composition analysis, mode/site of action characterization, crop transformation, gene-editing strategies for plant composition, productivity, and resilience, and many more.

Trait Characterization and Development (TCD): Projects in this area include the characterization of insect control, herbicide tolerance, and disease genes in all crops, field agronomic characterization of new genes, greenhouse and early field event characterization, seed planning and logistics, crop durability and resistance management, insect resistance research, plant care, plant phenotyping, transgenic molecular characterization, and many more.

Genome Center of Excellence (GCOE): Projects within our GCOE include genome editing tool and application development, production sequencing and execution of genomics applications, soil metagenomics, single cell, spatial, reference, and functional genomics, sampling, extraction, data generation, and scoring for flexible and fixed marker platforms, gene editing marker design and validation, transformation and embryogenesis technology development, and many more.

Responsibilities – What You’ll Do

• Contribute your unique skills and creativity to ongoing research in one of the 3 main areas highlighted above.
• Follow company safety policies, protocols, and procedures, and ensure a safe working environment for yourself and team members.
• Provide technical support and conduct experiments with a respectful, collaborative, and positive team spirit.
• Provide summaries and reports to supervisor(s), and present results in company or outside meetings when necessary.

Qualifications – What You’ll Bring

• Creative thinking and ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects/experiments.
• Ability to maintain complete, accurate, and timely records of experimental data and procedures.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge and experience in general lab operations, including experimental design and analysis.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software, and experience in databases or LIMS systems is a plus.
• Must be enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate program with a minimum of 3.0 GPA in any of the following disciplines: genetics, molecular biology, microbiology, biological sciences, plant tissue culture and transformation, synthetic biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, horticulture, plant breeding, weed science, soil science, plant science, environmental science, entomology, agronomy, plant pathology, integrated pest management, data science, computer science, and closely related fields.
• Must be enrolled for the Fall of 2027.
• Must have completed at least one year of studies before the start of the internship.
• Must be able to relocate to Johnston, IA for the duration of the internship.
• Must be able to work full-time (40 hours per week) for the duration of the internship.

Corteva 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.