Crop Science Research Assistant — Drive Agri-Bio Innovation

Vylor Inc.; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Retirement plan

Job summary

Vylor seeks a Research Assistant in Johnston, Iowa to support transformation pipelines and greenhouse operations. You will create pollen/silk donor experiments, maintain seed inventories, and track plant progress in Controlled Environments while collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners.

The role requires field/greenhouse experience, a valid driver's license, and the ability to stand, lift, and perform repetitive tasks in a warm greenhouse.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, horticulture, plant sciences, or a related field preferred.
• Experience shoot bagging corn and working in field and/or greenhouse settings.
• Valid Driver’s License required.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, high degree of self-motivation, positive attitude, and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work cohesively in team dynamic and contribute independently.
• The ability to drive company vehicles, such as a tug.

Responsibilities

• Create pollen and silk donor experiments for transformation pipeline.
• Work with seed handling team to request and maintain seed inventories for donors.
• Track T0 numbers and timelines as plants progress throughout Controlled Environments.
• Collaborate with cross functional CE teams and external partners.
• Lead crew that performs shoot bagging and lowers pollination bags; ensure adherence to protocols and trait purity order.
• Coordinate with the Plant Movement Lead to track space usage in static greenhouses.
• Support daily floor operations – including transfer of large plants on carts to correct room locations, discard of regulated material, and cotton pruning.
• Rotationally assist with pollinations.
• Provide constructive feedback, advocate for efficiency gains and improvement opportunities.
• Work 1-2 weekends every 3 months, with comp days.
• Work 2 rotating company holidays each year.

Skills

Field experience

Communication skills

Teamwork

Vehicle operation

MS Office

Stamina

Education

Associate or Bachelor's in agriculture/related

Tools

MS Office Suite

Internal research software

Job description

Vylor seeks a Research Assistant in Johnston, Iowa to support transformation pipelines and greenhouse operations. You will create pollen/silk donor experiments, maintain seed inventories, and track plant progress in Controlled Environments while collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners.

The role requires field/greenhouse experience, a valid driver's license, and the ability to stand, lift, and perform repetitive tasks in a warm greenhouse.