Insect Control & Protection Traits Discovery Lead

Vylor; Johnston (IA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Parental leave

Retirement plans

Job summary

Corteva Agriscience in Johnston, IA seeks an experienced Insect Control & Protection Traits Discovery Program Leader to advance early transgenic discovery leads and develop strategy for leveraging genome edited, native trait, and transgenic insect control leads across crops.

You will lead cross-functional teams, integrate transgene and trait strategies, drive IP and regulatory-aligned plans, and communicate progress to stakeholders in R&D and business groups.

Qualifications

• PhD in Breeding, Biochemistry, Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Biology, or a related field with >10 years of experience.
• Experience leading cross-functional project teams and influencing across R&D and business stakeholders.
• Experience in commercial seed biotech trait development, preferably in insect control; familiarity with Herbicide Tolerance, Disease Management, and Agronomic traits.
• Proven record of publications and/or patents in plant biotechnology and breeding; insect control focus desirable.
• Strong familiarity with the trait development process preceding commercial development.

Responsibilities

• Connect transgene, native trait, and gene editing strategies for insect control.
• Lead cross-functional project teams to advance IC leads and align discovery with strategy.
• Develop IP strategies to ensure freedom to operate and maximize opportunities.
• Collaborate with R&D and IT to adopt new technologies for faster insect control solutions.
• Translate opportunities into milestone-driven plans and provide regular status updates to stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Scientific communication

Strategic thinking

Education

PhD in Breeding or related field

Job description

Corteva Agriscience is seeking an experienced and accomplished Insect Control & Protection Traits Discovery Program Leader to join our dynamic team. The successful candidate will advance early transgenic discovery leads in the biotechnology pipeline and play a pivotal role in creating new trait opportunities in emerging and existing crops by developing the strategy for leveraging genome edited, native trait, and transgenic insect control leads.

What You'll Do

Connect transgene, native trait, and gene editing strategies for insect control.

• Develop strategies for native trait and gene editing for insect control/protection traits in existing and emerging crops and integration to deliver existing transgene pipeline and strategy.
• Participate in and provide recommendations for research, product concepts, and strategy to Portfolio and Pipeline leadership.
• Develop and implement IP strategies that ensure freedom to operate (FTO) and maximize market opportunities for Corteva and licensee customers.

Project Leadership

• Lead cross-functional project teams in a matrixed organization to advance IC leads, including aligning the discovery and early proof of concept of genes/proteins/traits delivering insect control efficacy on key targets.
• Collaborate across R&D and IT to develop, implement, and evolve new technologies that unlock insect control solutions faster, cheaper, and/or in new crops, including but not limited to predictive analytics, protein design, plant expression, genomics, and cellular screening.
• Develop and implement creative solutions and apply project management principles that leverage innovation while ensuring progress on aggressive timelines that meet clearly established advancement criteria and resource targets.
• Translate ambiguous scientific opportunities into clear technical plans, milestone-driven execution, and program recommendations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to influence technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Provide regular updates on project status, risks, and opportunities to stakeholders across R & D and Commercial / Business organizations.

Communication And Documentation

• Prepare, contribute, and present scientific presentations to diverse audiences, including regulatory, functional/scientific, and senior leadership audiences.
• Author and contribute to both scientific and intellectual property focused publications in support of product development.

Implementation Of Plans

• Provide meeting agendas with clearly defined deliverables and decision/recommendation points and ensure matrix project teams are aligned to strategy.
• Lead joint resource demand planning with functional partners.

What You'll Need

• PhD in Breeding, Biochemistry, Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Biology, or a related field with >10 years of experience.
• Successful track record of aligning and leading cross functional project or program teams with the ability to inform and influence across R&D and business stakeholders.
• Industry or public sector experience in commercial seed biotech trait development preferably in insect control discovery and development with Herbicide Tolerance, Disease Management, and Agronomic traits familiarity desired.
• Proven track record of scientific publications and/or patents demonstrating a strong understanding of plant biotechnology and breeding with an emphasis on insect control desirable.
• Strong familiarity with the trait development process preceding commercial development.

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/

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.