Molecular Plant Pathologist Postdoctoral Researcher

Vylor, Inc.; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Vylor, Inc. seeks a Molecular Plant Pathologist Postdoctoral Researcher to elucidate nematode resistance gene action in soybean. You will lead mechanistic studies, integrate omics data, and coordinate host–gene interaction analyses with biology and data science teams.

The role emphasizes independent project ownership, timely deliverables, and dissemination through reports and peer‑reviewed work. Collaboration with Genomics, Disease Assays, and Microscopy teams is essential.

Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Pathology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or related discipline.
• Proven experience in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, or molecular plant pathology.
• Experience and understanding of plant immunity, plant-pathogen interactions, or host resistance-gene characterization.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanistic characterization of nematode resistance genes, owning timelines, resources, and deliverables.
• Analyze omics datasets (RNA-Seq) to map resistance pathways in soybean.
• Design and analyze protein interaction studies (Y2H, co-IP, proximity labeling).
• Coordinate cross-functional collaborations across Genomics, Disease Assays, and Microscopy teams.
• Communicate results through reports, presentations, and publications.

Skills

Molecular biology

Protein biochemistry

Plant pathology

Omics data analysis

Data interpretation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD in Plant Pathology or related

Tools

Yeast two-hybrid

Co-immunoprecipitation

Proximity labeling

Split luciferase assays

Confocal microscopy

Job description

Join Vylor—Powering the Future of AgricultureAt 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.Vylor is seeking a Molecular Plant Pathologist Postdoctoral Researcher to elucidate the mode of action of a set of nematode resistance genes. The successful candidate will be a proactive scientist with strong technical problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills. In this role, you will generate, integrate, and interpret omics, protein–protein interaction, phenotyping, and other biological datasets into a mechanistic model of how specific nematode resistance genes function at the molecular level.What You’ll Do:Lead the mechanistic characterization of a set of nematode resistance genes, functioning as the project lead, owning timelines, resources, and deliverables.Analyze and interpret omics datasets, including single-nucleus RNA-Seq and bulk RNA-Seq, to map core soybean resistance pathways.Design, conduct and analyze host–nematode and host–host protein–protein interaction studies using techniques such as yeast two-hybrid, co-immunoprecipitation, proximity labeling, and split luciferase assays.Coordinate cross-functional collaborations across Genomics, Disease Assays, and Microscopy teams, and partner with molecular biologists, biochemists, field researchers, and data scientists to integrate findings into a unified mode of action model.Communicate results through detailed reports, internal presentations, scientific conferences, and peer-reviewed publications.What Skills You Need:Required QualificationsPh.D. in Plant Pathology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline.Proven experience in molecular biology, protein biochemistry or molecular plant pathology.Experience and a good understanding of plant immunity, plant-pathogen interactions, effector biology and/or host resistance-gene characterization.Track record of scientific productivity.Preferred QualificationsExperience with plant-nematode systems, particularly soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines) and root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.).Experience in the analysis and interpretation of biological datasets, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics or other omics data.Experience with confocal or advanced microscopy and image analysis.Core CompetenciesIndependent, self-directed project ownership and problem-solving.Strong organizational and timeline skills.Effective cross-functional collaboration and communication.Curiosity, scientific rigor, and adaptability in a dynamic R&D environment.**Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this position.Are you a good match? Apply today! We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team.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.