Molecular Plant Pathologist Postdoctoral Researcher

Vylor; Johnston (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Vylor in the United States is seeking a Molecular Plant Pathologist Postdoctoral Researcher to elucidate the mode of action of nematode resistance genes. You will generate, integrate, and interpret omics and interaction data to build a mechanistic model of gene function.

You’ll lead cross-functional collaborations with Genomics, Disease Assays, and Microscopy teams, present results at conferences, and publish in peer-reviewed journals. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Qualifications

• Ph.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.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanistic characterization of nematode resistance genes, owning timelines, resources, and deliverables.
• Analyze 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.

Skills

Molecular biology

Protein biochemistry

Host–pathogen interactions

Scientific productivity

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Pathology

Tools

Yeast two-hybrid

Co-immunoprecipitation

Proximity labeling

Split luciferase assays

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.

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.

Required Qualifications

What Skills You Need:

• Ph.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 Qualifications

• Experience 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 Competencies

• Independent, 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? 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.