Research Assistant

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

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.

We are seeking a Research Assistant to join our team in Johnston, Iowa.

What You’ll Do:

• 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.

What Skills You Need:

• 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.
• Basic proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and ability to learn internal research software.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time, lift up to 30 pounds and perform repetitive work in a warm, humid greenhouse with pollen present year-round and elevated noise levels.
• At Corteva, we have a very strong safety culture and implement safety in everything that we do. You must commit to follow all safety protocols and monitor ergonomics.

No visa sponsorship or relocation available for this position.

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 - Vylor 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.