Research Assistant

Vylor Inc.; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Well-being pay

Job summary

Vylor Inc. is seeking a Research Assistant in Johnston, IA to support transformation pipelines by creating pollen and silk donor experiments and managing seed inventories with the seed handling team.

You will track progress through Controlled Environments and collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners. You will lead the crew performing shoot bagging, ensure protocol adherence, and coordinate with Plant Movement Lead for space usage while assisting with daily floor operations

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, horticulture, plant sciences, or related field.
• Experience with shoot bagging corn and greenhouse/field work.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to work weekends 1–2 weekends every 3 months and rotating holidays.

Responsibilities

• Create pollen and silk donor experiments for the transformation pipeline.
• Track T0 numbers and timelines as plants progress in Controlled Environments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional CE teams and external partners.
• Lead crew performing shoot bagging and pollination bag management with protocol adherence.
• Coordinate with Plant Movement Lead to track space usage in static greenhouses.
• Support daily floor operations and transfer large plants to correct room locations; discard regulated material; prune cotton.
• Rotationally assist with pollinations and provide feedback for efficiency improvements.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Self-motivation

MS Office

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or related field

Tools

Internal research software

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.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 skillsBe part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better placeHealth benefits for you and your family on your first day of employmentFour weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidaysExcellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and fatherFuture planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement programLearn more about our total rewards package here - Vylor BenefitsCheck out life at Vylor! https://www.linkedin.com/company/vylorgenetics/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.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.