Research Associate

Vylor Inc.; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Parental leave

Retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Vylor Inc. in Des Moines, IA seeks a Research Associate to execute greenhouse experiments in controlled environments, manage project plans, and maintain a professional, safe work area while complying with standards.

You’ll pollinate, collect tissue samples, run data through MS Office and in-house software, support the Herbicide Tolerance pipeline, and collaborate with diverse teams to solve problems and improve processes. The role demands attention to detail and strong teamwork.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or associate degree in agriculture, horticulture, plant physiology, molecular biology, entomology, plant pathology or related field.
• Minimum of 1 year of field or greenhouse experience in crop growth and development.
• Ability to follow standard operating and safety/ergonomics protocols.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills; self-motivated and proactive.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute greenhouse experiments including data input and communication with process leads.
• Support the Herbicide Tolerance pipeline by applying herbicides via spray booth.
• Review projects based on results from molecular analysis platforms and collaborate with internal/external stakeholders.
• Utilize in-house software tools to plan analyses and review data.
• Assist with day-to-day greenhouse activities such as pollinations and plant care.

Skills

MS Office

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's/Associate degree in agriculture or related field

3+ years related experience

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 Associate. The full-time position will be a tactical liaison (project manager) responsible for the execution of research experiments within Controlled Environments. Routine duties include project management, pollinating, tissue sampling, data collection and handling, along with general greenhouse work. Must maintain a professional, clean and safe work environment while meeting all compliance standards. All duties require a high level of attention to detail, organizational skills, and an ability to work effectively in teams as well as individually. Effective and frequent communication with multiple stakeholders is required.What You’ll Do:Planning and executing greenhouse experiments including preparation of project requests, inputting experimental data, and communication with internal process leadsSupport the Herbicide Tolerance pipeline by mixing and applying herbicides via spray booth.Review and make decisions related to projects based on results from various molecular analysis platforms (genotyping, real-time PCR, next-generation sequencing)Collaborate effectively with internal partners and external stakeholders on timelines, experiment needs, troubleshooting, and process improvementsUtilize in-house developed software tools to plan analyses, execute on plans, and review dataAssist with day to day greenhouse activities such as pollinations, plant care, discards, etc.What Skills You Need:Bachelor’s degree or associate degree in agriculture, horticulture, plant physiology, molecular biology, entomology, plant pathology or a related field preferred or three or more years of related experience or equivalent amounts of relevant education and experience.A minimum of one year of field or greenhouse experience in various crop growth and development is required.Ability to pay close attention to detail and follow standard operating and safety/ergonomics protocols is essential.Excellent communication and organizational skills, a high degree of self-motivation, and a positive attitude.Robust computer skills required, including MS Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook), and ability to gain competency with internally developed research software.Must be able to stand and sit for long periods of time and lift up to 30 lbs. Must be able to tolerate hours of repetitive work in a warm, humid greenhouse with pollen present year-round.Competencies:Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills are required.Proven ability to work individually and as a member of a dynamic, diverse, and cross-functional team with minimal supervision.Demonstrate ability to multi-task and manage competing priorities.Capacity to creatively solve problems, implement solutions, and foster a culture of continuous operational excellence.Knowledge of pipeline functions, such as controlled environments, transformation, vector construction, and/or analytical labs preferred.Capable of independent decision making and adjusting to tight timelines.Be self-motivated, proactive, and adaptable.Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.Relocation is not 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 - Corteva 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.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.