Research Associate

Vylor, Inc.; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Retirement plan

Job summary

Vylor, Inc. in Johnston, IA, seeks a Research Associate to join the HT Trait Assay Discovery and Screening team. You will develop and execute high-throughput phenotypic assays to advance herbicide tolerance trait candidates and collaborate across Trait Discovery and Optimization.

This site-based role involves hands-on lab and greenhouse work, strict data integrity, safety compliance, and opportunities to grow within Vylor's biotechnology space, supporting global trait discovery initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in plant sciences or related field.
• Experience in plant physiology, herbicide biology, and biotechnology.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Proactive, independent and team-oriented mindset.
• Experience with rapid trait testing, automation, imaging and high-throughput platforms.

Responsibilities

• Execute experiments aligned with HT trait discovery goals with the HT Assay team.
• Develop and optimize new assay platforms to improve throughput.
• Ensure safety, data integrity, and regulatory compliance in research.
• Perform hands-on lab and greenhouse work (site-based) and report results.
• Safely handle discovery chemistry, solvents, and herbicides.
• Operate instrumentation including liquid handlers, imaging systems and automated platforms.

Skills

Plant physiology

Herbicide biology

Biotechnology

Communication

Collaboration

Independent work

Automation

Imaging

High-throughput

Education

B.S. in plant sciences

Associate degree + relevant experience

Tools

Liquid handling systems

Imaging systems

Automated platform

Office 365

Copilot

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 looking for a passionate and innovative Research Associate to join the Herbicide Tolerance Trait Assay Discovery and screening team within Trait Discovery and Optimization. This role is critical to advancing Vylor’s herbicide tolerance pipeline by developing and executing high‑throughput phenotypic assays that support trait candidate selection.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative trait discovery efforts, collaborate with a high‑performing team, and grow your career within Vylor’s innovative biotechnology space.

This is a site‑dedicated position based in Johnston, IA.

Purpose:

The Herbicide Tolerance (HT) Trait Assay Discovery and Screening team creates and advances assay platforms that enable the identification and characterization of genes conferring herbicide tolerance. Through robust biological testing of trait concepts, the team strengthens Vylor's herbicide tolerance pipeline and accelerates the progression of lead candidates toward product development. Achieving these outcomes requires close collaboration across disciplines within and beyond Trait Discovery and Optimization to align priorities, leverage expertise, and deliver impactful results.

What You’ll Do:

• Live company’s Core values – Live Safely, Be Upstanding, Build Together, Be Curious, Stand Tall, Enrich Lives.
• Execute experiments aligned with HT trait discovery goals, in collaboration with members of the HT Trait Assay team.
• Assist in developing new assay platforms and optimize existing platforms towards efficiency and throughput.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols, data integrity standards, and regulatory guidelines in all research activities.
• Conduct hands‑on work in laboratory and greenhouse settings (100% site‑based) and clearly communicate results.
• Safely handle and apply discovery chemistry, solvents, and commercial herbicides.
• Understand functionality and operation of instrumentation including liquid handlers, imaging systems, and automated platform.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications (Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Copilot, among others).
• Ability to maintain complete, accurate, and timely records of experimental data and procedures.

What You Need:

• Bachelor’s degree in plant sciences or a related field. Candidates with an associate degree and relevant experience will also be considered.
• Working knowledge/ experience in plant physiology, herbicide biology, and biotechnology.
• Proven communication and collaboration skills within the subject matter expertise.
• Proactive, creative mindset with the ability to work independently and in teams.
• Experience/ knowledge in rapid trait testing, automation, imaging, and/or high throughput platforms.

Other Skills:

• Ability to perform in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to productively collaborate with researchers within the Assay Development & Characterization team and leverage learnings for continuous improvement, productivity and quality.
• Agility to learn and pivot based on highly uncertain research outcomes.
• Working knowledge in database entries, imaging & image processing.

Please note there is no relocation or visa sponsorship with this role.

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 - Corteva Benefits.
• Check out life at Vylor! https://www.linkedin.com/company/vylorgenetics/.

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.