Research Intern (Starting Spring 2026)

Beck's Hybrids; El Paso (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Furnished housing

Job summary

Beck’s Hybrids invites motivated interns to join its Research Department starting in Spring 2027 (late February or early March). Housing is furnished or a stipend is provided. You will gain valuable experience in corn and soybean research, from performance testing to product development.

Responsibilities include seed preparation, plot planting, data collection, and participation in breeding nursery and lab activities. A safety‑sensitive role requiring travel and a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as a college student.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and insurable driving record.
• This is a safety‑sensitive position.

Responsibilities

• Seed preparation and assisting with planting tests.
• Travel with Beck’s staff to outlying locations to assist with planting test plots.
• Assist with collecting early and mid-season agronomic notes.
• Support breeding nursery activities including pollination.
• Assist in molecular marker and/or transformation labs.
• Other duties as required by supervisor.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Positive attitude

Prioritization

Independent work

Team collaboration

Willingness to work overtime

Overnight travel

Education

Currently enrolled as a college student

Job description

We are seeking an intern that can begin in the Spring of 2027 sometime around late February or early March.

Housing: Furnished housing or stipend provided.

What to expect: Valuable experience related to the agriculture industry, professional development, summer project, etc.

Purpose and Scope

Interns will be responsible for learning about and assisting with Beck’s Research Department. Interns will have the opportunity to take part in several facets of corn and soybean research including performance testing, corn breeding, molecular markers, transformation, and product development.

Responsibilities

• Seed Preparation
  • Travel and work at Beck’s location for an extended period of time (housing provided) and assist with preparing seed for the upcoming planting season.
• Plot Planting
  • Travel with Beck’s staff to outlying locations to assist with planting test plots.
• Data Collection
  • Assist with collecting early and mid-season agronomic notes.
• Breeding Nursery
  • May travel and work at a Beck’s location for an extended period of time (housing provided) and assist with pollinating Beck’s corn breeding nursery.
• Laboratory
  • May assist in molecular marker and/or transformation labs.
• Other duties as required by supervisor.

Job Requirements

Education And Training

• Currently enrolled as a college student
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and insurable driving record as determined by Beck’s automobile insurance policy.
• This is a safety‑sensitive position.

Technical Knowledge

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Possess positive attitude
• Ability to establish priorities, work independently, work as a team member and proceed with objectives without supervision
• Overtime is required
• Overnight travel is required

Experience

• Agriculture experience preferred
• In an effort to provide a safer, drug‑free workplace for employees, all full‑time applicants to whom offers of employment are made must submit to a drug test and background check, subject to applicable local, state, or federal laws or regulations. Employment at Beck's is contingent upon passing these pre‑employment screenings.