Research Investigator, Protein Biochemistry & Structural Biology

Corteva Agriscience; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Development opportunities

Health benefits

Paid time off

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Corteva Agriscience in Indianapolis seeks an innovative scientist to advance SMDD for Crop Health. You will apply protein biochemistry, assay development, and structural characterization to generate insights guiding discovery decisions.

You will collaborate across biology, chemistry, structural biology, and computational sciences to accelerate next-generation crop health solutions, contribute to lab innovation, and uphold safety standards in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Chemical Biology, or related field with 2+ years; or MS with 5+ years; or BS with 7+ years of relevant experience.
• Expertise in protein purification and characterization.
• Expertise in structural biology, including X-ray crystallography and/or single-particle cryo-EM.
• Demonstrated ability to independently drive scientific projects and solve complex technical challenges.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and data interpretation skills.
• Track record of scientific achievement through research, publications, patents, or impactful project contributions.

Responsibilities

• Design, produce and characterize challenging proteins to support target validation, target engagement, and structural biology studies.
• Leverage structure-based design, target engagement approaches, and cell-based pharmacology assays to advance SMDD.
• Apply biochemical, structural, and computational insights to evaluate targets, establish druggability hypotheses, and guide discovery strategies.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, translating findings into actionable recommendations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional discovery teams to advance screening, lead generation and optimization, and mode-of-action projects.
• Communicate scientific results, strategies, and key decisions to project teams and leadership.
• Contribute to laboratory innovation, protocol development, and a culture of scientific excellence and safety.

Skills

Protein purification

Structural biology

Data interpretation

Scientific communication

Collaborative skills

Education

PhD in Biochemistry/Structural Biology/Chemical Biology or related field

MS with 5+ years of relevant experience

BS with 7+ years of relevant experience

Tools

X-ray crystallography

Cryo-EM

Job description

Corteva Agriscience is seeking an innovative and collaborative scientist to join the Mode of Action & Bioanalytical Center of Expertise in Indianapolis, Indiana. This role will advance small molecule discovery and development (SMDD) for Crop Health in the R&D pipeline. The successful candidate will apply expertise in protein biochemistry, assay development, and structural characterization to generate critical insights that guide discovery and development decisions. This scientist will work across biology, chemistry, structural biology, and computational sciences to accelerate the delivery of next-generation crop health solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, produce and characterize challenging proteins to support target validation, target engagement, and structural biology studies.
• Leverage structure-based design, target engagement approaches, and cell-based pharmacology assays to advance SMDD.
• Apply biochemical, structural, and computational insights to evaluate targets, establish druggability hypotheses, and guide discovery strategies.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, translating findings into actionable recommendations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional discovery teams to advance screening, lead generation and optimization, and mode-of-action projects.
• Communicate scientific results, strategies, and key decisions to project teams and leadership.
• Contribute to laboratory innovation, protocol development, and a culture of scientific excellence and safety.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Chemical Biology, or a related field with 2+ years; or M.S. with 5+ years; or B.S. with 7+ years of relevant experience.
• Expertise in protein purification and characterization
• Expertise in structural biology, including X-ray crystallography and/or single-particle cryo-EM.
• Demonstrated ability to independently drive scientific projects and solve complex technical challenges.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and data interpretation skills.
• Track record of scientific achievement through research, publications, patents, or impactful project contributions.

Additional Qualifications

• Develop and execute biochemical and biophysical assays for target characterization, hit identification, and mode-of-action investigations.
• Expertise in integrating structural, computational, biochemical, and pharmacological data to assess target tractability and inform discovery decisions.
• Familiarity with structural biology methods and computational tools used in modern discovery research.

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 Corteva! www.linkedin.com/company/corteva/life

Corteva Agriscience 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.