Research Scientist

Vylor; Johnston (IA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Parental leave

Retirement savings plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Vylor is seeking a Research Scientist to lead mycology-driven plant pathology work across whole-plant and controlled environments, applying gene editing and molecular breeding insights to crop disease resistance. You will design, execute, and interpret fungal disease assays in greenhouse, field, and lab settings to accelerate trait advancement.

The role requires a PhD in Plant Pathology or related field (MS considered with relevant experience) and a track record in pathogen biology, phenotyping,

Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Pathology, Mycology, or a closely related discipline with relevant research experience; MS may be considered.
• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of plant pathology with mycology expertise.
• Experience developing, optimizing, and executing fungal disease bioassays in varied settings.
• Ability to connect fungal biology, host resistance, genetics, and phenotyping data to discovery decisions.
• Excellent written and oral communication; ability to work in cross-functional teams.
• Self-motivated, organized researcher who delivers project milestones.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of mycology-focused plant pathology research.
• Develop, validate, and improve fungal disease assays that translate to field performance.
• Design experiments, analyze disease phenotyping data, and communicate results to teams.
• Stay informed on emerging fungal threats and advances in phenotyping technologies.

Skills

Plant pathology

Mycology

Bioassays

Data interpretation

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Plant Pathology

MS option considered with relevant experience

Tools

Copilot

Imaging & image processing

Statistics

Programming languages

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.

Vylor has an exciting opportunity for a Research Scientist. Lead the development, optimization, and execution of fungal disease resistance assays in whole-plant, controlled-environment, greenhouse, field, and/or transient systems to support discovery and advancement of disease resistance traits in corn, soybean and other crops.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as a scientific lead for mycology-focused plant pathology research, including fungal pathogen biology, host-pathogen interactions, assay development, and assay interpretation.
• Develop, validate, and improve robust fungal disease assays that reliably translate to field performance and accelerate resistance gene discovery and trait advancement.
• Design and conduct experiments, analyze and interpret disease phenotyping data, and clearly communicate results, recommendations, and risks to project teams and leadership.
• Maintain awareness of emerging fungal disease threats, advances in mycology, pathogen population biology, disease resistance mechanisms, and modern phenotyping technologies.

What You Need

Required Educational Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Pathology, Mycology, Plant-Microbe Interactions, or a closely related discipline with relevant research experience in fungal plant diseases. Candidates with an MS with specifically relevant knowledge and experience may be considered.

Required Competencies And Experience

• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of plant pathology, with demonstrated expertise in mycology and fungal plant pathogen biology.
• Experience developing, optimizing, and executing fungal disease bioassays in controlled-environment, greenhouse, laboratory, and/or field settings.
• Hands-on experience with fungal pathogen culture, inoculum preparation, inoculation methods, disease scoring, pathogen maintenance, and experimental troubleshooting.
• Ability to connect fungal biology, host resistance, genetics, and phenotyping data to support disease resistance discovery and product-oriented research decisions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written)
• Self-motivated, organized researcher, who enjoys working in project teams, delivering project milestones, and supporting company objectives.
• Strong record of delivering superior results

Preferred Qualification

• Research experience with economically important fungal diseases of corn and/or soybean, especially Fusarium-associated diseases.
• Working knowledge of plant genetics, molecular biology, host-pathogen interactions, resistance and mechanisms.
• Experience with controlled-environment plant care, experimental design, data analysis, and clear technical communication in cross-functional research teams.
• Computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Copilot, imaging & image processing, knowledge in statistics and relevant programming languages)
• Please note there is no visa sponsorship available for 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/

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.