Research Scientist

The American Phytopathological Society (APS); Johnston (IA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits for you and family

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Vylor is seeking a Research Scientist to lead mycology-focused plant pathology efforts. You will develop robust fungal disease assays and interpret phenotyping data to advance resistance traits in crops such as corn and soybean.

You will design experiments, collaborate across teams, and stay abreast of fungal biology advances to support discovery and product-oriented decisions.

Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Pathology, Mycology, Plant-M Micro Interactions or closely related discipline; MS with relevant experience may be considered.
• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of plant pathology with expertise in mycology and fungal pathogen biology.
• Experience developing, optimizing, and executing fungal disease bioassays in controlled environments and field settings.
• Hands-on experience with fungal culture, inoculum preparation, inoculation, disease scoring, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to connect fungal biology, host resistance, genetics, and phenotyping data to guide discovery and research decisions.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, and ability to work in cross-functional teams.
• Proven track record of delivering results and meeting project milestones.

Responsibilities

• Lead mycology-focused plant pathology research for assay development and interpretation.
• Develop, validate, and optimize fungal disease assays translational to field performance.
• Design experiments, analyze disease phenotyping data, and communicate results to teams and leadership.
• Monitor emerging fungal threats and advances in mycology to inform project direction.

Skills

Plant pathology

Mycology

Fungal disease assays

Data interpretation

Communication

Team collaboration

Project management

Education

PhD in Plant Pathology / Mycology / Plant-Microbe Interactions

MS with relevant experience considered

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Copilot

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/