Research Specialist

GDM; Fort Branch (IN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision

401(k) with company match

Generous vacation time

Volunteer Time Off

Paid parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Disability & life insurance

HSA with company contribution

FSA

Job summary

GDM Seeds in Indiana seeks a senior Research Operations Lead to oversee advanced field testing at corn and soybean locations. You will organize experiments, manage seasonal teams, and drive continuous improvements in safety, quality, and efficiency for our state-of-the-art program.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Agronomy or related field with 7+ years of field research management experience, equipment operation and repair, and the ability to obtain a pesticide applicator license.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in field-focused research programs.
• Experience leading research operations and managing teams.
• Experience operating and repairing agricultural equipment.
• Must be able to obtain a pesticide/herbicide applicator license.
• Must have valid driver’s license and meet MVR guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in all phases of field activities including seed packaging, planting, pollination, note-taking, harvesting, and shelling.
• Manage seed inventory systems and ensure accurate tracking and maintenance of seed stocks.
• Organize and execute field experiments including site selection, planting, scouting, spraying, and harvest coordination.
• Recruit, train, and supervise seasonal employees, ensuring safety and quality standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and research outcomes.
• Develop benchmarking strategies to monitor and enhance deliverables.
• Operate and calibrate field research equipment such as planters, sprayers, and combines.
• Maintain data integrity and research quality standards.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and promote a culture of safety.
• Promote a positive image of the company and research organization.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Field operations

Data integrity

Project planning

Communication

MS Office

Data management

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy or related field

Job description

Who We Are

GDM Seeds is a global leader in plant genetics, dedicated to transforming agriculture through technological innovation. With a continuous focus on research and development, we bring the most advanced and high‑performing seed varieties to the market, creating new growth opportunities for our partners and for the future of agribusiness.

Who We Are

GDM Seeds is a global leader in plant genetics, dedicated to transforming agriculture through technological innovation. With a continuous focus on research and development, we bring the most advanced and high‑performing seed varieties to the market, creating new growth opportunities for our partners and for the future of agribusiness.

Our North America portfolio includes leading brands like AgriGold®, DONMARIO®, Mustang™, PRIDE® Seeds, Revere®, and Virtue, supported by a network of research superstations, one of the largest corn genetic pools and the fourth-largest corn research program. Through our combined expertise, we continue to push the boundaries of innovation, delivering top-tier seed solutions to help farmers grow and succeed. GDM’s region-first brand model reinforces the company’s long-standing promise to deliver top-performing genetics and robust agronomic support - ensuring farmers have the right genetics, in the right place, at the right time.

OUR DNA

We are passionate about what we do and driven by curiosity. We believe that learning and innovation are the foundation for transforming the future of agriculture. Our focus is on cutting‑edge genetic development, creating solutions that make a difference in the field and in the global market.

Our DNA not only guides us but also connects us: we work with empathy, transparency, and respect, ensuring agile and flexible operations. Here, you are the protagonist of your career, because we believe every individual plays an essential role in building something greater.

If you are passionate about learning and want to be part of evolving agriculture, GDM is the right place for you!

We are proud to offer a competitive benefits package, which includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match (eligible 1st of the month following date of hire)
• Generous vacation time & paid holidays
• Volunteer Time Off
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition and Health Club reimbursement
• Other benefits: Company paid Long-term and short-term disability insurance, company paid life insurance and optional supplemental life insurance, health savings account (HSA) with a company contribution and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Job Summary

Responsible for leading and executing advanced operational and testing activities at corn and soybean research testing locations. This role plays a key part in organizing field experiments, managing seasonal teams, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. This role is responsible for ensuring the quality, safety, and efficiency of research operations while contributing to strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in all phases of field activities, including seed packaging, planting, pollination, note-taking, harvesting, and shelling.
• Manage seed inventory systems and ensure accurate tracking and maintenance of seed stocks.
• Organize and execute field experiments, including site selection, planting, scouting, spraying, and harvest coordination.
• Recruit, train, and supervise seasonal employees, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards.
• Identify and implement strategic opportunities to improve operational efficiency and research outcomes.
• Develop and implement benchmarking strategies to monitor and enhance key deliverables.
• Operate and calibrate field research equipment such as planters, sprayers, and combines.
• Lead efforts to maintain and improve research quality standards and data integrity.
• Ensure compliance with all safety protocols and promote a culture of safety across all activities.
• Promote a positive image of the company and the research organization.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong leadership and team management skills with experience supervising both seasonal and full-time staff.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and record-keeping abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy and quality.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with research data management tools.
• Ability to learn and apply multiple software platforms for data collection and analysis.
• Ability to work extended hours outdoors during the entire growing season.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy or related field
• Seven (7) or more years’ experience working within field-focused research programs
• Demonstrated experience in leading research operations and managing teams.
• Experience operating and repairing agricultural equipment required.
• Must be able to obtain a pesticide/herbicide applicator license.
• Must have valid driver’s license and meet MVR guidelines.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 60 Lbs.
• Ability to travel 40 nights per year, including occasional weekends.
• Expect extended hours and varying weather conditions during peak planting and harvest seasons.
• Must be able to work safely in outdoor environments and around agricultural equipment.

GDM is an equal opportunity employer. We are proud to welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage you to apply.

Learn more about us at gdmseeds.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @GDMSeeds.