Research Specialist

AgReliant Genetics; West Virginia; On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

401(k) match

Vacation & holidays

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Disability & life insurance

HSA/FSA

Job summary

GDM Seeds in Indiana is seeking a Field Operations Lead to drive advanced field testing and seed research activities across corn and soybean locations. You will organize experiments, manage seasonal teams, and align operations with quality and safety standards.

The role requires 7+ years in field research, a bachelor’s in Agronomy, and hands-on equipment experience. Eligibility for pesticide licensing is required; travel and outdoor work are common. Competitive benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy or related field.
• Seven or more years in field-focused research programs.
• Demonstrated experience leading research operations and teams.
• Experience operating and repairing agricultural equipment.
• Must 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 of stocks.
• Organize and execute field experiments including site selection, planting, scouting, spraying, and harvest coordination.
• Recruit, train, and supervise seasonal employees with safety and quality adherence.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and research outcomes.
• Develop benchmarking strategies to monitor key deliverables.
• Operate and calibrate field research equipment such as planters, sprayers, and combines.
• Maintain data integrity and uphold research quality standards.
• Promote safety across all activities and ensure compliance with protocols.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Organization

Data accuracy

Cross-functional

Communication

Microsoft Office

Outdoor work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy

Seven+ years field research experience

Pesticide/herbicide license eligible

Driver’s license

Tools

Planter equipment

Sprayer equipment

Combines

Field instrumentation

Job description

2580 W State Road 168
Fort Branch, IN 47648, USA

• On-site
• Professional
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: RESEA002923

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.

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 1 st of the month following date of hire)
• Generous vacation time & paid holidays
• 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.